SPACE PROPULSION RESEARCH AND INNOVATION FOR NEUTRALIZING SATELLITE THREATS (SPRINT) BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA)
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, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is soliciting innovative research proposals under the Space Propulsion Research and Innovation for Neutralizing Satellite Threats (SPRINT) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA). This open BAA seeks to develop in-space propulsion technologies that enhance spacecraft resiliency. White papers are accepted on a rolling basis through January 23, 2027.
Scope of Work
The SPRINT program focuses on maturing technologies to appropriate Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) across several key areas:
- Chemical Propulsion: Monopropellant and bipropellant thrusters, components, and systems.
- Electric Propulsion: Thrusters, components, and power processing units.
- Multi-mode Propulsion: Integrated systems combining different propulsion types.
- Plume Phenomenology: Experimental studies and modeling/simulation of propulsion plumes.
- Mission Utility: Research into operational architectures and propulsion concept utility.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Open BAA; individual awards are typically Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF).
- Duration: Individual awards range from 3 to 60 months.
- Funding: Individual awards are anticipated between $100K and $10M.
- Open Period: Per Amendment 6, the BAA period was extended to 20 years, with the current response window closing January 23, 2027.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted (Small businesses are encouraged to participate).
Evaluation
This is a two-step selection process:
- White Paper: Offerors submit a 5-page white paper including a technical approach and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost.
- Full Proposal: If the white paper is selected, the government will issue a letter RFP inviting a full technical and cost proposal. Evaluation criteria include technical merit, importance to agency programs, and funds availability.
Additional Notes
Recent amendments have updated Point of Contact (POC) information and extended the white paper retention period. Foreign-owned firms or foreign persons are precluded from proposing. Some research areas may require access to classified information up to TS/SCI.