Aerospace Systems Technical Research & Operations Support Services II (ASTROS II)

The government is conducting market research under the temporary designation ASTROS II to identify qualified vendors capable of providing comprehensive technical support for advanced rocket propulsion research and testing at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The requirement encompasses the full lifecycle of experimental test facilities and systems, including design, construction, reconfiguration, modification, activation, operation, and deactivation of facilities and equipment used for testing rocket propulsion systems ranging from small bench-scale components to strategic booster-class engines. Contractors must possess specialized expertise in handling toxic, storable, hypergolic, cryogenic, high-pressure, explosive, and hydrocarbon propellants, including their transportation, storage, and system integration, along with support infrastructure such as thrust measurement systems, altitude simulation facilities, deluge and fire suppression systems, and specialized test equipment. The work is mission-critical to AFRL/RQ-West and requires deep domain knowledge in combined cycle propulsion, spacecraft propulsion, and missile systems testing, with performance tied to approved work plans and strict adherence to technical, safety, and security protocols. Proposals are due by May 21, 2026, under solicitation number FA930027R6000, with a NAICS code of 541715 indicating research and development in the physical and engineering sciences. The contract will be awarded on a best-value, cost-plus-award-fee basis, evaluating technical performance, schedule adherence, quality of work, and responsiveness through a weighted scoring system where objective performance metrics account for 60% of the award determination and subjective factors like service quality and responsiveness make up the remaining 40%. Contractors must comply with stringent security requirements including National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) clearance, potential Top Secret/SCI clearance, and strict adherence to OPSEC and SCI handling protocols. All electronic data submissions must be encrypted, password-protected, and transmitted via DoD SAFE if over 10MB, with CUI and export-controlled information marked per DoD Instruction 5200.48 and applicable federal laws. Compliance with configuration management standards like EIA-649, quality assurance benchmarks including a 95% first-pass deliverable acceptance rate, and a safety performance target of no more than 4.5 recordable injuries per 100 employees are mandatory. The anticipated performance period is up to ten years with an initial three-year base period and two option periods, though no contract will be issued until after the RFI process concludes and a formal solicitation is