This is a Request for Information (RFI) for Aerospace Systems Technical Research and Operation Services (ASTROS II) at Edwards AFB, CA. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is conducting market research for the follow-on effort to the current ASTROS contract. A draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) is provided. The primary work location is Edwards Rocket Lab, CA. The anticipated NAICS code is **** may be required to maintain a security program in accordance with DD Form 254 and obtain Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). The anticipated period of performance is 10 years, with a target contract award date of June 2027 and performance start date of September 2027. An industry day will be hosted at Edwards AFB, CA. Responses to Series 01 and 02 are due no later than May 21, 2026, at **** PST. All interested parties must have an active CAGE code and be registered in SAM. gov. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.
The RFI states that responses to Series 01 and 02 are due no later than May 21, 2026, at **** PST. The target date for contract award is June 2027, with performance scheduled to begin in September 2027.
The RFI asks for industry feedback on preferred award approaches, including award-term contracts versus long-term cost-plus-award-fee (CPAF) structures, and how variable incentive fees impact performance. It also inquires about preferred source selection methods such as highest technically rated offeror, performance price tradeoff, or full tradeoff best value.
The RFI indicates that all interested parties must have an active Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and be registered in System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for any potential contract award. Additionally, it is anticipated that the successful offeror will be required to maintain a comprehensive security program in accordance with the draft Department of War Contract Security Classification Specification, DD Form 254, and that all contractor personnel supporting this effort must possess a favorable National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI). Performance may require personnel to obtain and maintain Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearances, and both the prime contractor and any subcontractors will be required to achieve and maintain the appropriate Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
The government intends to host an industry day at Edwards AFB, CA, to provide interested contractors with further insight into the mission requirements, unique location, and security protocols. Specific details, including the date, location, and registration instructions, will be posted to SAM. gov at a later date.
