Solicitation: National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) Innovative Technology & Engineering – Space Test and Range (NITE-STAR)

SOL #: FA2553-26-R-B001Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Dept Of The Air Force
FA2553 OPRN TEST & TRG INFR OTTI PK
PETERSON SFB, CO, 80914, United States

Place of Performance

CO

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical (541715)

PSC

Space R&D Services; Space Flight, Research And Supporting Activities; Applied Research (AR12)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Feb 25, 2026
2
Last Updated
Apr 6, 2026
3
Submission Deadline
Apr 17, 2026, 6:00 PM

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, on behalf of the U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space System Command (SSC), has released a Solicitation for the National Space Test and Training Complex (NSTTC) Innovative Technology & Engineering – Space Test and Range (NITE-STAR) Capability Development Multiple Award (MA) Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract. This opportunity seeks to establish a contract vehicle to support the Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) and SYD 81 missions. The total maximum value for all awards under this IDIQ is $981 million. Proposals are due April 17, 2026.

Scope of Work

This IDIQ will support the design, development, integration, testing, and sustainment of advanced space-based and ground-based systems. The scope includes capabilities development, enhancement, test, evaluation, and training operations across live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) environments. Key areas involve Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL) and Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL) simulations, digital twins, and leveraging Government Furnished Property/Information (GFP/GFI).

Contract Details

  • Contract Type: Multiple Award IDIQ. Initial CLINs 0001 and 1001 are Firm-Fixed Price (FFP). Task/delivery orders may utilize various contract types, including FFP, FPIF, CPIF, CPFF, CR, CPAF, and FPAF.
  • Maximum Value: $981,000,000.00 shared among all awardees.
  • Period of Performance: A base five-year ordering period (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2031) with one five-year option (through June 30, 2036). Task/delivery orders can extend up to one year beyond the option period end.
  • Initial Task Order: All qualifying awardees will receive a $10,000 FFP Task Order for a Post Award Kickoff Conference in Colorado Springs, CO.

Eligibility & Key Requirements

  • NAICS Code: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences, except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) with a 1,000-employee size standard.
  • Set-Aside: None specified; open competition for MA IDIQ.
  • Security Compliance: Offerors must possess a minimum TOP SECRET Facility Clearance (FCL) and an accredited facility for Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) work at the time of proposal submission. Compliance with NIST SP 800-37, NIST SP 800-53, and CMMC Level 2 (Self) or higher is required.
  • Qualifying Relevant Projects (QRPs): Proposals must demonstrate two QRPs (one Space System, one Ground System) with prime contractor experience in system development and integration within the last ten years (minimum six months continuous performance per QRP). Space System QRPs require specific attributes (e.g., 100kg min vehicle mass, 1-year min design life).
  • Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): Offerors providing A&AS, SETA, or FFRDC support to OTTI are precluded. OCI mitigation plans are required if applicable.

Submission & Evaluation

  • Proposal Due Date: April 17, 2026, 1200 Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).
  • Submission Method: Electronically via DoD SAFE. Request a drop-off link by emailing SSC.TIK.NITESTAR@spaceforce.mil.
  • Questions Due: March 24, 2026, 1700 MDT, using Attachment 11 Q&A Template.
  • Evaluation: A gated technical evaluation approach will be used, with Pass/Fail ratings for Security Compliance and QRPs. The government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to hold them. Artificial Intelligence (AI) may assist human evaluators.

Additional Notes

The contract includes "On-Ramp" and "Off-Ramp" procedures, allowing the government to add or remove contractors based on performance and need.

People

Points of Contact

Seneca AlvaradoPRIMARY
Megan McChrystalSECONDARY

Files

Files

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