Notice of Proposed Contract Action (NOCA) for EELV Program FY13 Phase I Buy

The Government contemplates issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) to United Launch Services, L.L.C., to acquire critical services necessary to satisfy U.S. military and intelligence space launch requirements. Those services include, but are not limited to, the following: procurement and production of launch vehicle hardware; mission integration and assurance; program management; systems engineering; transportation of launch system components; launch site operations and support; factory support; essential infrastructure support; and any EELV launch-related special studies. This effort is a continuation of EELV launch services currently being performed by United Launch Services, LLC under existing contracts. The Air Force intends to award a contract on a sole-source basis under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-(a)(iii)(B). Award to any other source would result in unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency's requirements, in particular, for the continuation of highly-specialized services. Based on an evaluation of Statements of Capability submitted in response to the Request for Information issued on 6 May 2011 for this effort, the Government concluded that currently only the incumbent, United Launch Services LLC possesses both the capability and experience necessary to meet the requirements for EELV-class National Security Space (NSS) missions as outlined in the EELV System Performance Requirements Document (SPRD). The Government recognizes, however, the likelihood of competition in the future and the Government intends to promote competition at the earliest point practicable. The Government may elect not to award any EELV effort (described above) as a result of the solicitation. Interested parties were given the opportunity to identify their interest and technical capability and submit Statements of Capability in response to the Request for Information posted on 6 May 2011. The intent of this notice is for informational purposes only and is not a request for proposal. Responses and participation from small, disadvantaged business firms are highly encouraged. This synopsis is not a formal solicitation. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this synopsis, nor otherwise pay for information which is submitted as a result of this notice.