Request for Information (RFI) for a Cislunar Space System (CSS)
This is an Air Force market research RFI for industry to inform a future cislunar space system acquisition, with possible later preliminary design study contracts for spacecraft, ground segment, launch, integration, and operations.
⚑ Federal contract RFI, not a grant · No reimbursement for preparing RFI response · No set-aside stated · Potential follow-on procurement may be limited to firms able to deliver rapid, low-NRE spacecraft and ground segment solutions
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 30 weak | prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
| IPPRA | 15 none | university cannot apply directly (ineligible) |
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 15 none | university cannot apply directly (ineligible) |
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.
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: No Set aside used. Notice type: Special Notice. Organization: DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE / DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE.
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