Spaceport and Launch Assessment Study (SPLAS)
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 Systems Command (SSC)/International Affairs (IA), through PAE Space Access, is conducting market research via a Request for Information (RFI) for a Spaceport and Launch Assessment Study (SPLAS). This RFI seeks industry capabilities to provide technical assistance for a Partner Nation (PN) to establish National Security Space Launch (NSSL) services from their sovereign spaceport using a US commercial launch vehicle. Responses are due by May 15, 2026.
Scope of Work
The objective is to provide engineering, logistical, and technical assistance to the PN, focusing on tailoring USSF best practices for NSSL operations and mission assurance. Key areas include:
- Familiarization with launch vehicle capability and support systems.
- Tailoring US Space Force spaceport development and operations best practices to the PN context.
- Identifying potential mission risks and mitigation strategies for using a Commercial Launch Vehicle (CLV) for PN NSSL.
- Providing technical documentation and support for monitoring and controlling the CLV launch pad.
- Assessing requirements and interfaces of the CLV launch system and the spaceport.
- Providing launch mission assurance assessment expertise.
Deliverables include a General Launch Vehicle assessment, Spaceport assessment and NSSL requirements document, National Security Launch Requirements, recommended education & training, and a Comprehensive National Security Launch Assessment and Recommendations Report and Briefing. The period of performance for all studies is 12 months.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Duration: 12-month period of performance for studies
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
- Response Due: May 15, 2026, by 1500 local time
- Published: April 20, 2026
Evaluation
This RFI is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation or guarantee a future contract. Responses will inform PAE Space Access's understanding of industry capabilities to assess spaceport processes and infrastructure, and to inform a launch mission assurance process for a PN. SSC Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS), and contractors serving in the role of Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) may review submitted data.
Submission Guidelines
Interested vendors should submit an overview of their company's capability, address each study area (CDRLs A01-A05) with capabilities, expertise, additional information needed, and associated risks. Responses must include a rough order of magnitude (ROM) and preliminary project schedule for each deliverable, accounting for all fees. Submissions should also address ITAR, include company details (name, address, UEI, POC), business size under NAICS 541715, and existing federal contract vehicles. Responses are limited to 10 pages, 8.5 x 11-inch portrait format, 12-point font, and 1-inch margins. Do not include marketing materials. Submit responses via email to Jose L. Plasencia (jose.plasencia.2@spaceforce.mil), Ryan R. Hann (ryan.hann.2@spaceforce.mil), and Kristin Burk (kristin.burk.1@spaceforce.mil).