RFI/Sources Sought - Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) Framework

***Updated content bolded and underlined below.***

The Government is seeking industry feedback, recommendations, and best practices during the market intelligence phase of this effort. Please DO NOT provide generic capability statements, this is not intended to market capabilities. The Government is seeking well defined responses to assist with the development of the CASR framework and associated documents. All responses must be submitted via email to the contacts identified below by 10 September 2024. Please keep the total response submission to ten (10) pages or less and formatted through any standard word processing software. This RFI is for informational purposes only and the Government is not obligated to award to any vendors that respond to this RFI/Sources Sought.

The Space Systems Command Commercial Space Office (SSC/COMSO) is seeking review and feedback of the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) Framework, Draft Readiness Plan, Draft Incentive Plan, and Draft H-Clauses.

Background:

The Space Force and SSC held two reverse industry days to collaborate with industry and roll out the CASR concept to the Department of Defense (DoD) and industry. CASR is leveraging lessons learned from the Air Force Civil Reserve Air Fleet (CRAF) program, where during times of crisis or conflict the Government calls upon commercial airlines to carry out appropriate transport missions. The Space Force is actively pursuing the implementation of a similar model for space capabilities under the CASR construct. The Government team has developed a draft program framework for CASR, which includes two phases of CASR support and nine framework elements. The CASR framework is designed to ensure that the Space Force can leverage the commercial space industry from peacetime through the spectrum of conflict to enhance the resilience, capacity, and effectiveness of its national security space architecture. CASR is being developed to be flexible and adaptable to evolving technologies, operational requirements, and commercial offerings.

1. General Questions

   1. Overall Feedback: What are your general impressions of the CASR documents? Are there any aspects that you find particularly beneficial or concerning?
   2. Clarity and Comprehensiveness: Are the documents clear and comprehensive? If not, which sections need more detail or clarification?
       
2. Specific to CASR Framework
   1. Framework Structure: Do you find the structure of the CASR Framework logical and easy to follow? If not, how can it be improved?
   2. Engagement Process: Does the framework provide a clear process for engaging with the USSF? What improvements can be made to this process?
   3. Implementation Challenges: What potential challenges do you foresee in implementing the CASR Framework within your organization?
   4. Phases: Do you find the two phases within the CASR Framework logical and well defined? If not, how do you think they should be defined?
       
3. Specific to Inventive Plan
   1. Incentive Effectiveness: Are the proposed incentives sufficient to encourage your company to volunteer for CASR? What additional incentives would make participation more attractive?
   2. Incentive Types: Which types of incentives (financial, logistical support, access to government resources, etc.) are most appealing to your company? Can you share three incentives that are most compelling and the three incentives that are least compelling?
   3. Participation Barriers: What are the primary barriers to your company’s participation in CASR? How can the Incentive Plan address these barriers?
       
4. Specific to Readiness Plan
   1. Readiness Criteria: Are the readiness criteria outlined in the Readiness Plan clear and achievable for your company? If not, what changes would you suggest?
   2. Support and Resources: What types of support and resources from the USG would help ensure your company’s readiness?
   3. Assessment Process: Is the proposed process for assessing readiness fair and transparent? How can it be improved?
       
5. Specific to H Clauses
   1. Contract Clarity: Are the H Clauses clearly written and easy to understand? If not, which clauses need further clarification?
   2. Contract Flexibility: Do the H Clauses provide enough flexibility to accommodate the unique needs and capabilities of commercial partners during a surge in capability? What additional flexibility is needed?
   3. Risk Mitigation: How well do the H Clauses address potential risks associated with surging commercial capabilities in a conflict? What additional measures should be considered?
       

1. Integration and Implementation

   1. Integration with Existing Operations: How well do the new documents integrate with your existing operations and business processes? What changes or accommodations would be necessary?
   2. Implementation Timeline: What is a reasonable timeline for implementing the requirements and suggestions outlined in these documents within your company?
   3. Feedback Mechanism: What ongoing feedback mechanisms would you like to see implemented to ensure continuous improvement and adaptation of the CASR program?
       
2. Additional Considerations
   1. Innovation and Best Practices: Are there innovative practices or lessons learned from your industry that should be considered for inclusion in the CASR documents?
   2. Confidentiality and Security: Are there any confidentiality or security concerns related to the information required by the CASR program? How can these concerns be mitigated?
   3. Additional Comments: Do you have any additional comments or suggestions for improving the CASR Framework, Incentive Plan, Readiness Plan, or H Clauses?