Sources Sought Notice for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Emergent Missions
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 United States Space Force (USSF) is issuing a Sources Sought Notice for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Emergent Missions. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to identify qualified launch service providers, beyond the two currently NSSL-certified Lane 2 providers, capable of launching up to 25 high-value national security assets between FY2027 and FY2029. While the government intends to procure these missions from existing NSSL-certified Lane 2 providers, this market research assesses the broader industrial base. Responses are due May 5, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This Sources Sought is for market research and planning purposes to determine the availability and technical capability of launch service providers for critical NSSL missions. The requirement involves launching 25 high-value NSS assets into stressing orbits (6 in FY27, 9 in FY28, 10 in FY29). These missions demand the highest level of mission assurance, requiring NSSL-certified launch vehicles. Key technical challenges include direct insertion of 8,000 lbm payloads to GEO 1.5, 20,000 lbm payloads to MEO Direct 1, and multi-manifest capabilities. The government's current intent is to procure these missions from the two existing NSSL-certified Phase 3 Lane 2 providers.
Requirements for Capability Statements
Companies not among the two currently NSSL-certified Phase 3 Lane 2 providers are invited to submit a Statement of Capability (SOC). The SOC must provide verifiable evidence demonstrating the ability to meet specified launch requirements by October 1 of the procurement fiscal year. Key areas to address include:
- NSSL Certification Plan: An approved tailored certification approach per the Launch Services New Entrant Certification Guide (NECG).
- Launch Vehicle Readiness: Verifiable evidence of Non-Recurring Design Validation completion, certification flights, and no readiness issues by the procurement year's October 1.
- Technical Capability: Ability to deliver 8,000 lbm to GEO 1.5 and 20,000 lbm to MEO Direct 1.
- Multi-manifest: Evidence of ability to integrate and execute multi-manifest launches.
- Mission Assurance: Company's approach to total mission assurance for U.S. Government requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- NAICS: 481212 (Space Transportation And Launch Services)
- Size Standard: 1,500 employees
- Response Due: May 5, 2026, by 5:00 PM PDT
- Published: April 21, 2026
Submission Instructions
Responses are limited to 10 pages (excluding title pages, tables of contents, schedule, or acronym lists) and must be submitted electronically to Grace Venezia (grace.venezia@spaceforce.mil) and Tabitha Gomez (tabitha.gomez.1@spaceforce.mil) with the subject "Response to Sources Sought – NSSL Phase 3 Emergent Missions." Submissions should be in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Project, or Adobe format, unclassified, using a minimum 12-point font, single line spacing, and 1-inch margins. Small business responses are encouraged.