Aerospace Systems Technical Research & Operations Support Services II (ASTROS II)

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Test Center is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for Aerospace Systems Technical Research & Operations Support Services II (ASTROS II), a follow-on contract to provide specialized aerospace systems technical research and operations support at the Edwards Rocket Lab. The procurement seeks a contractor with expertise in rocket propulsion testing across all scales, from bench-scale liquid engine components to launch booster-class engines, as well as knowledge of combined cycle designs, spacecraft propulsion, and missile propulsion system testing. Key requirements include the design, construction, reconfiguration, and modification of experimental research test facilities and systems; research and development test operations; maintenance of special test equipment and support infrastructure; and the handling, design, and operation of fuel and oxidizer propellant systems for toxic, storable, hypergolic, cryogenic, high pressure, and explosive propellants. All contractor personnel must maintain a minimum National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) clearance, with some positions potentially requiring Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearances, and contractors must achieve appropriate Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification levels. The RFI consists of two series with responses due by May 21, 2026 at 4:00 PM PST: Series 01 requests capabilities and experience information, and Series 02 requests feedback on proposal evaluation approaches.

This is a pre-solicitation notice with no set-aside designation, and no contract will be awarded through this RFI process. The current ASTROS contract (FA9300-16-C-0001) represents the incumbent requirement, suggesting continuity of services at the same location. While specific award values are not disclosed in this market research phase, the anticipated procurement is classified under NAICS code 541715 with a small business size standard of 1,300 employees and may include a potential small business set-aside determination. The contract structure includes a three-year base period with two three-year options and one four-year option, providing a total potential performance period of ten years with an anticipated performance start date of September 2027 and a target contract award date of June 2027. Interested parties are advised to maintain active CAGE codes and System for Award Management registrations and to monitor SAM.gov for updates, as the official program name is subject to change prior to formal solicitation issuance.