Spaceport and Launch Assessment Study (SPLAS)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
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 Space Systems Command (SSC)/International Affairs (IA) and PAE Space Access are conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for a Spaceport and Launch Assessment Study (SPLAS). This RFI seeks industry input to assess capabilities for providing technical assistance to a partner nation (PN) in establishing National Security Space Launch (NSSL) services from their sovereign spaceport. The study aims to tailor US Space Force best practices for launch operations and mission assurance. Responses are due by May 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM local time.
Scope of Work
The objective is to provide engineering, logistical, and technical assistance to the PN to establish NSSL services from a sovereign spaceport using a US commercial launch vehicle (CLV). Key activities include:
- Familiarization with CLV capabilities and support systems.
- Tailoring USSF spaceport development and operations best practices for the PN context.
- Identifying mission risks and mitigation strategies for CLV use.
- Providing technical documentation and support for PN monitoring and control of the CLV launch pad.
- Assessing requirements and interfaces of the CLV launch system and spaceport.
- Providing launch mission assurance assessment expertise. The timeline for completion of all studies is a 12-month period of performance.
Requirements & Deliverables
Anticipated deliverables (CDRLs) include:
- 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, Invitations, Minutes, and Action Items
Submission Guidelines
Interested vendors should submit:
- An overview of company capabilities for technical assessment of launch vehicles and spaceports.
- Detailed responses for each study area (CDRLs A01-A05) addressing capability, expertise, information needs, and associated risks.
- A Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM), including a range or estimated price, for each deliverable.
- A preliminary project schedule or timeline, with estimated completion times per deliverable.
- An initial plan for addressing ITAR compliance.
- Company name, address, Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), submission date, and RFI response POC.
- Business size under NAICS code 541715 and any existing federal contract vehicles (e.g., GSA MAS, OASIS+). Responses should not exceed 10 pages, use 8.5 x 11-inch portrait format, 12-point font, and 1-inch margins. Submissions must be in PDF or Microsoft Word-compatible format and emailed to the listed POCs.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: May 15, 2026, 3:00 PM local time
- Published: April 20, 2026
- Product Service Code: R425 (Engineering And Technical Services)
Additional Notes
This is an RFI for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or guarantee future acquisition. The government will not reimburse for response preparation costs. SSC FFRDC, A&AS, and SETA contractors may review submitted data. The overall classification of an RFI response shall not exceed NATO SECRET.