Solicitation: National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) Innovative Technology & Engineering – Space Test and Range (NITE-STAR)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation # FA255326RB001, NITE-STAR Capability Development IDIQ.

• Security Compliance (FCL): Offerors must demonstrate a minimum facility clearance (FCL) of TOP SECRET and possession of a facility accredited for performing and safeguarding work up to TS/SCI at the time of proposal submission. Lack of a TS/SCI FCL at this time will deem the proposal unacceptable.

• Qualifying Relevant Projects (QRPs):

  • Offerors must submit evidence of two (2) QRPs detailing work experience as the Prime contractor, responsible for system development and integration of a space system (vehicle or payload) and a ground system.
  • The manufacturing work for QRPs must have occurred within the past ten (10) years. Experience outside this window will not be evaluated.
  • Only prime contractor experience will be considered for QRPs; teammate or subcontractor experience will not be accepted.
  • Both Space System QRP and Ground System QRP are required; offerors cannot qualify by meeting only one.
  • A single contract number must be submitted for each QRP.

• Space System QRP Attributes: The space system must have demonstrated attributes such as a minimum single vehicle mass of 100kg, a minimum one-year design life, sensing capabilities (in-situ, communication relay, or remote sensing), and TT&C uplink/downlink capabilities.

• Contract Type: While the IDIQ may be structured as Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), task orders may be awarded as Firm-Fixed Price (FFP).

• AI in Evaluation: Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will be used to support human evaluators in assessing proposals against evaluation criteria. AI prompts/inputs/process will be applied consistently across all offerors.

• The Q&A clarifies critical requirements for proposal submissions, particularly regarding security clearances, QRP experience, and evaluation criteria.

• It emphasizes that only prime contractor experience is acceptable for QRPs and that both space and ground system QRPs are mandatory.

• The document confirms that experience outside the specified ten-year window for manufacturing will not be considered.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) Innovative Technology & Engineering - Space Test and Range (NITE-STAR) - Capability Development Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The government is procuring supplies and services to accomplish efforts outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW).

• The core effort is detailed in Attachment 1, the Statement of Work (SOW).

• The contract will be structured at the task/delivery order level.

• Various contract types may be used for task/delivery orders, including Firm-Fixed Price (FFP), Fixed Price Incentive Firm (FPIF), Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF), Cost Plus Fixed-Fee (CPFF), Cost Reimbursable (CR), Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), and Fixed Price Award Fee (FPAF).

• Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 (Self) or higher is required for all contractor information systems processing, storing, or transmitting Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

• This is a Multiple Award IDIQ contract.

• The anticipated ordering period is from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2031.

• An optional ordering period extends the contract for an additional five years, through June 30, 2036.

• The total maximum dollar value for all orders placed under this contract, and all other contracts awarded under this solicitation (FA2553-26-R-B001), shall not exceed $981,000,000.00. This maximum is shared among all awardees.

• Proposals are due by 12:00 PM local time on April 17, 2026.

• Offers must be submitted in accordance with Section L.

• Evaluation criteria are detailed in Section M.

• This is a Multiple Award IDIQ contract. Specific set-aside information is not detailed in the provided pages, but Section K and Section L contain representations and certifications related to small business concerns and other socioeconomic categories.

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and DFARS clauses covering various aspects of contract performance, administration, payment, and compliance.

• Key attachments include the Statement of Work (SOW), Contract Security Classification Specification (DD 254), and various procedural documents.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document outlines the evaluation factors for the National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) Innovative Technology & Engineering - Space Test and Range (NITE-STAR) Capability Development Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract (FA2553-26-R-B001). The acquisition will result in a Multiple Award (MA) IDIQ contract vehicle, with the government awarding contracts to "Qualifying Offerors" who meet requirements and submit technically acceptable proposals.

The evaluation focuses on two primary technical subfactors, both rated Pass/Fail:

• Subfactor 1 (Gate 1): Security Compliance Requirements: Offerors must demonstrate a minimum TOP SECRET facility clearance (FCL), a facility accredited for performing and safeguarding work up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI), and the ability to perform cybersecurity and risk management framework (RMF) work per NIST SP 800-37 and NIST SP 800-53.

• Subfactor 2: Qualifying Relevant Projects (QRPs): Offerors must demonstrate experience with two QRPs, each with a minimum of six months of continuous contract performance within the last ten years. The QRPs can be either Space Systems or Ground Systems.

  • Space System QRP: Requires experience in system development (vehicle or payload) and integration, operating in specific orbital regimes (LEO, GEO, MEO, HEO), a vehicle mass of at least 100kg, a design life of at least one year, and specific sensing or communication capabilities. Offerors must have served as Prime contractor.
  • Ground System QRP: Requires experience in development, integration, testing, and operational support of ground system software for on-orbit spacecraft or mission operations, including spacecraft Command and Control (C2) capabilities.

• Contract Type: Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (MA IDIQ).

• Task Orders: A $10,000 Task Order for a Post Award Kickoff Conference will be awarded to all Qualifying Offerors.

• Evaluation Methodology: A gated technical evaluation approach will be used. Proposals failing Gate 1 (Security Compliance) will not be further evaluated. Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used to assist human evaluators.

• Discussions: The government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to hold them if deemed in its best interest.

• Proposal Documentation: Must be complete, accurate, and submitted by the due date specified in Section L (Attachment 6).

• Qualifying Offerors: Contracts will be awarded to all Qualifying Offerors capable of meeting requirements. The government reserves the right not to award any contracts.

• Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): Proposed OCI Mitigation Plans must be acceptable to the Government.

• Contractor Responsibility: Award is contingent upon an affirmative determination of responsibility by the PCO.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The NITE-STAR (National Space Test and Training Complex Innovative Technology & Engineering - Space Test and Range) Capability Development Multiple Award (MA) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle supports the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) and System Delta 81 (SYD 81) mission. This mission provides interconnected, scalable, live/physical and synthetic/digital ranges for full-spectrum test and training to enhance warfighting capabilities in contested space environments.

The contract will support space-based and ground-based capabilities development, enhancement, test, evaluation, and training operations across live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) environments. Key areas include:

• Development, integration, testing, and sustainment of advanced space-based systems (e.g., satellite vehicles, payloads) and ground-based systems (e.g., ground stations, sensors, command and control).
• Development of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) simulations.
• Creation of digital twins for real-time system representation and analysis.
• Integration and leverage of Government Furnished Property/Information (GFP/GFI).
• Sustainment and lifecycle management of space and ground systems.
• Enterprise and range capability enhancements.
• Special studies, technical analyses, and mission-driven assessments.

The IDIQ contract has a five (5) year ordering period with a potential five (5) year optional ordering period. The period of performance for Task Orders (TOs) or Delivery Orders (DOs) can extend beyond the ordering period, but not more than one year beyond the optional ordering period end date.

• Security: Contractors must possess an accredited Secure Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) for Top Secret//Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS//SCI) work. Compliance with NIST SP 800-37, NIST SP 800-53, and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 is required. Personnel must maintain appropriate clearances and certifications.
• Guidance and Best Practices: Leverage industry best practices, open standards, digital engineering tools, Model Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), DevSecOps, Modular Open Systems Architectures (MOSA), and cybersecurity approaches.
• Documentation: Comprehensive documentation, including designs, specifications, user manuals, test plans, and operational procedures, will be required based on Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs).
• Associate Contractor Agreements (ACAs): Required for joint participation, outlining information sharing, data, and technical knowledge.
• Government Team: Includes Non-Government Advisors (NGAs) such as FFRDCs, UARCs, and Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) contractors. The contractor must cooperate with The Aerospace Corporation for technical support and information exchange.
• Small Business Subcontracting: Requirements will be analyzed for each TO/DO, potentially requiring a Small Business Subcontracting Plan.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is Section L of a solicitation for the National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) Innovative Technology & Engineering - Space Test and Range (NITE-STAR) Capability Development Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Basic Contract. The acquisition aims to establish IDIQ contracts for capability development, with task/delivery orders competed via Fair Opportunity Proposal Request (FOPR). The government anticipates awarding multiple IDIQ contracts to qualifying offerors.

Proposals must be submitted in three volumes: Executive Summary, Technical Factor, and Contract Documentation. The Technical Factor volume requires evidence of a minimum facility clearance level (FCL) of TOP SECRET and accreditation for Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI). It also requires evidence of cybersecurity and Risk Management Framework (RMF) capabilities. Offerors must submit two Qualifying Relevant Projects (QRPs): one Space System QRP and one Ground System QRP, detailing prime contractor experience in system development, integration, and mission operations.

• Contract Type: Multiple Award IDIQ. Task/delivery orders may utilize FFP, FPIF, CPIF, CPFF, CR, CPAF, and FPAF, or other FAR Part 16 types.

• Period of Performance: Base five-year ordering period with a one five-year option. Task/delivery orders can extend up to one year beyond the option period end.

• Proposal Due Date: 17 April 2026, 1200 Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).

• Submission Method: Electronically via DoD SAFE. Request a drop-off link via email to SSC.TIK.NITESTAR@spaceforce.mil.

• Questions Due: On or before 24 March 2026.

• Evaluation: The Technical Volume will be evaluated based on two subfactors: Security Compliance Requirements and Qualifying Relevant Projects.

• NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) with a size standard of 1,000 employees.

• Offerors providing A&AS, SETA, or FFRDC support services to OTTI are precluded from submitting proposals.

• Specific formatting, page limitations, and content requirements are detailed for each proposal volume.

• Offerors must assess and address any Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) issues.

• Non-Government advisors from specific companies will review proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 4 Ordering Procedures," outlines the procedures for placing Task Orders (TOs) and Delivery Orders (DOs) under the NITE-STAR Capability Development Multiple Award (MA) Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract. It details how TOs/DOs will be awarded and managed.

• Contract Vehicle: NITE-STAR Capability Development MA IDIQ is not a mandatory contract vehicle.
• Responsible Office: SSC_SYD_81/TIK.
• Purpose of TOs/DOs: To support the objectives of the OTTI Program Executive Officer (PEO) and other stakeholders within the space test and training enterprise.
• Initial TO: An initial TO of $10,000 will be awarded upon execution of each MA IDIQ Basic Contract for a Post Award Kickoff Conference.
• Maximum Dollar Value: The total maximum dollar value for all orders under this solicitation (FA2553-26-R-B001) and all other contracts awarded under it is $981,000,000.00, shared among all awardees.
• Ordering Procedures: Governed by FAR 16.507. A Fair Opportunity Proposal Request (FOPR) will generally be issued to all prime contractors for TO/DOs, unless a fair opportunity exception exists.
• Selection Method: TOs/DOs may be selected on a best-value tradeoff or lowest price technically acceptable basis, with the Government reserving the right to use other methods. Evaluation will be based on criteria specified in the FOPR.
• Small Business Participation: Requirements for small business participation will be analyzed for each task/delivery order. Prime contractors (if other than small business) may be required to submit a Small Business Subcontracting Plan.
• Ordering Period: The IDIQ has a five (5) year ordering period with one (1) five (5) year optional ordering period. The overall period-of-performance for TOs/DOs can extend beyond the ordering period, but not more than one (1) year beyond the optional ordering period end date.
• Contract Types: The Government plans to utilize Firm-Fixed Price (FFP), Fixed Price Incentive Firm (FPIF), Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF), Cost Plus Fixed-Fee (CPFF), Cost Reimbursable (CR), Cost Plus Award Fee (CPAF), and Fixed Price Award Fee (FPAF) contract types for TOs/DOs, but reserves the right to use any contract type described in FAR Part 16.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it details the framework for how work will be ordered and contracted under the NITE-STAR IDIQ. It outlines the process for receiving task orders, the potential contract types, evaluation considerations, and the overall contract duration, which are all critical factors for bidders to understand when assessing their interest and preparing proposals for future orders.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) detailing specific data items required from the contractor. It outlines the format, frequency, submission, and distribution requirements for each data item.

• Data Item A001: Presentation Material (PowerPoint)
  • Format: Contractor format (PowerPoint)
  • Frequency: Once
  • Submission: Three (3) business days prior to Kickoff Meeting
  • Distribution: One (1) copy via email to TBD
• Data Item A002: Meeting Minutes
  • Format: Contractor format
  • Frequency: Once
  • Submission: Three (3) business days after meeting
  • Distribution: One (1) copy via email to TBD

This CDRL specifies deliverables related to the NITE-STAR TO 01 system. Bidders should note the required formats, submission timelines (e.g., prior to Kickoff Meeting), and distribution methods for presentation materials and meeting minutes. These are contractual requirements that will impact proposal preparation and contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for offerors to submit questions regarding the solicitation. It provides instructions on how to format and submit questions during the designated Question and Answer period.

• Reference Column (Column A): Offerors must cite the specific portion of the solicitation (RFP, SOW, attachment) to which their question pertains. The format required is: Document; page number; section, clause, or provision; relevant passage.
• Question Column (Column B): Offerors shall clearly state their question in this column, ensuring all parts are visible and the question is independent of others.
• Format: One question per row.

This template is crucial for bidders who have questions about the solicitation. Following these instructions ensures that questions are properly submitted and considered by the government. It guides bidders on how to reference specific parts of the solicitation documents, aiding in clear communication and facilitating accurate responses. The "Questions" sheet is where the actual questions should be entered, following the format outlined in the "Instructions" sheet.

Other / Unclassified

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This document does not contain substantive information relevant to a SAM.gov opportunity. It is a technical message related to PDF rendering and does not provide details about the solicitation, SOW, PWS, amendments, forms, or any other relevant opportunity information.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 3 Compliance Reference Documents (Publicly Available Documents)," lists various reference materials that may be relevant for bidders responding to the NITE-STAR Capability Development IDIQ solicitation (FA255326RB001). It serves as a guide to publicly available documents that may inform compliance requirements.

The document is structured as a table with two columns:

• Reference Number: The official designation or identifier for each document.
• Title/Description: A brief explanation of the document's content.

Topics covered include Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), Program Protection Planning, Range Safety, Cybersecurity, Information Security, Risk Management Framework (RMF), Personnel Security, Earned Value Management Systems, Software Development, and Systems Engineering.

Bidders should review this list to identify any documents that may pertain to the technical, security, or compliance requirements of the NITE-STAR IDIQ. Understanding and adhering to the standards and guidelines outlined in these reference documents may be critical for proposal development and successful contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the procedures for "On-Ramp" and "Off-Ramp" for contractors participating in the NITE-STAR Capability Development Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (MA IDIQ) contract.

On-Ramps:

• The Government may choose to add contractors to the MA IDIQ at any time during the ordering period.
• New awardees will be evaluated based on criteria similar to the initial solicitation.
• Any new awardees will compete with existing contractors for Task Orders (TOs) / Delivery Orders (DOs).
• Reopened solicitations may include updated clauses, incorporated via bilateral modification for existing contractors.
• On-ramp additions will be co-terminus with the existing contract term and will not extend the overall maximum term or ordering period.
• Unsolicited requests for addition will not be considered.
• On-ramping competitions are separate procurements, and protests will not interfere with ongoing TO/DOs.

Off-Ramps:

• The Government reserves the right to unilaterally remove contractors from future TO/DOs for reasons including, but not limited to:
  • Unsatisfactory performance
  • Material breach of contract
  • Contractor request
  • Contractor ceasing business operations
  • Failure to actively participate in order competitions
• Off-ramped contractors must continue performing active TO/DOs until their completion.
• Examples of unsatisfactory performance include not adhering to contract terms, receiving unsatisfactory CPARS ratings, or failing to maintain a security program.

This document is crucial for understanding the processes by which contractors can be added to or removed from the NITE-STAR IDIQ contract, impacting both potential new entrants and existing awardees. It clarifies the conditions and procedures for competition and performance management within the IDIQ.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 8, an Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) Mitigation Plan Checklist, for Solicitation # FA255326RB001, NITE-STAR Capability Development IDIQ. It outlines the requirements for offerors to assess and propose an OCI mitigation plan if they identify any actual or potential OCI situations related to their performance under this contract or any other contract.

The checklist is divided into the following sections:

• General Considerations: Requires a statement of corporate commitment to OCI, description of the business unit's position, organizational charts, and commitment letters from teammates/subcontractors.
• Definitions: Defines terms and acronyms used in the OCI Plan.
• Management of OCI Plan: Details responsibilities for OCI oversight, documentation, and communication of OCI requirements to teammates and subcontractors.
• OCI Training: Outlines requirements for OCI training for personnel, including identification of those not subject to training and documentation of completion.
• OCI Plan Reviews: Describes how OCI processes and procedures are overseen and audited.
• Description of OCI Situation: Requires identification and classification of actual or potential OCI situations, including applicable contract numbers and customers.
• OCI Mitigation: Requires detailed descriptions of proposed avoidance or mitigation techniques and identification of responsible individuals.

Offerors must assess their potential OCI situations in accordance with FAR 9.5 and DFARS 209.5. If an OCI situation is identified, a mitigation plan must be proposed as an attachment to the contract. This checklist must be completed and included as an appendix to the OCI mitigation plan. Offerors must enter the page and paragraph numbers from their OCI mitigation plan that correspond to each requirement listed in this checklist. Teammates and subcontractors must also submit individual OCI mitigation plans with their own completed checklists.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) details Task Order 01, which is for a Post Award Kickoff Conference for the NITE-STAR Capability Development Multiple Award (MA) Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The primary purpose is to establish a clear mutual understanding of contract requirements, communication channels, and expectations for contract execution.

• The conference will serve as the official launch of the IDIQ contract.

• No contract terms will be changed or renegotiated during the meeting.

• The meeting will include a forum for questions and clarifications.

• The conference is scheduled for approximately 90 minutes and will be conducted face-to-face in Colorado Springs, CO, no later than 30 days after contract award.

• Each contractor will be awarded a firm-fixed price Task Order (TO) valued at $10,000 for this TO 01.

• Location: Colorado Springs, CO

• Timing: No later than 30 days after contract award.

• Contractors must participate in the conference individually; other IDIQ pool contractors will not be present.

• Contractors must provide Presentation Material (CDRL A001) via email to the Government Contracting Officer and Government Program Manager at least three (3) business days before the meeting. Microsoft PowerPoint is preferred.

• Contractors must produce and deliver Kickoff Meeting Minutes (CDRL A002) capturing attendees, key discussion points, and action items. Microsoft Word is preferred.

• The conference content will include:

  • Team Introductions, including roles and a supporting Roles and Responsibilities organizational chart.
  • A Capabilities Overview Briefing, presenting capabilities, processes, and management approach for the NITE-STAR Capability Development IDIQ requirements.
  • Additional improvements, ideas, and suggestions to support the OTTI Enterprise and future task orders.