AFRL Rocket Lab Hermes BAA
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Aerospace Systems Directorate (AFRL/RQ-West), has issued an Open Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for the AFRL Rocket Lab Hermes BAA. This unrestricted solicitation seeks innovative research white papers for advanced missile and space vehicle propulsion technologies, with potential for subsequent research and development contracts. The BAA has a 20-year open period, allowing for continuous submission of white papers. Individual awards are not anticipated to exceed $250M.
Scope of Work
This BAA covers research and development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (excluding Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), specifically focusing on Guided Missiles and Space Vehicles, and their propulsion systems. Key technology areas include:
- Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) Technology Development (AFRL/RQRM): Development of advanced components, manufacturing processes, modeling, simulation, and testing of SRMs for advanced missiles and vehicles. This includes inert and energetic components, and automated assembly.
- Liquid Rocket Engine Technology Development (AFRL/RQRE): Improving space launch system propulsion for resiliency and rapid launch, covering disruptive engine concepts, modular propulsion systems, advanced materials and manufacturing, rapid launch capabilities, and rotating detonation rocket engines.
- Air-Breathing Turbine Engine Technology Development (AFRL/RQT): Advancing turbine propulsion, power, and thermal technologies for military applications, with a focus on cost reduction, fuel efficiency, and integrated systems.
Deliverables may include Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs) such as status reports, scientific and technical reports, performance and cost reports, presentation materials, software, and hardware. Specific requirements will be identified in individual calls or RFPs.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: The Air Force reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the research, including contracts, purchase orders, grants, or cooperative agreements.
- Period of Performance: Each award is anticipated to be between 6 to 60 months.
- Estimated Value: Individual awards are not anticipated to exceed $250,000,000 per contract.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted (Small businesses are encouraged to respond).
- White Paper Submission: Accepted anytime during the BAA's 20-year open period. The overall BAA response date is March 18, 2027. Specific due dates for proposals will be provided in individual calls.
- Published: June 20, 2025.
- Place of Performance: Edwards, CA 93524, United States.
- Product Service Code: AC22 (National Defense R&D Services; Atomic Energy Defense Activities; Applied Research).
Submission & Evaluation
- White Papers: Must be submitted electronically to AFTC.PZRA.BAAs@us.af.mil. They are limited to five (5) pages, double-spaced, and must include a technical approach, rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost, period of performance, and task objectives. A "WP Title Page" template is available.
- Proposals: Following white paper review, selected offerors will receive a letter Request-for-Proposal (RFP)/solicitation/application with specific proposal instructions, evaluation criteria, and due dates.
- Evaluation Criteria: White papers will be reviewed based on technical approach, interest to the Government, and funding availability. Proposals will be evaluated based on criteria defined in each call.
Eligibility & Requirements
- Eligibility: This is an unrestricted solicitation. Small businesses are encouraged to respond. Foreign persons or foreign-owned firms are precluded from proposing. Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) may submit proposals under specific conditions.
- NAICS Code: 541715 with a small business size standard of 1,000 or 1,250 employees.
- Registration: Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) and possess a current DD Form 2345, Military Critical Technical Data Agreement, for JCP certification.
Additional Notes
A "Capability Repository" is available for interested parties to list their expertise, potentially aiding in teaming opportunities. Communication should be directed to the Contracting Points of Contact (CPOC) listed. Offerors should monitor SAM.gov for amendments and specific calls. Classified information should not be submitted to the White Paper Focal Point without prior coordination. Primary Contact: Jillian Marroquin (jillian.marroquin@us.af.mil).