Sources Sought and RFI- Specialized Payload Processing Facilities - Vandenberg SFB

SOL #: RFI-PKD-00001Sources Sought

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE

Dept Of The Air Force

FA4610 30 CONS PK

VANDENBERG SFB, CA, 93437-5212, United States

Place of Performance

Lompoc, CA

NAICS

Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing (332311)

PSC

Prefabricated And Portable Buildings (5410)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/457d1389c0ea483cb84690e7c393ee04/view

Timeline

Posted

Apr 30, 2026

Last Updated

May 8, 2026

Response Deadline

May 15, 2026, 8:00 PM

Qualification Details

Fit reasons

NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.

Risks

Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.

Next steps

Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.

Quick Summary

The Department of the Air Force, specifically Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD 30) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, CA, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought and Request for Information (RFI). The purpose is to identify industry capabilities for the rapid stand-up of transportable, specialized payload processing facilities (PPFs). These facilities will support the integration of space vehicles with launch vehicle hardware in controlled clean environments. Responses are due by 1:00 PM PDT on May 15, 2026.

Scope of Effort

SLD 30 seeks industry partners capable of designing and manufacturing mobile PPFs that meet specific requirements:

Physical Envelope: Accommodate payload systems with a minimum 5.3-meter outer fairing diameter, 50-foot facility height, and at least 7,500 square feet of usable space. Must include an airlock, personnel changing room, and integration areas.
Material Handling: Integrate SSCMAN 91-710v3 compliant overhead cranes with a minimum 30-ton lift capacity and 45-foot hook height.
Cleanliness & Environmental Control: Meet ISO 14644-1 Class 7 cleanroom requirements (or better), including specific air change rates, pressure differentials, and temperature/humidity control.
Functional Areas: Provide conceptual accommodation for payload receiving, cleaning, inspection, clean processing, integration, checkout, and support spaces. Facilities must interface with SLD 30 electrical and water connections.
Safety & Compliance: Design facilities compliant with federal/state safety standards, fire protection, and applicable DoD/NASA criteria.
Utilities & Infrastructure: Address electrical power, HVAC, grounding, monitoring, and building management systems, designed for resilience and maintainability.
Deployable & Storable: PPFs must be transportable via ground, rapidly erectable, fully mission capable upon activation, and capable of being repacked and stored for future use. They must withstand sustained winds up to 60 MPH.

Industry Response Information Requested

Interested parties should submit a white paper, not exceeding 25 pages (5 MB email limit), detailing their ability to meet the outlined requirements. Responses should include:

Company Information: Legal name, headquarters, point(s) of contact, business size, socioeconomic status, CAGE code, and UEI number.
Relevant Experience: Descriptions of up to three comparable projects, including facility purpose, size, cleanroom classifications, role performed, customer type, project value, and completion timeframe.
Technical Capabilities: Approach to integrating ISO Class 7 environments, experience with large diameter aerospace systems, and incorporation of safety/security.
Risks & Best Practices: Key technical/construction risks, mitigation strategies, and innovative concepts.
Optional Information: Recommended acquisition strategies, high-level cost drivers, and sustainment capabilities.

Additional Notes

This is an RFI for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposals or a promise to issue one. The government will not pay for response costs. Clarifications from a Q&A document indicate the portable system is for use solely within SLD 30 property, with no long-distance transport anticipated. Utility interfaces should be manufactured within the facility for connection to SLD 30 infrastructure. While classified operations are not currently required, information on supporting them is welcome. Hazardous operations, specifically solid fuel and hypergol fueling, are anticipated. The SSCMAN 91-710v3 document outlines critical safety and design requirements for operations on SSC ranges.