The U.S. Space Force has released a pair of draft requests for proposals to describe a competitive “dual-lane” procurement approach for the third phase of the National Security Space Launch program.
Space Systems Command, USSF’s technology development and acquisition arm, will provide NSSL Phase 3 details at a two-day industry event scheduled for Feb. 28 and March 1 at the Los Angeles Air Force Base in El Segundo, California.
SSC seeks to encourage participation from both large and small launch service providers in the program via two mechanisms, according to a notice posted Thursday on SAM.gov.
Lane 1 will comprise multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts with task orders that can be competed on an annual basis to on-ramp emerging providers and available space launch systems. Contracts awarded under this category will have a five-year base ordering period with a five-year option.
Lane 2 will serve as a re-compete of contracts awarded to SpaceX and United Launch Alliance in August 2020 under the program’s second phase.
Responses to the draft solicitation notices are due March 17.
SSC expects to release finalized NSSL Phase 3 RFP documents in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023.
