Launch Service Procurement

Air Force projects increased launch activity for 2020
Bongiovi says anywhere from eight to 11 national security launches could take place in 2020

Air Force soon to release revised launch solicitation in response to GAO’s ruling
An amendment to the National Security Space Launch Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement RFP is in 'final coordination'

In protest decision, GAO negates Blue Origin’s claim that Air Force launch procurement favors incumbents
GAO disagreed with Blue Origin that the terms of the launch procurement unduly restrict competition

Air Force to revise selection criteria for launch procurement in wake of Blue Origin’s successful protest
Air Force acquisition executive Will Roper said the solicitation will be amended to address GAO's concerns.

GAO sides with Blue Origin in protest of Air Force launch contract rules
GAO said in a statement that the agency on Nov. 18 sustained the protest filed by Blue Origin on Aug. 12.

Air Force to begin sweeping study of space launch industry capabilities and future markets
The Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center announced the start of a National Security Launch Architecture study.

For Air Force launch competition, ULA will offer Vulcan and Atlas, but not Delta
Bruno said ULA is confident that Vulcan will be ready to fly Category C payloads by 2023.

Blue Origin steps up call for change in Air Force launch procurement plan
Blue Origin is further pressing its case for the Air Force to open up the Phase 2 launch procurement to more competitors.

Air Force confident NDAA will back its launch procurement strategy
Lt. Gen. John Thompson: “I will categorically state that there is absolutely no bias against the commercial providers in the source selection process."

Launch companies look to government customers for stability
With the size and growth of commercial markets uncertain, launch companies are looking to government agencies to varying degrees for stability and funding for the development of new vehicles.

DoD acquisitions chief: Pentagon unlikely to change Air Force launch procurement strategy
Ellen Lord, undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, said DoD supports Air Force plans for Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement.

No legal stones left unturned in the battle for U.S. Air Force launch contracts
SpaceX and Blue Origin both have already taken legal action against the Air Force, arguing that it has failed to create a level playing field for them and other companies to be able to challenge heavily favored ULA.

ULA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman submit bids for national security launch procurement contract
ULA and SpaceX currently launch the bulk of U.S. national security satellites while Northrop Grumman and Blue Origin are looking to break in.

Blue Origin files protest over ‘flawed’ Air Force launch procurement
Blue Origin filed a “pre-award” protest with the GAO, arguing that the rules set by the Air Force do not allow for a fair and open competition.

DoD reports higher costs for National Security Space Launch program
NSSL costs over the entire life of the program increased 7.2% — from $57.2 billion to $61.3 billion.

House passes NDAA, keeps HASC chairman Smith’s space launch reforms alive
Proposed changes to the National Security Space Launch program that Smith introduced in the HASC version of the NDAA made it into the House bill.