RFI: GEO Refueling Vehicles for Sustained Space Maneuver

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Space Systems Command (SSC), Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) Program Office to gather information on technical concepts and approaches for on-orbit refueling services. The goal is to aid in acquisition planning, analyze market capabilities, and determine the most appropriate acquisition strategy to meet the U.S. Space Command's Sustained Space Maneuver (SSM) needs by 2030. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not commit the government to a contract. Responses are voluntary and will not be paid for.

Respondents are asked to provide detailed information on their refueling solutions, including:

• Maturity level (TRL) and technical reviews.

• Cost and schedule estimates for development and production.

• Ability to dock with and transfer propellant through SERB-approved interfaces (PRM and RAFTI) bi-directionally.

• Top-level performance parameters, including design lifespan, SV characteristics (mass, LV interface, volume, hosted payload, free flying), delta-v, and compatible propellant types.

• Minimum propellant capacity of 1000kg per SV, with details on operational transfer limits and the number of docking/transfer operations.

• Identification of ground station/system for TT&C and capability to support at least three refueling missions annually.

• Proposed operational model (e.g., Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated).

• Compatibility with client vehicle mass/volumes and docking/undocking probability.

• Capability for exquisite RPOD (Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, & Docking), including autonomous operations and duration estimates for RPOD and fuel transfer.

• Adherence to industry standards for on-orbit servicing, including active RPOD, integration with standard launch vehicle interfaces, compliance with CNSSP No. 12, and "Do No Harm" principles (collision avoidance, contamination, ESD, EMI/EMC, Orbital Debris Mitigation).

• Configurable CONOPS for various mission phases.

• Ground system and architecture for operations and maintenance.

• Nominal CONOPS for day-to-day operations and execution of refueling missions.

• Plans for demonstrating technical maturity, commercial viability, and cost-benefit trades within the next 3 years.

• Responses are requested in a narrative format, limited to 10 pages.

• Submissions are due no later than 1600 Mountain Time on 13 March 2026.

• Responses must be submitted via email to the Primary Unclassified Point of Contact (Wade Pilcher).

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked and will be protected.

• Electronic PDF submissions are required; hard copies will not be accepted.

• Submissions must adhere to specific formatting requirements (8.5x11 inches, Times New Roman 12-point font).

• The contemplated NAICS code is 336414. Respondents are encouraged to suggest alternative NAICS codes.

• Information may be reviewed by Aerospace Corporation (FFRDC) and SETA contractors, who are bound by strict non-disclosure agreements.

• This RFI is part of Government market research. Information received will be treated as Sensitive and protected.

• Responses are deemed government property upon submission.

• The government is not seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the U.S. Space Force (USSF), Space Systems Command, Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SSC/SYD80) Program Office to gather information on technical concepts and approaches for on-orbit refueling services. The goal is to aid in acquisition planning, market analysis, and strategy development for sustained space maneuver needs by 2030. This RFI is for information only and does not commit the government to a contract or award. Responses are voluntary and will not be compensated.

The USSF is seeking industry solutions for refueling National Security Space (NSS) assets in or near Geostationary Orbits (GEO) that have achieved at least Preliminary Design Review (PDR) maturity. Respondents should describe their solutions, including:

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and maturity.

• Design and CONOPS similarities to prior flight-proven demonstrations.

• Top-level cost and schedule estimates for development and production.

• Ability to dock with and transfer propellant through SERB-approved interfaces (Northrop Grumman's PRM and Orbit Fab's RAFTI) bi-directionally.

• Top-level performance parameters, including lifespan, SV characteristics, delta-v, propellant type, transfer capacity (minimum 1000kg), operational limits, and number of operations.

• Ground station and system for Telemetry, Tracking, and Commanding (TT&C).

• Capability to support an annual tempo of at least three refueling missions.

• Proposed operational model (e.g., Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated).

• Compatibility with client vehicle mass and volumes.

• Ability to perform Rendezvous, Proximity Operations, & Docking (RPOD) autonomously or via ground control.

• Compliance with industry standards, National Security Space Launch Port Launch Users Guide (NSSL PLUG), and CNSSP No. 12.

• Application of "Do No Harm" principles (collision avoidance, contamination, ESD, EMI/EMC, ODMSP compliance).

• Configurable CONOPS for various mission phases.

• Ground system and architecture for operations and maintenance.

• Upcoming plans for demonstrating technical maturity, commercial viability, or cost-benefit trades within the next 3 years.

• Responses are due no later than 1600 Mountain Time on March 13, 2026.

• Submissions must be in a narrative format, limited to 10 pages.

• Responses must be submitted electronically via email to the Primary Point of Contact (POC): Wade Pilcher (wade.pilcher@us.af.mil).

• Proprietary Information (PROPIN) must be clearly marked and will be protected under DoD 5200.48.

• The first page of the response must include administrative information: Industry Name, mailing address, POC, phone number, and email address.

• No marketing or company literature will be accepted.

• The contemplated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 336414. Respondents are encouraged to suggest alternative NAICS codes.

• Information received will be considered Sensitive and protected from unauthorized disclosure.

• Proprietary information will not be used to restrict competition.

• Support contractors and FFRDC employees may review responses but are bound by Non-Disclosure Agreements and DFARS 252.227-7025.

• The USSF is under no obligation to provide feedback on submitted information.