Satellite Advanced Scheduling Tool (AST)
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's Space Rapid Capabilities Office (Space RCO) has issued a Special Notice indicating its intent to award a sole-source contract to Stottler Henke Associates, Inc (SHAI) for the Satellite Advanced Scheduling Tool (AST). This action is not a request for competitive proposals. The contract aims to integrate Space RCO's Acme Ground System into the existing AST system, enabling critical satellite scheduling capabilities.
Scope of Work
The primary objective is for SHAI, the original AST developer, to add Space RCO's Acme Ground System—a fundamental software component of the Rapid, Resilient Command and Control (R2C2) program—as an authorized user within the Space Force Satellite Control Network (SCN) Advanced Scheduling Tool (AST). This integration will allow Acme to submit essential SCN scheduling products such as Satellite Acquisition Tables (SAT), Program Action Plans (PAP), Computer Schedule Changes (CSC), and Manning Schedule Changes (MSC).
Key tasks include:
- Establishing Acme's automated connection to the AST system via the Goddard Mission Services Evolution Center (GMSEC) message bus for automated SCN schedule modifications (ADDs, DELs, MODs).
- Providing confirmation messages (submission, modification, deletion) to Acme via the GMSEC bus.
- Supplying necessary hardware, including an AST User Hub and AST Headless workstation, and integrating them into the existing AST network.
- Delivering a virtual instance of AST for the Acme developers' environment for development and testing purposes.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Notice of Intent to Award Sole-Source)
- Intended Contractor: Stottler Henke Associates, Inc (SHAI), San Mateo, California
- NAICS: 541715 – "Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)"
- Size Standard: 1,000 employees
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source)
- Notice Published: March 19, 2026
- Response Due: April 3, 2026, 1000 MST
Justification for Sole Source
The Acme Ground System requires immediate access to the SCN via AST to fulfill its mission of providing tactical command and control for Space RCO and Mission Partner (MP) client satellites. Without this connection, the Acme effort would be mission-ineffective, leading to unacceptable delays for critical USSF and MP missions. The highest priority need date is no later than July 1, 2026. SHAI has been identified as the only responsible and capable source to meet this urgent requirement, in accordance with RFO 6.103-1 (10 USC 3204(a)(1)).
Additional Notes
This notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a request for competitive proposals. No solicitation document will be posted. Interested sources may submit data by the response date, but the Government will not reimburse for information provided, nor will it honor requests for capability briefings. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed contract is solely at its discretion. A Sole Source Justification will be attached to the subsequent Notice of Award.