Recovered Hypersonic Sled Test (RHST) Program: Industry Day to Establish Project Consortium(s)

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Test Center has issued a Sources Sought Notice for the Recovered Hypersonic Sled Test (RHST) Program, seeking to establish project consortium(s) for developing ground test infrastructure capabilities at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. This special notice targets potential vendors who can support the development of a comprehensive ground test infrastructure system capable of conducting hypersonic testing on weapon systems, including both recoverable and non-recoverable assets. The Air Force Test Center is conducting market research to determine whether to establish one or multiple consortiums under 10 U.S.C. 4022 prototype project authority. The program represents a significant investment in hypersonic testing capabilities to support national defense objectives.

The RHST program has two primary phases: Initial Operating Capability (IOC) requiring an integrated test system with design, equipment, explosive storage, test apparatus, and facilities, and Future Operating Capability (FOC) involving a recoverable hypersonic sled test system. Eligible contractors must be registered under specific NAICS codes including commercial/institutional building construction, highway/street/bridge construction, site preparation, and engineering services, and must possess current NIST SP 800-171 certification and Joint Certification Program registration. Foreign participation is explicitly prohibited for this program. The Air Force has scheduled an Industry Day Virtual Kick-Off for July 21, 2025, followed by an onsite Industry Day at Holloman Air Force Base on July 30-31, 2025, with responses due by July 20, 2025. This market research initiative will inform the government's decision on consortium structure and participant selection for this critical hypersonic testing infrastructure development program.