Sources Sought and RFI- Specialized Payload Professing Facilities - Vandenberg SFB
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 Launch Delta 30 (SLD 30) at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought and Request for Information (RFI) to identify industry partners capable of designing and manufacturing transportable, specialized payload processing facilities (PPFs). These facilities are intended to support the integration of space vehicles with launch vehicle hardware. Responses are due by May 15, 2026, at 1:00 PM PDT.
Scope of Work
SLD 30 seeks commercial options for rapid stand-up PPFs that can accommodate space vehicles with outer fairing diameters up to 5 meters and heights of 13.2 meters, within ISO 14644-1 Class 7 or better controlled clean environments. Key requirements include:
- Physical & Spatial Envelope: Minimum 5.3 meters outer fairing diameter, 50 feet facility height, at least 7,500 square feet usable area, and integration of SSCMAN 91-710v3 compliant overhead cranes with a minimum 30-ton lift capacity and 45-foot hook height.
- Cleanliness & Environmental Control: ISO Class 7 cleanroom requirements (or better), including air change rates, pressure differentials, temperature/humidity control, gowning, and material airlocks.
- Functional Areas: Accommodation for payload receiving, cleaning, integration, checkout, and support spaces (control rooms, gowning, tool storage).
- Safety, Security, & Compliance: Facilities must comply with federal/state safety standards, fire protection, and applicable DoD, NASA, or UFC design criteria.
- Utilities & Infrastructure: Capabilities for electrical power, HVAC, grounding, monitoring, and building management systems.
- Deployable & Storable: PPFs must be rapidly transportable, erectable, fully mission capable upon activation, and capable of being repacked and stored for future use.
- Weather Resistance: Must withstand sustained winds up to 60 MPH.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: May 15, 2026, 1:00 PM PDT
- Published: April 30, 2026
- Questions Due: May 7, 2026, 3:00 PM PDT
Evaluation
This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only. Responses will assist the Government in developing and planning a potentially new requirement and will be used to assess industry capabilities. It does not constitute a Request for Proposals (RFP) or a promise to issue one.
Additional Notes
Respondents are requested to submit a white paper, not exceeding 25 pages (single-spaced, 12-point type) and a 5 MB email limit. Submissions should detail company information, relevant project experience (up to three comparable projects), technical capabilities, risks/best practices, and optional information like acquisition strategies or cost drivers. Proprietary information must be clearly marked. The associated document, SSCMAN 91-710, Volume 3, outlines mandatory safety and design requirements for operations on Space Systems Command ranges, which is critical for any entity planning to operate on these ranges.