The memorandum from the Department of the Air Force discusses the procurement process for the Advisory Support and Technical Requirement Administration (ASTRA) project. The government confirms that the project will be a partial small business set-aside, awarded as a multiple award IDIQ under NAICS 541330, with a five-year performance period and a total estimated ceiling value of $480 million. Currently, the government is in the market research phase and has not yet released a solicitation; interested contractors are advised to monitor SAM.gov for updates. Although the follow-on contract will succeed the current one held by Riverside Research, which ends in Q3 or Q4 of FY2027, there is an anticipated award timeframe in 2025. The memorandum provides clarity on key elements of the procurement process, reinforcing the government’s engagement with industry stakeholders while navigating the complexities of the solicitation timeline.

The Department of the Air Force is extending the response deadline for the ASTRA Sources Sought Posting to 1400ET on December 4, 2024. This memorandum, addressed to interested contractors, indicates the government’s intention to gather information from various entities regarding technical requirements for advisory support. The extension of the response due date suggests the government seeks greater participant input in the procurement process, ensuring a competitive and comprehensive approach to fulfilling its needs. The memorandum does not provide specific details regarding the subject effort but is part of standard protocols in the solicitation and procurement cycle, reflecting the government’s commitment to engaging with potential contractors in its operational planning.

The Department of the Air Force, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), issued a memorandum on December 17, 2024, addressing inquiries from contractors regarding the Advisory Support and Technical Requirement Administration (ASTRA) initiative. The government has confirmed that further details regarding the current contract, including the existence of any incumbents, can be found in a referenced document. It is highlighted that the procurement process is currently in the market research phase and interested contractors are encouraged to monitor sam.gov for updates about the Request for Proposal (RFP) release timeline. This memorandum serves to clarify contractor questions while facilitating transparency in the bidding process for the ASTRA initiative, reinforcing the government's commitment to engage with the industry effectively.

The Department of the Air Force, through the National Air & Space Intelligence Center, is organizing an Industry Day where companies can send up to four individuals with Secret Collateral Clearances. Participants will engage in 45-minute one-on-one sessions commencing with introductions and receiving feedback on Requests for Information (RFI) from the Government. The feedback will focus solely on the company’s submissions, without competitor discussions. Written notes during the session are permitted but must adhere to security regulations; however, no hard copies of the RFI results will be distributed. Companies may clarify RFI-related questions but cannot contest evaluation outcomes. The Government will not pre-distribute questions, and all pertinent inquiries will be later posted publicly on sam.gov, maintaining anonymity for the query sources. Schedule notifications for the sessions will be communicated by a Government representative by 10:00 AM EST on February 28, 2025. This initiative aims to facilitate clear communication and feedback on the RFI process in a structured and secure environment, ultimately fostering industry collaboration in defense-related procurements.

The Department of the Air Force will hold an Industry Day on March 3, 2025, at the National Air & Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) to discuss the Advisory Support and Technical Requirement Administration (ASTRA) requirement. This event, part of ongoing market research, is designed to engage with contractors and gather insights to support future acquisition strategies. Interested companies must register by February 26, 2025, and can bring up to four Secret Collateral Cleared representatives. One-on-one sessions will follow the main meeting for tailored discussions about each company’s qualifications. Participation is open even if the company did not respond to a previous Request for Information (RFI). It's important to note that this Industry Day is not a solicitation or invitation to bid, and the government will not reimburse participants for costs. Companies should submit feedback or questions to designated contacts by the specified deadline. Overall, the Industry Day aims to facilitate communication between the government and industry, assisting in refining the requirements before any potential future solicitations.

The Department of the Air Force, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, has issued a memorandum to interested contractors regarding the status of the Advisory Support and Technical Requirement Administration (ASTRA). As of February 6, 2025, the government is currently in the market research phase for this requirement. They emphasize that updates will be provided as developments occur. This memorandum indicates a preliminary stage in the procurement process, where the government seeks to gather information before moving toward a formal request for proposals (RFP) or further procurement actions. Contractors are expected to remain engaged and informed about forthcoming details concerning ASTRA.

The ASTRA NASIC A&AS Support Sources Sought document is a request for market research to identify potential contractors with the expertise to fulfill advisory and assistance services for the National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) at Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. The focus is on supporting NASIC's requirements as outlined in the attached draft Performance Work Statement (PWS). The government seeks responses from both large and small businesses, particularly encouraging small businesses to detail their capabilities regarding the requirements listed in the draft PWS. Key points include the anticipated structure of a Multi-Award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract with a five-year ordering period, an estimated ceiling of $480 million, and a firm-fixed-price or cost-plus-fixed-fee contract type. The document specifies the type of experience required, including knowledge in areas such as Electro-Optical technologies, data science, AI, program management, and security clearances. Interested companies must provide detailed capability documentation and adhere to strict requirements to ensure compliance with federal acquisition regulations. The submission deadline for market engagement responses is 29 November 2024.

The National Air and Space Intelligence Center (NASIC) seeks Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) for research, development, and sustainment of hardware, systems, and software for U.S. Air Force and Department of Defense operations. The Scope of Work encompasses various missions including air, space, cyberspace, missile, and forces, requiring geospatial, measurement and signature, signals, human, open-source, and technical intelligence analysis. The contractor must provide independent support in project and task management, technical support for intelligence production, and conduct modeling, simulation, and independent verification. Key personnel will require Top Secret clearance, and the contractor must adhere to security protocols including protection of sensitive information and compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Work will primarily take place at Wright-Patterson AFB and may include CONUS and OCONUS travel. Quality management will be essential, with periodic performance reviews ensuring adherence to established performance standards. The five-year Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract structure allows for task orders to define specific requirements and schedules.

The ASTRA Industry Days, scheduled from March 3 to March 6, 2025, aims to facilitate discussions between government entities and various companies. The event includes a structured daily schedule featuring briefings from government representatives (A8C/PZ, GS, GX, and A4/6) and company presentations from multiple organizations. Each day begins with a preparation period for participants to check in and ends with open discussions and team dismissals. Attendees will have opportunities to engage with 25 different companies that present their capabilities and offerings, interspersed with breaks and dedicated time for Q&A sessions. The overarching purpose is to foster collaboration and communication between industry and government, likely linked to upcoming federal and state RFPs and grants. The event serves as a platform for acquiring insights from industry leaders, which could inform future government contracts and initiatives. Overall, ASTRA Industry Days is a significant event designed to promote strategic partnerships between the federal system and the private sector within the context of procurement and funding opportunities.