Spaceport and Launch Assessment Study Help (SPLASH)

Quick Summary

Space Systems Command (SSC)/International Affairs (IA) is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for the Spaceport and Launch Assessment Study Help (SPLASH). This RFI seeks industry capabilities to provide technical assistance for a Partner Nation (PN) in establishing a National Security Space Launch (NSSL) service from their sovereign spaceport using a U.S. commercial launch vehicle. The effort focuses on tailoring U.S. Space Force (USSF) best practices for launch operations and mission assurance. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Responses are due by May 20, 2026.

Purpose & Scope

PAE Space Access, as project manager for a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) case, is conducting market research to identify vendors capable of assessing the requirements and interfaces of a launch system and a third-party spaceport. The assessment will cover facilities for launch, integration, space vehicle processing, mission assurance, and day-of-launch activities to support the PN's military modernization.

The objective is to provide the PN with engineering, logistical, and technical assistance to successfully establish NSSL services. This includes:

• Familiarization with commercial launch vehicle (CLV) capabilities.
• Tailoring USSF spaceport development and operations best practices.
• Identifying mission risks and mitigation strategies for CLV use in NSSL.
• Providing technical documentation for the PN to monitor and control the CLV launch pad.
• Assessing CLV launch system and spaceport requirements and interfaces.
• Offering launch mission assurance assessment expertise.

The government is seeking firms with deep knowledge and experience in launch site development, build, and mission integration, including facilities, processes, safety, logistics, security, and RF communications. Information on tools for requirements management, mission assurance analysis, and plan execution is also requested. The period of performance for all studies is 12 months.

Key Requirements & Deliverables

Respondents should address their capability and expertise for the following anticipated deliverables (CDRLs):

• A01: General Launch Vehicle assessment
• A02: Spaceport assessment and NSSL requirements document
• A03: National Security Launch Requirements
• A04: List of recommended education & training
• A05: Comprehensive National Security Launch Assessment and Recommendations Report and Briefing
• A06: Meeting Agendas, Meeting invitations, Minutes and Action Items

Response Guidelines

Interested vendors must submit:

• An overview of their company's capability.
• For each study area (A01-A05): capability, expertise, additional information needed, and associated risks.
• A Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM), either as a range or estimated price, for each deliverable (A01-A06).
• A preliminary project schedule/timeline for each deliverable.
• An initial plan for addressing ITAR requirements.
• Company details (name, address, UEI, POC), business size under NAICS 541715, and existing federal contract vehicles.
• Responses should not exceed 10 pages, use 12-point font, and be submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word format.
• The overall classification of the response shall not exceed NATO SECRET.

Contract & Timeline

• Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
• Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
• NAICS: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
• Response Due: May 20, 2026, 3:00 PM local time
• Published: May 6, 2026
• Place of Performance: Cape Canaveral, FL, United States

Contact Information

• Contracting Officer: Jose L. Plasencia (jose.plasencia.2@spaceforce.mil)
• Program Manager: Kristin N. Burk (kristin.burk.1@spaceforce.mil)
• Submit RFI questions to Jose L. Plasencia.
• Submit RFI responses to both Jose L. Plasencia and Kristin N. Burk.