Request for Information (RFI) for a Cislunar Space System (CSS)
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
The Department of the Air Force is conducting market research via a Request for Information to inform the acquisition strategy for a Cislunar Space System (CSS). The objective is the rapid development and fielding of up to five space vehicles by late CY29 to serve as seed vehicles for a potential future proliferated cislunar constellation. The system requires a comprehensive solution including spacecraft buses, a ground segment for mission management and telemetry, launch integration for government-provided National Security Space Launch boosters, and ongoing operations and maintenance. Technical requirements specify a payload capacity of up to 2,000 kg, power thresholds between 1 kW and 3 kW, three-axis stabilization with 6-DOF thruster control, and the implementation of NSA Type-I encryption. The government is seeking low-risk solutions with minimal non-recurring engineering, prioritizing buses that have flown within the last three years or will complete system-level integration within 24 months. Design life thresholds are set at three to five years with 0.6 reliability, and end-of-life disposal must comply with Orbital Debris Mitigation Standard Practices. Based on the RFI responses, the government may award up to five Firm Fixed Price preliminary design study contracts. Evaluation of respondents will focus on technical, schedule, and production risks, as well as overall execution ability and prior domain expertise in cislunar-qualified vehicles. Responses must be submitted electronically by November 13, 2026, and include a completed Summary Response Template and a technical narrative limited to fifteen pages.
General Info
Place of Performance
1180, VA, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Response Deadline
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
(U) The Department of the Air Force (DAF) is seeking market research information to inform the potential acquisition strategy for a Cislunar Space System (CSS). The CSS will consist of up to five (5) space vehicles (SVs), each of which will require a spacecraft bus, accommodation of a Government-provided payload, SV integration & test, a Ground Segment, including mission management and telemetry, tracking, control and communications, a solution for space launch, system (space vehicle/ground segment/communications) integration, and operations and maintenance (O&M). The Government is notionally interested in procuring up to five (5) SVs to meet DAF mission needs in late CY29. These vehicles may serve as seed vehicles that will inform the acquisition strategy for a potential future proliferated cislunar constellation. The Government is looking for information on industry's ability to provide a rapid, low-risk (minimal non-recurring engineering (NRE)) solution that can accommodate the Government's technical and programmatic objectives.
(U) The Government intends to award up to five (5) Firm Fixed Price (FFP) preliminary design study contracts upon Government consideration of the market information collected with this RFI and all other sources of information relevant to the effort. Failure to respond to this RFI may result in loss of the ability to participate in a subsequent program acquisition.
(U) This RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), and industry should not construe the RFI as a commitment by the Government. In accordance with Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) provision 15.101, Early Exchanges with Industry, be advised that this is only an RFI and does not obligate the Government to reimburse any cost associated with preparation and/or submission of a RFI response. This RFI does not guarantee that the Government will issue an RFP or award a contract to provide these supplies or services.
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