Sounding Rocket Program-4 (SRP-4) On-Ramp #1; RFI

SOUNDING ROCKET PROGRAM-4 REQUEST FOR SOCS FOR POSSIBLE ON-RAMP TO EXISTING MULTIPLE AWARD IDIQ This synopsis is issued for the purpose of requesting firms who may be interested in on-ramping to the existing multiple award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to submit a Statement of Capability (SOC) expressing their ability and desire to meet the Sounding Rocket Program (SRP)-4 objectives and technical requirements. SRP-4 provides RSLP with small launch vehicles capable of sub-orbital ballistic trajectories and other defined test objectives. In order to provide potential Offeror's additional insight into the overall SRP-4 requirements, the SRP-4 Performance Work Statement (PWS) is attached for interested parties to review. We are not requesting any comments on the PWS; any contracts resulting from an on-ramp will contain the PWS that exists on the current contract. Interested parties may view the entire RFP by searching the RFP number listed above. The Government is merely interested in gauging industry interest in and capability for a potential SRP-4 On-Ramp. Background: The primary purpose of this contract is to provide suborbital launch services for delivering payloads, flight hardware, and technical/concept analyses support for the launching of LEX assets in support of U.S. Government agencies. The potential On-Ramp would allow up to two additional vendors to join the SRP-4 Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vendor pool (maximum of four vendors with two vendors already on contract). A competitive source selection would be conducted to award the additional, up to two, IDIQ contracts based on the original SRP-4 source selection criteria. Task Order (TO) competitions for future launch service missions will be competed among the awarded IDIQ contractors as missions are identified in accordance with the ordering procedures of the contract. The ordering period for the IDIQ is seven years from the contract award (16 November 2018- 15 November 2025). However, RSLP is considering extending the current ordering period by two years from seven to nine years (16 November 2018 - 15 November 2027). Launch service capability requirements are defined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) while mission specific requirements are defined in the Mission Requirements Document (MRD) for each mission. For more information on the SRP-4 program and its requirements, please reference the SRP-4 RFP archived at the following web address: (https://sam.gov/opp/5349530e50c50edf64d3112080a3fc2a/view). Please note there have been updates to the terms and conditions and/or technical documents since release of the SRP-4 RFP. If RSLP intends to conduct an SRP-4 On-Ramp, the most current terms and conditions and technical documents will be made available. This program will provide enhanced capability and flexibility in the development of commercial and/or RSLP sounding rocket launch vehicles and launch services, as well as small payload space lift launch vehicles and services, with the use of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) or commercial boosters to meet a wide variety of mission requirements. The contractor will be required to integrate commercial stages, Minuteman, Peacekeeper and/or other solid rocket motors and liquid engine stages with government payloads. Contractor tasks include, but are not limited to: development of guidance and control systems; targeting launch vehicle; development of flight termination systems; resolution of range safety issues; providing launch services; and performing post-launch analysis. It is anticipated that each SRP-4 mission/effort will be competed among the IDIQ contract awardees. This will require, for most missions, the ability to develop, procure, and build flight hardware, and integrate and provide launch services from any of the national test/launch ranges, within 18-24 months from the time the delivery order is awarded. The IDIQ contract ordering period is planned for seven years and will require flexibility in responding to unique technical requirements, vehicle quantity, and schedule changes. However, RSLP is considering extending the current ordering period by two years from seven to nine years (16 November 2018 - 15 November 2027). Dependent on the mission, the government may provide the following GFE: boosters, payload, facilities, launch vehicle transportation, and selected ground handling, launch, and support equipment. SOC Guidelines: The Government is requesting interested firms submit a Statement of Capability (SOC) expressing their desire and ability to meet the SRP-4 objectives. The request for information (RFI) objective is to assess established and new/emerging small launch and/or target launch vehicle contractors. In addressing the technical requirements (1-5) below, contractors are encouraged to describe their current launch vehicle and demonstrate its flight-proven capabilities, and their plans to develop future capabilities. The SOC should contain pertinent and specific information addressing these areas: (A) Experience: an outline of previous projects, specific work previously performed or being performed and any in-house research and development effort relevant to the specific task areas of this effort; (B) Facilities: availability and description of special facilities required to perform in the technical areas under consideration. Please also provide brief responses outlining your: industrial security clearance and storage facilities to support work at the SECRET level; cost reporting process, including status of cost accounting system; and mission timeline requirement (minimum 18-to-24-month timeline). The responses provided in the areas above should contain information demonstrating ability to meet the following technical requirements: (1) Ability to design a variety of suborbital launch vehicles using commercial and/or GFE motors, and other required hardware to meet all technical, mission, and safety requirements. This includes the ability to (a) design launch vehicles based on a range of motors and engines; (b) incorporate different national test range ground and safety requirements into the design of the launch vehicle systems; (c) design, develop, and test necessary modifications to the booster motor, to include guidance and control hardware and software, and attitude control systems capable of performing post-boost maneuvers. (2) Ability to perform a range of mission planning, targeting, and data analysis efforts. This includes ability to: (a) target a variety of different launch vehicles (b) coordinate mission parameters with outside agencies by providing trajectory data and vehicle characterization; (c) perform post-mission analysis of booster telemetry and sensor data. (3) Ability to fabricate and test necessary components and provide required modifications to the boosters and other required structures. This includes the ability to: (a) manufacture and test attitude control hardware capable of performing required post-boost maneuvers; (b) fabricate, modify, integrate, and test guidance and control systems; (c) provide facilities, tooling, support, and test equipment for both hardware and software systems, which the contractor will maintain and utilize for testing, manufacturing, integration and analysis; (d) test hardware for vibration, shock, humidity, and temperature for both individual components and integrated systems; (e) provide facilities to safely test individual components and integrated systems; (f) safely transport hardware, including rocket motors and pyrotechnic device; (g) obtain access to a manufacturing and test facility with facility clearance at or above the SECRET/NOFORN level. (4) Ability to plan and perform flight test operations from any government or commercially owned launch range (Reagan Test Site, Western Range, Eastern Range, Wallops Island, White Sands Missile Range, Kodiak Spaceport, Pacific Missile Range Facility, etc.) This includes: (a) planning launches from the range in accordance with relevant ground and flight safety requirements as well as mission requirements; (b) integrating and servicing boosters and payload using existing storage, missile assembly, and integration and operations facilities. (5) Ability to provide program management activities, integrate systems engineering and other activities. This includes: (a) experience interfacing with several independent payload contractors, government agencies, and range safety offices; (b) capability of efficiently integrating systems engineering disciplines such as configuration management, reliability, quality assurance, safety, manufacturing, etc.; (c) facilities and procedures to host meetings at or above the SECRET/NOFORN level. In addition, please reference the SRP-4 Mission Model Forecast table (attached) for assistance when addressing the technical requirements stated above. The SOC must be submitted within 18 calendar days of posting this RFI and is limited to 25 pages, size 11 font with 1 margins. All replies to this synopsis must reference SRP-4, FA8818-16-R-0022. Submit only unclassified and non-proprietary information if possible. If proprietary information is deemed essential, all proprietary information should be clearly marked and associated restrictions on Government use identified. Note: Both Government and Contractor personnel will be utilized for SOC evaluation. If proprietary information is deemed essential, Non-Disclosure Agreements will be executed. Any information submitted by respondents to this synopsis is strictly voluntary. The Government will not pay for any information that is submitted by respondents to this solicitation. The Contract Opportunities, www.sam.gov, will be the primary source of information for this acquisition. All responses shall include company size status under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code identified below. Firms responding should indicate if they are a small business, a socially and economically disadvantaged business, an 8(a) firm, a historically black college or university or a minority institution. Responses from small and small disadvantaged businesses are highly encouraged. The Government reserves the right to set this acquisition, or portions thereof, aside for small businesses, socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, 8(a) firms, historically black colleges or universities, and minority institutions. For this proposed acquisition, the definitions in FAR 19.001 and small business size standard for NAICS 336414 size standard 1,000 employees apply. Foreign firms are advised that they will not be allowed to participate in this acquisition at the prime contractor level. The research and test data produced under a resultant contract may contain Military Critical Technology List (MCTL) information whose export is restricted by the Export Control Act (Title 22, U.S. Sec 2751, et seq.) or the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended (Title 50, U.S.C., App. 2401, et seq.). Only those companies who have an active certification from the Joint Certification Program (JCP) may receive such information. Information on how to request certification from the JCPO can be accessed here: https://www.dla.mil/Logistics-Operations/Services/JCP/. All inquiries pertaining to this notice should be directed to Alicia Cawley, SSC/LEK-KT at alicia.cawley@spaceforce.mil. This notice is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. This is not a solicitation announcement. The information provided will not result in further action. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this information or otherwise pay for the information requested except as an allowable cost under and existing contract if so identified and in accordance with FAR 31.205-18, Bid and Proposal Costs. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this Sources Sought Synopsis, or any follow-up information. Request for Information/SB Tracking #: N/A SOCs should be sent electronically to the following individuals within 18 days of the date of this posting: Alicia Cawley, Alicia.Cawley@spaceforce.mil Quentin Fields, Quentin.Fields.2@spaceforce.mil