The Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) initiative by the Space Systems Command aims to ensure that U.S. Space Force (USSF) has guaranteed access to critical commercial space capabilities during crises or conflicts. The framework is designed to pre-establish requirements, contracts, and operational plans, thus eliminating delays when emergencies arise. Key components include developing Concept of Operations (CONOPS), addressing regulatory and legal policies, enhancing interoperability, and ensuring cybersecurity and cost-effectiveness. The CASR program also emphasizes building partnerships with the commercial sector to integrate satellite communications and space domain awareness into national security initiatives. Future milestones stretch from 2023 through 2025, focusing on training, threat sharing, and pilot contracts, with a goal for initial operational capability by FY26. By leveraging commercial capabilities, the USSF seeks to enhance resilience and response efficiency in military operations while creating financial incentives for industry collaboration. The CASR framework highlights the importance of a structured approach to integrating commercial solutions into defense strategies, fostering innovation, and ensuring preparedness for potential conflicts.

The U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command developed a readiness plan for the Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) to enhance the nation's ability to deploy critical commercial space capabilities during national security emergencies. This framework evaluates partner companies based on several readiness assessment categories including mission requirements fit, corporate strategy, financial health, supply chain resilience, cybersecurity practices, safety compliance, and participation in exercises. Each company undergoes a rigorous assessment that combines self-disclosed information with an independent verification process. The readiness score is calculated using a weighted rubric, with scores determining a company’s readiness status: those with scores equal to or above 84 are considered ready, while scores below this threshold indicate unpreparedness. The plan highlights the importance of industry feedback and continuous monitoring to adapt to evolving risks in the supply chain and readiness capabilities, ensuring alignment with the strategic objectives of the Space Force. Overall, the CASR initiative aims to strengthen partnerships between commercial entities and the government, ensuring rapid access to essential space services during crises while maintaining operational readiness across various conflict scenarios.

The Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) Incentive Strategy is a draft initiative designed to foster collaboration between industry and the Department of Defense (DoD) for space-related capabilities during peacetime and conflict. CASR aims to secure participation from commercial entities through various incentives, such as Research, Development, Testing, and Engineering (RDT&E) funding, access to wargaming and military exercises, and preferential treatment in contract awards. The initiative emphasizes a strategic partnership that encourages industry innovation and aligns commercial solutions with military needs. By providing financial support and streamlined processes, CASR enhances industry readiness and responsiveness in crisis situations, facilitating the integration of commercial capabilities into DoD operations. The program is open to various companies, including startups and traditional defense contractors, aiming to cultivate an ecosystem that supports national security objectives through the effective use of commercial technologies. The forthcoming CASR Reverse Industry Day is intended to refine the program based on industry feedback, ensuring mutual benefits to both the DoD and participating commercial firms.

The Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve (CASR) H Clauses document outlines approaches for engaging industry partners during CASR initiatives, emphasizing the potential for increasing commercial surge support in response to government needs. The government may require surge support during the contract period, allowing for pre-negotiated services to expand capacity without exceeding a predetermined percentage of the contract value. In times of significant emergencies or conflicts, full CASR execution support may be invoked, granting the government priority access to commercial resources while restricting service to vendor customers in affected areas. The document presents several alternatives for executing this support, which empowers the government to modify contracts unilaterally as required, ensuring swift access to commercial capabilities without monetary limits. Overall, the CASR framework aims to maintain optimal readiness and responsiveness during national emergencies through well-defined contractual relationships with commercial partners, ensuring resources are effectively allocated based on governmental directives.