Falcon 9 Early Integration Studies

This is a synopsis of proposed contract actions for information purposes issued by the Launch Systems Directorate (LR) at the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC).  The United States Air Force (USAF) intends to extend a sole source contract to Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX); Cage Code: 3BVL8 located in Hawthorne, CA for early integration studies of SpaceX's Falcon 9 family of launch vehicles and USAF space vehicles. The statutory authority of this action is contracting by Other than Full and Open Competition, 10 USC § 2304(c)(1), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(a)(2). The early integration studies are unique to each potential launch service provider and its own launch vehicle configuration. SpaceX, as the sole owner and manufacturer of the Falcon 9, possesses "unique capabilities" for this requirement (studies) because the study is on SpaceX's own unique launch vehicle. SpaceX possesses its own specific knowledge and resources of the launch vehicle it manufactures. With the unique capabilities, the study of the Falcon 9 family of launch vehicles can only be satisfied by SpaceX. The Government has been contracting with SpaceX for early integration studies under contract no. FA8811-14-C-0003 since 10 March 2014 on a sole source basis because this contractor represents the only party capable of performing these unique studies.

This is not a small business set-aside. The NAICS Code and Size Standard are 481212 and 1500 employees, respectively. Classification code V applies. Contractors interested in subcontracting opportunities are encouraged to contact SpaceX directly.

This synopsis is for planning purposes only, and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. Its issuance does not restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach. Nevertheless, all responses received within fifteen (15) days after date of publication of this synopsis will be considered by the Government. LR will not release to any firm, agency, or individual outside the Government, any information marked with proprietary legend without written permission from the respondent. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this synopsis, nor will the Government compensate a respondent for any costs incurred in developing the information provided to LR.

Matters pertaining to this notification may be directed to Mr. Leland Butisbauch at leland.butisbauch@us.af.mil or to Ms. June Dom at dzung.dom@us.af.mil.

Contracting Office:
Los Angeles Air Force Base
Space and Missile Systems Center
483 N. Aviation Blvd.
El Segundo, CA 90245