Rendezvous, Proximity Operations (RPO) Threat Response (RTR) VICTUS Responsive Launch Space Vehicle (SV)
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- SYD89-26-RPO-RLSV
- Agency
-
Space and Missile Systems Center
Air Force Space Command, Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- PSC
- 1555 Space Vehicles
- Place of performance
- California 90245, United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center is conducting market research via RFI to identify industry partners and solutions for Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPO-D) spacecraft designed for responsive launch and tasking in FY29 and beyond, with responses due October 19, 2026 at 1200 PDT.
The Government seeks payload-agnostic, Modular Open System Architecture-compliant space vehicles capable of integrating vendor-provided payloads and Government-Furnished Equipment across Low Earth Orbit (500–1,500 km), Medium Earth Orbit (1,500–36,000 km), and Geostationary Transfer Orbit regimes. Threshold requirements include a 14-calendar-day tasking-to-launch timeline from storage, one-year minimum orbital life for LEO/MEO, accommodation of 53 kg GFE payload mass at 100 W orbit-averaged power, 60-day payload manifest modification timelines, 14-day launch callup capability, and RPO-D capability with resident space objects. Objective-level enhancements extend mission life to 3–5 years, increase payload accommodation to 150 kg at 250–450 W power, accelerate payload modifications to 10–40 days, enable launch callup in 36 hours (RL2) and 12 hours (RL3), and provide propulsion delta velocity exceeding 500 m/s (threshold) to 1,900 m/s (objective). Space Domain Awareness imagery resolution threshold is 8 cm at 10 km (relaxed from 4 cm); objective is 2 cm.
Respondents must address security posture including DD Form 254 capability and facility clearance levels, Digital Engineering and Model-Based Systems Engineering compatibility, flight heritage (two LEO or one GEO vehicle operational by January 1, 2027 for Objective Level 1, or October 1, 2027 for Objective Level 2), feasibility of FY29 delivery, space vehicle architecture with Mass Equipment List and Bill of Materials, and Rough Order of Magnitude cost estimates by major cost driver. Submissions are limited to 15-page white papers or 20-page slide decks in PDF format, submitted to Contracting Officer Brandon Villalpando at brandon.villalpando@spaceforce.mil. This RFI does not constitute a commitment to award; all response costs are borne by respondents, and submissions become Government property.
Notice text
3 versions
Update #3 · Latest ·
The purpose of this RFI is to conduct market research and identify capable industry partners, innovative approaches, and potential solutions for Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPO-D) spacecraft designed for responsive launch and tasking in FY29 and beyond. Specifically, this RFI seeks to gather technical capabilities, clearance levels, and facility security parameters. The collected information will refine the Government’s acquisition strategy and shape future program requirements.
See attachment for RFI.
AMENDMENT: Version 2.4 is uploaded to clarify submissions are due 19 October 2026 at 1200 PST.
AMENDMENT: A revision table is added for clarity.
Update #2 ·
The purpose of this RFI is to conduct market research and identify capable industry partners, innovative approaches, and potential solutions for Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPO-D) spacecraft designed for responsive launch and tasking in FY29 and beyond. Specifically, this RFI seeks to gather technical capabilities, clearance levels, and facility security parameters. The collected information will refine the Government’s acquisition strategy and shape future program requirements.
See attachment for RFI.
AMENDMENT: Version 2.4 is uploaded to clarify submissions are due 19 October 2026 at 1200 PST.
Update #1 ·
The purpose of this RFI is to conduct market research and identify capable industry partners, innovative approaches, and potential solutions for Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, and Docking (RPO-D) spacecraft designed for responsive launch and tasking in FY29 and beyond. Specifically, this RFI seeks to gather technical capabilities, clearance levels, and facility security parameters. The collected information will refine the Government’s acquisition strategy and shape future program requirements.
See attachment for RFI.
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