Aerospace Systems Technical Research & Operations Support Services II (ASTROS II)

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To obtain high-quality, affordable, and responsive buildup/modification of rocket test stands and safe facility operations for demonstrating next-generation rocket propulsion technologies.

• Provide operational support for Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)/Edwards Site for research and development of rocket propulsion, space systems, and their components.

• Evaluate, engineer, reconfigure, and modify experimental research test equipment, stands (Property, Plant, & Equipment - PP&E), and systems.

• Perform research and development test operations and test operation support.

• Maintain special test equipment and support infrastructure.

• Ancillary modifications to Real Property facilities are permitted only when strictly necessary to enable the installation, operation, or modification of primary PP&E test systems.

• Specialized knowledge of all aspects of rocket propulsion testing, from small bench-scale liquid engine components to launch booster-class engines and strategic rocket motors.

• Knowledge of intermediate devices, combined cycle designs, spacecraft propulsion, and space/missile propulsion system component testing.

• Engineering, integration, test, and data collection of integrated advanced propulsion systems and associated equipment.

• Engineering, integration, modification, activation, operation, and deactivation of fuel and oxidizer propellant systems (toxic, storable, hypergolic, cryogenic, high pressure, explosives, and hydrocarbon).

• Handling, transport, and storage of propellants and explosives.

• Work to be performed at AFRL/Edwards Site and various contractor, subcontractor, government, and educational facilities.

• Normal duty hours: 0730-1600 PST, Monday through Friday.

• Optional compressed (9/80) work schedule available: 0700-1630 PST, Monday through Friday.

• Work Plans (WP): Contractor must respond to WP requests from the COR and develop WPs detailing scope, schedule, cost, resources, technical approach, man-hours, materials, travel, subcontractors, GFE/Joint Use equipment, training, HSAP, assumptions, and signatures.

• Security: Contractor must establish and maintain a security program in accordance with the Contract Security Classification Specification (DD Form 254). Personnel require a high degree of security awareness, may need to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, and maintain a database of personnel with active security clearances. Compliance with physical security, USAF Restricted/Controlled Area requirements, and foreign disclosure regulations is mandatory. Foreign Nationals are not to be employed.

• Safety and Health: Contractor must establish and maintain a safety and health program compliant with Federal, State, County, local laws, Air Force Instructions, and AFRL/Edwards Site OI 91-202. This includes a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), mishap prevention program, safety training, and provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Environmental Compliance: Contractor must comply with all Air Force, federal, state, and local environmental regulations. This includes supporting permitting processes, managing hazardous materials, solid waste, pollution prevention, and recycling programs. An Environmental Impact Analysis Process (EIAP) may be required for certain projects.

• Transition: Contractor must follow the transition plan submitted with the proposal.

• Logistics: Compliance with AFRLI 21-101 Logistics Maintenance Management for programs like Test Measurement and Diagnostic Equipment (TMD E), Electrostatic Discharge (ESD), Preventative Maintenance Inspection (PMI), Foreign Object Damage (FOD) Control, and Tool and Equipment Management.

• Automated Data Processing Equipment (ADPE) Purchases: Establishment of ADPE accounts per AFMAN 33-153.

• Base Support and Government Furnished Property (GFP): Government will provide facilities, office space, equipment, furniture, telephone service, computer network support, utilities, custodial services, refuse collection, and real property maintenance. Government-furnished equipment, materials, parts, supplies, and tools will be provided as identified in Appendix C. Joint use of government facilities and equipment is permitted on an as-needed basis.

• Contractor Acquired Property (CAP): Coordination of all tools and equipment purchase requests through AFRL/Edwards Site Logistics Material Control Activity (LMCA). Hazardous materials purchases must comply with AFRL/Edwards Site OI 32-7086. Government supply sources should be used whenever possible. CO approval is required for purchases over $100,000.

• Quality Control Plan (QCP): Contractor shall develop, maintain, and apply a QCP to ensure services are performed IAW the PWS and to eliminate deficiencies.

• Management Information System (MIS): Contractor's MIS must be capable of distinguishing fund sources, forecasting, scheduling, cost collection, status reporting, invoicing, and generating management reports. It must include workflow for purchases and required approvals.

• Photography: Photography within Edwards Site Controlled/Restricted Areas is prohibited unless approved by the Edwards Site Security Office. All photography must be coordinated and approved.

Deliverables as described in contract Section J, Exhibits A/B, and subsequent WPs. Format and delivery schedule outlined in CDRLs and/or WPs.

A. Compliance Documents B. Work Plan Workflow C. Base Support Listing

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Request for Information (RFI) for an Industry Day and Site Visit related to the "Aerospace System's Technical Research and Operation Services (ASTROS) II" contract. It is a follow-on to the current ASTROS contract.

This RFI serves to conduct market research for the ASTROS II acquisition strategy. It details:

• Purpose: To provide contractors insight into AFRL Rocket Lab's technical mission, infrastructure, and security protocols, and to facilitate industry engagement for market research.
• Event Details: An Industry Day and Site Visit is scheduled for July 23, 2026, at Edwards AFB, CA. The event includes a Government briefing, a tactical tour, and optional one-on-one breakout sessions.
• Contracting Information: The Government is considering various contracting strategies, including a 100% small business set-aside. The anticipated NAICS code is 541330 (Engineering Services). The anticipated period of performance is 10 years, with a target award date of April 2027.
• Requirements: Potential offerors must maintain a comprehensive security program, including NACI checks, and may require TS/SCI clearances. Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is also expected.
• Logistics: Detailed information on location, directions, facility access, security protocols, and attendee limitations (maximum of three primary attendees per company) is provided. All attendees require a background check and must present valid identification.
• Submission: Specific vetting data must be submitted by July 30, 2026. Questions can be submitted via email to designated Points of Contact (POCs) by July 8, 2026.
• Post-Event: Briefing slides, participant rosters, and Q&A responses will be published on SAM.gov after security review.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing a Visitor Access List (VAL) Request form. It is used to collect information for individuals requiring access to the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) for the ASTROS II Industry Day. Missing information will delay the vetting process.

• VAL Submission: VALs must be submitted via encrypted mail to Government POCs identified in the Industry Day Notice no later than July 8, 2026.
• Visitor Information: The form requires detailed personal information for each visitor, including Full Name, Organization, Contact Number, DOD ID#, Last Name, First Name, Driver's License details, Start and End Dates of visit, Local Contact, Telephone, Date of Birth, Place of Birth, Last 4 of SSN, and Purpose of Visit.
• Purpose of Visit: Specifically for the ASTROS II Industry Day on July 23, 2026, at AFRL.
• Exclusion: This form is NOT to be used for foreign nationals.

Potential bidders attending the ASTROS II Industry Day must complete and submit this VAL Request form accurately and by the specified deadline (July 8, 2026) to ensure their personnel can gain access to the event at AFRL on July 23, 2026. Failure to submit the required information on time may prevent attendance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Industry Question and Answer (Q&A) Matrix template provided for industry partners to submit formal questions, comments, and recommendations regarding the ASTROS II draft acquisition documents. It is intended to facilitate a thorough and timely review of vendor inquiries.

• Instructions: Detailed guidance on how to complete and submit the matrix, emphasizing the use of the provided template without alteration.

• Required Columns (2-6):

  • Contractor: Full legal name of the company.
  • Reference (Para/Page): Specific document, page, and section/paragraph for the inquiry.
  • Type: Categorization by Subject Matter Expert (SME) discipline (e.g., Contracting, Finance, Technical).
  • Question/Comment: Clear statement of the inquiry. For PWS revisions, use strikethrough for deletions and underlining for additions. Each distinct inquiry must be in a separate row.
  • Rational: Concise justification for the question or proposed change.

• Government Use Only Columns (7-8): Decision and Government Response.

• Formatting Requirement: Strict adherence to the template's column widths, cell formatting, and structural layout is mandatory. Modifications may result in the submission being returned without review.

• Submission Deadline: Completed matrices must be submitted by 1600 PST on July 30, 2026.

• Submission Compliance: Late or non-compliant submissions will not be reviewed.

• Government Response: The Government will consolidate inquiries and publish formal responses on or before August 06, 2026.

• Proposal Preparation: This document guides bidders on how to formally submit questions and comments on draft acquisition documents, directly impacting the clarity and completeness of their understanding of the opportunity.