The Air Force is soliciting bids from industry to help maintain its inventory of retired ICBM solid rocket motors, according to a March 26 draft request for proposals (RFP) posted on Federal Business Opportunities.

The Air Force specifically defines mission assurance in Launch Services Mission Assurance (LSMA) as services that include sustainment engineering and independent verification and validation functions in all relevant engineering disciplines. These may include control systems, aerodynamics, aerothermal modeling, structural analysis, propulsion systems (solid, liquid and hybrid) and electrical and software engineering, according to a performance-based work statement. These mission assurance services are part of the Air Force’s Rocket Systems Launch Program (RSLP), which has a mission of maintaining the inventory of retired ICBM solid rocket motors in flight-worthy condition.

Mission assurance also includes technical direction and oversight functions during aging surveillance activities, motor refurbishment, booster build and system integration. It also includes performing technical analysis for decision support, conducting trade studies, modeling and simulation of flight operations, technology development to provide new mission capabilities and mission feasibility assessments. Mission assurance also includes the design, or building, of one-of-a-kind hardware, such as radar cross section stinger mounts, adaptations to government-owned handling equipment and flight hardware and other test-unique items.

The Air Force anticipates a single contract awarded in a competitive source selection. L-3 Communications [LLL] spokeswoman Jennifer Barton said yesterday while L-3 Coleman Aerospace, a division of L-3, is focusing on other efforts, it would be potentially interested in LSMA as an industry team member.

RSLP is composed of both a sustainment program to store and maintain readiness of the Excess Ballistic Missile (XBM) fleet and a reimbursable program to provide launch services and systems for government customers. RSLP provides excess ballistic missiles, commercial solid and liquid-based propulsion launch vehicles, space vehicle integration, launch mission planning and launch services. RSLP currently maintains control of the deactivated Minuteman II/III and Peacekeeper XBMs and other ballistic assets and provides services in storage, refurbishment, transportation and handling and logistics services.

Industry days are scheduled for April 15-16 at Kirtland AFB, N.M.