Three Companies Share $5.6 Billion NSS Launch Services Contract
SpaceX, Blue Origin and ULA Will Compete for Slots
Three launch service providers have been selected by the U.S. Space Force to compete for the National Security Space (NSS) Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 launch services procurement. The multiple-award, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract has a maximum cumulative ceiling of $5.6 billion.
According to the Department of Defense the contract is for launch services delivering NSS payloads into their intended orbits. The location of performance will be determined at the task order level. The contract will include a five-year ordering period, which will go through June 2029, with an option for an additional ordering period of five years.
This award is the result of a competitive acquisition, and seven offers were received. Fiscal 2024 space procurement funds in the amount of $8,000,000 (the cumulative amount for the minimum guarantee) are being obligated at the time of award. Space Systems Command, Assured Access to Space, Los Angeles Air Force Base, El Segundo, California, is the contracting activity.
Blue Origin would offer flights on its yet-to-fly New Glenn orbital-class rocket. The first launch of the rocket is expected no earlier than September of this year. The company was unsuccessful in winning a share of the Phase 2 contract in 2020 despite a challenge to the decision.