Satellite Bus Request for Information
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- SpRCO4182025
- Agency
-
Air Force
Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- Not on record
- PSC
- Not on record
- Place of performance
- Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Department of the Air Force's Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO) is seeking information on commercially available or adaptable Space Vehicles (SVs) capable of operating in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO). The RFI aims to gather industry insights on satellite bus capabilities with specific technical requirements, including a mission duration of 3-5 years, autonomous operation for at least 48 hours, and flexible payload accommodation. Key capabilities requested include three-axis stabilization, robust communication systems, and comprehensive cybersecurity measures. Interested companies are asked to provide detailed information about their SV capabilities, including technical specifications, potential delivery timelines, and cybersecurity approaches. Responses must be submitted electronically to Jennifer Wilterdink and Tyler Breedlove by 11:59 MDT on May 2, 2025, with a 15-page response limit.
This pre-solicitation notice does not currently have a specific set-aside designation and is not constrained to any particular contractor. The RFI is explicitly for information gathering and does not guarantee a contract award, serving instead to shape future acquisition strategies. While specific budget ranges are not disclosed, the comprehensive requirements suggest a complex and potentially high-value satellite bus procurement. The Space Vehicle specifications include operating in GEO at +/- 500 km altitude, supporting multiple payloads, and demonstrating capabilities such as orbit maintenance, end-of-life disposal, and potential rendezvous and proximity operations. The document emphasizes the need for advanced technical capabilities, including high-accuracy pointing, reliable data handling, and robust cybersecurity implementations across the satellite bus system.
Notice text
2 versions
Update #2 · Latest ·
1. Introduction
This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO) to gather information from industry regarding the availability and capabilities of Space Vehicles (SVs). This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment to award a contract. Responses to this RFI will be used to shape future acquisition strategies.
2. Background and Objectives
SpRCO is seeking information on commercially available or readily adaptable SVs capable of operating in a near Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) environment. General requirements are outlined below. All specifications are provided in the attachment to this notice. The attachment is CUI, so interested parties will need to request access.
3. Scope and Requirements
The SV should possess the following capabilities:
- Mission Duration: Minimum 3 years, objective 5 years (including on-orbit checkout)
- Orbit: GEO +/- 500 km altitude, 0 deg +/- 8 deg inclination
- Operating Modes: Autonomous operation for at least 48 hours, safe mode capability, delta-V for orbit maintenance, end-of-life disposal capability, potential for rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO).
- Payload Capacity: Support multiple payloads with flexible mass accommodation.
- Power: Provide sufficient power for launch, ascent, and nominal on-orbit operations.
- Data Handling: Support standard space data interfaces and provide on-board data storage.
- Guidance, Navigation, and Control: Three-axis stabilization, high-accuracy pointing, and maneuverability.
- Telemetry, Tracking, and Command: Robust and reliable communication capabilities.
- Cybersecurity: Implementation of robust cybersecurity measures.
4. Information Requested
Interested parties are requested to provide the following information:
- Company Profile: Overview of your organization's experience in developing and operating SVs.
- SV Capabilities: General description of your proposed SV, including key technical specifications and performance capabilities.
- Availability: Estimated timeframe for potential delivery of a flight-ready SV.
- Cost Estimates: High-level cost estimates.
- RPO Capabilities: Details on the SV's RPO capabilities and potential for future enhancements.
- Cybersecurity Approach: General description of your cybersecurity methodologies.
5. Submission Instructions
Responses to this RFI should be submitted electronically in PDF format to Jennifer Wilterdink at jennifer.wilterdink.1@spaceforce.mil and Tyler Breedlove at tyler.breedlove.1@spaceforce.mil no later than 11:59 MDT on 2 May 2025. Please limit your response to 15 pages.
6. Disclaimer
This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. The Space Rapid Capabilities Office reserves the right to use the information received to inform future acquisition strategies. No contract will be awarded based on responses to this RFI.
Update #1 ·
1. Introduction
This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO) to gather information from industry regarding the availability and capabilities of Space Vehicles (SVs). This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment to award a contract. Responses to this RFI will be used to shape future acquisition strategies.
2. Background and Objectives
SpRCO is seeking information on commercially available or readily adaptable SVs capable of operating in a Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) environment. General requirements are outlined below. All specifications are provided in the attachment to this notice. The attachment is CUI, so interested parties will need to request access.
3. Scope and Requirements
The SV should possess the following capabilities:
- Mission Duration: Minimum 3 years, objective 5 years (including on-orbit checkout)
- Orbit: GEO +/- 500 km altitude, 0 deg +/- 8 deg inclination
- Operating Modes: Autonomous operation for at least 48 hours, safe mode capability, delta-V for orbit maintenance, end-of-life disposal capability, potential for rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO).
- Payload Capacity: Support multiple payloads with flexible mass accommodation.
- Power: Provide sufficient power for launch, ascent, and nominal on-orbit operations.
- Data Handling: Support standard space data interfaces and provide on-board data storage.
- Guidance, Navigation, and Control: Three-axis stabilization, high-accuracy pointing, and maneuverability.
- Telemetry, Tracking, and Command: Robust and reliable communication capabilities.
- Cybersecurity: Implementation of robust cybersecurity measures.
4. Information Requested
Interested parties are requested to provide the following information:
- Company Profile: Overview of your organization's experience in developing and operating SVs.
- SV Capabilities: General description of your proposed SV, including key technical specifications and performance capabilities.
- Availability: Estimated timeframe for potential delivery of a flight-ready SV.
- Cost Estimates: High-level cost estimates.
- RPO Capabilities: Details on the SV's RPO capabilities and potential for future enhancements.
- Cybersecurity Approach: General description of your cybersecurity methodologies.
5. Submission Instructions
Responses to this RFI should be submitted electronically in PDF format to Jennifer Wilterdink at jennifer.wilterdink.1@spaceforce.mil and Tyler Breedlove at tyler.breedlove.1@spaceforce.mil no later than 11:59 MDT on 2 May 2025. Please limit your response to 15 pages.
6. Disclaimer
This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. The Space Rapid Capabilities Office reserves the right to use the information received to inform future acquisition strategies. No contract will be awarded based on responses to this RFI.
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