An possibility into consideration for NSSL Part 3 is to create “on ramps” to permit rising launch suppliers to compete
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Area Power is prone to change the way it selects suppliers of nationwide safety launch companies and the way it awards contracts, a program official informed SpaceNews.
The adjustments would have an effect on the Nationwide Safety Area Launch (NSSL) Part 3 procurement. United Launch Alliance and SpaceX gained the Part 2 competitors in 2020, and their present contracts can be re-competed in 2024.
NSSL acquires launch companies for heavy and medium elevate class nationwide safety satellites.
The Phase 3 procurement strategy continues to be being finalized and can be launched in a draft solicitation anticipated within the second quarter of 2023, Col. Douglas Pentecost, deputy director of the Area Power’s launch enterprise, stated Jan. 13 in an electronic mail.
In comparison with Part 2, the place solely ULA and SpaceX had been chosen to launch all nationwide safety missions over 5 years, Part 3 would create “on ramps” for different gamers to compete.
“The NSSL Part 3 acquisition technique continues to be in improvement however seeks to fulfill warfighter necessities whereas optimally exploiting ongoing developments in america’ ever-growing business launch market to greatest fight the pacing problem,” Pentecost stated.
“A dual-lane contracting strategy is being thought of,” he stated. One can be an IDIQ contract, brief for indefinite supply, indefinite amount “with an infinite variety of suppliers.”
An IDIQ contract would permit the federal government to buy launch companies on an as-needed foundation with out committing to a certain quantity. Pentecost stated this automobile can be used for much less advanced NSSL launches the place there’s prone to be extra rivals. “This permits annual on-ramping of recent capabilities for the much less stressing NSSL missions.”
The second lane can be like Part 2, or an indefinite supply necessities contract with two chosen suppliers for the extra demanding NSSL missions.
Launch suppliers can be briefed on the small print after the draft request for proposals is launched, stated Pentecost. “This may present a possibility for potential distributors to submit clarifying questions which is able to inform the ultimate NSSL Part 3 RFP deliberate for summer season 2023.”
The twin-lane strategy would fulfill congressional considerations about DoD limiting competitors. “Some analysts have questioned the Area Power’s choice to award solely two launch companies contracts in NSSL Part 2,” famous the Congressional Analysis Service in a report.
If the Area Power determined to proceed working with solely two suppliers in Part 3, stated CRS, “Congress may take into account directing the Area Power to pick greater than two launch suppliers in Part 3, directing the Area Power to look at various procurement fashions.”
