The current Federal Business Opportunity (FA8650-21-S-9307) under NAICS: 541715 is an Advanced Research Announcement (ARA) for Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL). REGAL is part of the Air Force’s Rocket Cargo Vanguard Program that is assessing emerging commercial rocket capabilities. The procurement is out of the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of the Air Force (USAF), Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), and Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). This procurement is out of the FA8650 USAF AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND AFRL PZL AFRL/PZL Office. The Special Notice does not list Set-Aside information.
This initial announcement includes two (2) Calls for Proposals. Call 001 “Point-to-Point Capability and Operational Demonstrations” and Call 002 “Point-to-Point Rocket Demonstrations”. Please refer to each respective attachment for additional information regarding specific requirements.
Air Force Vanguard Program Description
Current FA8650-21-S-9307 Special Notice (sam.gov)
- Posted: 06/04/2021
- Updated Special Notice: November 22, 2022
- Advanced Research Announcment Closes: July 1, 2027
Point of Contact: AFRL.RS.RocketCargo@us.af.mil.
Scope:
The Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL) program will explore the use of commercially-advertised rocket launch systems for rapid point-to-point (PTP) space transportation and agile global logistics. The goal is to field a capability that can deliver DoD cargo anywhere on the planet in less than one hour through service-type contracts similar to agreements DoD uses today with commercial airlines. Expected missions include emergency resupply to restore loss of mission capability, humanitarian relief, disaster relief, and ultimately routine and affordable transport of cargo to select DOD ports across the world. No funding will be invested in developing commercial rocket systems.
Current Incumbent:
Contract Title: Rocket Cargo Other Transaction For Experimentation
Contract FA8650-22-9-9301 to Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) for $102,013,973.00 on January 14, 2022, with an Estimated Ultimate Completion Date of April 14, 2027.
FPDS Search
The most recent contract posting was Modification P00008 on September 21, 2023. This was listed as a Funding Action Only. This modification lists the Base and All Options value to $149,314,803.00.
Note: All of the provided information resulted from Open Government databases. I have read several private articles that provide information that the above Government provided information can be considered the incumbent information.
Possible Related Incumbent:
Contract Title: Rocket Cargo Concept of Operations (CONOPS) Capability Testing
The following incumbent contract resulted from Solicitation FA9300-20-S-0001:
Contract FA9300-21-C-6003 to Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX) for $1,637,960.50 on December 07, 2020, with a Estimated Ultimate Completion Date of December 31, 2021.
The most recent contract posting was Modification P00008 on November 22, 2022. This was a Supplemental Agreement for Work Within Scope for the current contract. This modification lists the Base and All Options value to $1,637,960.55.
Other Related Government Procurement (Click Link to Access):
Title: “SML Mobility Cross-Cutting Operational Enabler: Point-to-Point Delivery” RFI1_MobCOE_LOE4
Artificial Intelligence Applications Answer:
Microsoft Bing Response:
The Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL) program is an initiative by the Department of the Air Force to explore the use of commercially-advertised rocket launch systems for rapid point-to-point (PTP) space transportation and agile global logistics 12. The program aims to assess whether commercial rockets can deliver DoD cargo anywhere on the planet in less than one hour 2. The Air Force Research Laboratory is currently assessing emerging rocket capability across the commercial vendor base, and its potential use for quickly transporting DOD materiel to ports across the globe 3. The program is solely focused on leveraging commercial rocket capabilities as a leased service, and no funding will be invested in the development of commercial rockets 3. The Rocket Cargo Vanguard will infuse AFRL S&T with commercial rocket development and test campaigns to enable up to 100 tons of cargo to be delivered anywhere on the planet within tactical timelines 3. The military utility of this new capability includes support to the United States Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) resupply mission, with faster delivery and potentially at lower cost 3. The program is closely partnered with USTRANSCOM, Space Force Futures & Integration, Air Force Futures, formerly the Air Force Warfighting Integration Capability (AFWIC), and Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) to assess the trade space of a potential Rocket Cargo capability for global logistics, to include improvements in delivery cost and speed compared to existing air cargo operations 3. If the AFRL Rocket Cargo Vanguard proves rocket-based transportation is viable, affordable, and advantageous for agile global DOD logistics, the Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) will be responsible for transitioning the program from Vanguard to a program of record 3. The USSF and SMC have a successful history of partnering with industry to leverage innovative, emerging commercial technologies that also support National Security Space needs 3.
- sam.gov
- forum.nasaspacelfight.com
- Afresearchlab.com
Google Bard Response:
Note: Bard’s response provided a reference to Raytheon which may not be related to the same program that this post concerns. It may be related and was kept to sow the differences between human and artificial intelligence research.
Rocket Experimentation for Global Agile Logistics (REGAL): Exploring Rapid Delivery with Commercial Rockets
Here’s what I know about the REGAL program:
Purpose:
- REGAL is a Department of the Air Force (DAF) initiative exploring the feasibility of using commercial rockets for rapid global logistics.
- It aims to assess how large commercial rockets could transport critical DoD (Department of Defense) materiel anywhere on Earth within tactical timelines.
- The program seeks to leverage existing commercial capabilities rather than funding new rocket development.
Key aspects:
- Point-to-Point (PTP) transportation: REGAL focuses on direct, rapid delivery between two points, bypassing traditional air and sea routes.
- Multiple providers: The DAF wants to experiment with several commercial launch providers to gain flexibility and avoid dependence on a single source.
- Integration with DoD logistics: REGAL goes beyond just rocket technology. It includes testing how rockets can seamlessly integrate into existing military logistics workflows, including mission planning, cargo handling, and launch operations.
- Agile and responsive: The program emphasizes the ability to quickly adapt to changing mission needs and launch cargo on short notice.
Current status:
- Raytheon Bbn Technologies was awarded a contract in June 2022 to conduct REGAL experiments.
- The program is ongoing with a planned duration of 4 years.
- Initial funding was set at $17.4 million, but it has since been reduced to $8.7 million.
Potential benefits:
- Significantly faster delivery of critical supplies to war zones or disaster areas.
- Improved operational flexibility and responsiveness for the DoD.
- Cost savings compared to traditional air and sea transport for certain types of cargo.
Challenges:
- Integrating rockets into existing logistics chains presents logistical and regulatory hurdles.
- Ensuring safety and reliability of commercial rockets for military use.
- Potential cost uncertainties associated with launch contracts and emerging technologies.
Overall, REGAL represents a significant step towards utilizing the burgeoning commercial space industry for military logistics. By demonstrating the feasibility of rapid, point-to-point cargo delivery with rockets, the program could transform how the DoD responds to global challenges.
The information provided in this Federal Government Contracting Opportunity was obtained through open research utilizing open Federal Government procurement websites. The information must be accessible to all in order to appear in this information piece.
