SBI

SPACE BASED INTERCEPTORS (SBI)

Draft RFP #: FA8819-25-9-1001
Agency: Department of the Air Force
Contracting Office: FA8819 SPECIAL PROGRAMS DIR SMC SP
Contract Type: Other Transaction Agreements (OTA)
Contract Ceiling: [Not Provided]
NAICS Code: 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
Business Pools: Full & Open (no set-aside indicated)
Expected Release Date: September 5, 2025
Link to Draft RFP / Opportunity: SAM.gov Posting

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Department of the Air Force is preparing to release a Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP) for Space Based Interceptors (SBI) through the Space Systems Command’s Program Executive Office for Space Combat Power. This opportunity supports national security priorities through the development of advanced interceptor technologies to counter emerging threats in space.

The solicitation is expected to lead to multiple fixed-price OTAs, potentially incorporating Prize Competitions under 10 USC 4025. This represents a strategic push toward rapid, innovative acquisition for missile defense and space superiority.

rTurner Consulting is actively supporting capture strategies for clients aiming to participate. Contact us to get started with teaming, solutioning, or proposal development.

📄 View Draft RFP on SAM.gov
📄 Opportunity Details on GovWin IQ

CORE SCOPE AREAS

The government seeks industry solutions to deliver the following capabilities:

●    Space-based interceptor technology development
●    Unclassified and export-controlled technical solutioning
●    Participation in prototype development under OTA mechanisms
●    Classified data exchange readiness (JWICS optional)
●    Collaboration with FFRDCs and technical advisors for iterative development

Tech Stack Considerations:
Critical technologies include those related to space vehicles, advanced sensors, intercept systems, and classified systems integration. Access to export-controlled information via DD Form 2345 is required.

EVALUATION OR SELF-SCORING CRITERIA

Mandatory Technical Domains or Task Orders

●    Space Vehicle Design and Integration
●    Prototype Development under OTA Frameworks
●    System Engineering and Technical Advisory Support (SETA)
●    Unclassified and Classified Data Handling (JWICS preferred)
●    Advanced Interceptor Technologies
●    Technical Collaboration with FFRDCs and Labs

Additional Criteria

●    Prior work on DoD OTAs or Prize Competitions (10 USC 4022 / 4025)
●    Existing collaboration with Government partners such as MITRE, SAIC, MIT Lincoln Lab, etc.
●    Security credentials (facility clearance, export control experience)
●    High-value aerospace or defense prototype programs
●    Capability to manage both classified and unclassified deliverables

CAPTURE STRATEGY TIPS

Actionable Recommendations

●    Ensure your DD Form 2345 is approved and ready
●    Submit company details, role (Prime/Sub), and contacts to SSC.SZ.SBI@spaceforce.mil
●    Prepare for secure information exchange and classified data handling
●    Engage early with primes or consider teaming options
●    Be ready for rapid proposal turnaround in September

Ideal Prime or Partner Profile

●    Prior OTA experience in national defense or space missions
●    Access to cleared personnel and secure communications infrastructure
●    Proven capabilities in aerospace R&D, systems engineering, or missile defense
●    Existing work with FFRDCs or Air Force acquisition programs

TIMELINE & MILESTONES

Stay alert for updates—we’ll keep you posted as the opportunity evolves.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE

FPDSplus is our free GovCon procurement data search and analytics tool. It is FREE to use. Just register for an account and start building charts and graphs!

Top Vendors by Category (via FPDS / FPDSplus)

TOP OTSBs (DOD, last 5 years)

In the past five fiscal years, the Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded substantial contracts under the Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) category. The data shows an extraordinary concentration, with one institution dominating the landscape.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) stands as the overwhelming leader, with more than $3.8 billion in total obligations. This figure vastly exceeds all other vendors combined, making APL the clear centerpiece of DoD’s large-business R&D contracting strategy.

By comparison, the remaining vendors received much smaller awards. Intelligent Automation LLC captured about $80 million, while Accenture Federal Services LLC secured $32 million. Other firms—including River Loop Security LLC, Safran Data Systems Inc., L-3 Applied Technologies Inc., and Syracuse University—received between $900,000 and $2.5 million each. Several additional vendors, such as Earth Science Systems LLC, Unity Technologies SF, and Gallup Government Inc., registered totals below $1 million. This steep drop-off highlights a highly concentrated contracting environment, where Johns Hopkins APL is the dominant player, while all other OTSBs serve niche or supplemental roles in defense research and development.

 Source: FPDS Chart 1: Most successful Vendors within an Agency

TOP VENDORS with $10M to $50M contracts at DOD

Over the past five fiscal years, the Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded significant prime contracts valued between $10 million and $50 million in the field of Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology). The data reveals a clear concentration of obligations among a few dominant firms, with opportunities distributed across a broad set of mid-tier players.

At the very top, The MITRE Corporation stands out with more than $1.14 billion in total obligations, far exceeding all other vendors in this category. Alion Science and Technology Corporation follows with $872 million, while Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. secured $589 million. KBR Wyle Services LLC and Georgia Tech Applied Research Corporation round out the top five with $548 million and $479 million respectively. These organizations dominate the contracting landscape, capturing the bulk of obligations within the $10M–$50M range.

Beyond this top tier, vendors such as Leidos Inc. ($448 million), Parsons Government Services ($232 million), and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems ($201 million) demonstrate strong mid-tier presence. The remainder of the top 20 vendors—including Assured Information Security, Battelle Memorial Institute, Raytheon, Palantir, and Innovative Defense Technologies—secured totals ranging from about $180 million down to $140 million. This distribution underscores a contracting environment where a few firms dominate but a wide field of qualified mid-sized vendors continues to win substantial awards, making them strong candidates for future teaming opportunities.

Source: FPDS Chart 2: Teaming partners based on Agency prime contracts

TOP SB VENDORS at DOD over the last five years

Over the last five fiscal years, the Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded significant obligations in the field of Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) to a group of leading small businesses. At the top of the list is Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation, capturing more than $787 million in total obligations. It is followed by Systems & Technology Research LLC with $649 million and Toyon Research Corporation at $509 million, marking the strongest performers in this sector.

The next tier of top vendors includes Frontier Technology Inc. with $493 million and Technology Service Corp. with $487 million, both demonstrating strong and consistent success. Other notable leaders are Innovative Defense Technologies LLC at $484 million, Assurance Technology Corp. with $387 million, and American Electronic Warfare Associates with $382 million, showing the depth of competition among mid-to-upper tier small business performers.

Beyond these leaders, a wide range of firms secured totals between $200 million and $350 million, including Assured Information Security Inc., CQ JV, AI Solutions Inc., Fibertek Inc., and Physical Sciences Inc. Further down, companies like MP Solutions, Prescient Edge Corporation, Pacmar Technologies, and Arete Associates each captured between $150 million and $200 million. This distribution highlights a competitive DoD contracting landscape where a handful of firms dominate, but numerous specialized small businesses continue to secure substantial awards across advanced research and defense-related services.

Source: FPDS Chart 3: Successful Vendors within an Agency based on contract totals

🔗 Visit FPDSplus Dashboard
Use it to generate charts by agency, NAICS, award size, and more.

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU

At rTurner Consulting, we help GovCon firms win complex technical opportunities. Our services include:

●    Team structuring and subcontractor matchmaking
●    Technical solution development with DoD SMEs
●    Compliance support (DD2345, JWICS POCs)
●    Proposal writing and rapid response coordination

📬 Contact Us | 📞 Schedule a Call | 💬Email Us

RESOURCES & LINKS

●    SAM.gov Opportunity Posting
●    GovWin IQ Opportunity Posting
●    FPDSplus Contract Analysis
●    Contact rTurner Consulting

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