High Altitude Balloons for Long duration with integrated payloads
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 U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/WING) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought (RFI) to identify industry capabilities for High Altitude Balloons (HABs) for long duration with integrated payloads. This RFI supports the High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) program, a rapid prototyping effort. Responses are due by March 27, 2026, at 1600 EST.
Purpose & Scope
This Request for Information (RFI) aims to identify potential contractors capable of manufacturing and operating stratospheric HABs. The Air Force seeks to gather information on:
- Experience manufacturing and operating HABs, including single and minimum two-balloon constellations.
- Capabilities in integrating payloads.
- Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) of HABs.
- Command and Control (C2) platforms and communication links.
- Operational altitude bands (transit and operational).
- Ability to handle classified information.
Information Requested
Respondents should provide details on:
- Company Overview & Experience: History, mission, key personnel, experience with stratospheric HABs, relevant case studies, and DoD agency experience.
- Technical Capabilities: Product overview (SWaP, altitude, endurance), current and surge manufacturing capacity, payload integration experience, single/constellation HAB operation, C2 system details (communication links, operator-to-HAB ratio, software limitations), and COMSEC/encrypted payload support.
- Classified and SAP Support Capabilities: Experience with classified and Special Access Program (SAP) support, facility/personnel clearances, and security compliance processes.
- Management & Staffing: Proposed HAB team organizational chart, key personnel qualifications, distributed team management approach, and potential teaming/subcontractor arrangements.
- Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM): Estimated costs for Government Owned Contractor Operated (GOCO) development, deployment, and support.
Submission Details
- Format: Microsoft Word, organized by Section 4, limited to 20 pages (excluding marketing materials).
- Deadline: March 27, 2026, 1600 EST.
- Submission Method:
- Unclassified: Email to collin.harris.1@us.af.mil.
- CUI/Proprietary/ITAR: Use DoD SAFE (https://safe.apps.mil/). POCs for DoD SAFE are Collin Harris (collin.harris.1@us.af.mil) and Daniel Paul (daniel.paul.8@us.af.mil).
- Subject Line: "HALE RFI Response".
- Telephone inquiries will not be accepted.
Important Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only and is not a request for proposals or a commitment to contract. Responses will be treated as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Submitted information may be shared with SETA contractors under NDA. Submissions become government property, and costs incurred by respondents will not be reimbursed. Failure to respond may be interpreted as declining participation in any future Fair Opportunity Proposal Request (FOPR).