HADES (Hybrid Architecture and Development for Experimental Systems) Draft Request for Proposal
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 Space Systems Command (SSC), Innovation and Prototyping Delta, Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, has released a Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Hybrid Architecture and Development for Experimental Systems (HADES) contract. This presolicitation aims to procure services for satellite ground system and satellite operations center engineering, development, integration, and sustainment. The official RFP release is currently delayed, with an updated draft Section L&M executive summary posted on May 29, 2026, clarifying evaluation criteria.
Scope of Work
The HADES contract will support prototype and operational satellite ground systems and Satellite Operations Centers (SOCs), primarily at the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) Support Complex (RSC) at Kirtland AFB. Services include:
- Support Services: Program management, cost management, information management, security, data handling, risk management, training, configuration management, logistics, and procurement.
- Ground Systems Services: Engineering, design, development, integration, sustainment, and decommissioning.
- Facility Services: Power distribution, HVAC, facility/furniture maintenance, network infrastructure, and space optimization.
- Software Support Services: Setup, development, and configuration.
- Other Activities: Communication Security (COMSEC), Cryptographic Support, Cybersecurity, and Defensive Cybersecurity Operations (DCO). Specific task orders, such as Jaguar, Ground Control, and Ground Support, detail requirements for system sustainment, hybrid-cloud environment management, and operational support.
Contract Details
- Type: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract.
- Pricing: Competitive Cost-Reimbursable (CR) with Cost-Plus-Award-Fee (CPAF), Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP), and Cost CLINs.
- Estimated Value: Minimum $3,000,000.00, Maximum $300,000,000.00.
- Period of Performance: Ordering period from February 10, 2027, through February 9, 2034.
- Place of Performance: Primarily Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico.
- NAICS: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)).
- Set-Aside: Not a set-aside. Requires 25% small business participation for both small and other than small businesses.
Evaluation Factors
Proposals will be evaluated on a best value basis, with Technical and Past Performance being significantly more important than Cost/Price.
- Factor 1: Technical (Most Important)
- Subfactor 1.1: Program Management - Administrative Requirements (Pass/Fail)
- Subfactor 1.2: Program Management - Staffing/Labor Profile (Adjectival)
- Subfactor 1.3: Program Management - Emerging Requirements Response (Adjectival - Primary Discriminator)
- Subfactor 1.4: Systems Engineering - SE Approach and Methodology (Adjectival)
- Subfactor 1.5: Systems Engineering - Configuration Management (Pass/Fail)
- Factor 2: Past Performance (Second Most Important): Assessed for recency, relevancy, and quality of contracts within the last five years.
- Factor 3: Cost/Price (Least Important): Evaluated for reasonableness, cost realism, and unbalanced pricing. Offerors must meet all solicitation requirements, including security clearances (Secret, Top Secret, SCI), compliance with Air Force Instructions, and an Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Mitigation Plan.
Key Dates & Actions
The initial deadline for questions and comments on the draft RFP was March 20, 2026. The official RFP release is delayed. Interested parties should review the updated draft Section L&M executive summary and previous Q&A documents for insights into the government's requirements and evaluation approach. Continue to monitor SAM.gov for the final RFP release.