Air Force preparing to release final RFP for GBSD technology maturation

The Air Force is preparing to release a technology-maturation and risk-reduction contract request for proposals this month for its Ground Based Strategic Deterrent System, according to a May 19 Federal Business Opportunities notice.

The Air Force expects to award up to two cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts for the TMRR phase of intercontinental ballistic missile recapitalization, the notice states. Following the solicitation release this May, the service expects to award in fiscal year 2017. The Air Force has already released its fourth draft RFP.

The GBSD will replace the infrastructure of the Minuteman III ICBM, including its entire flight system, weapon system and command-and-control infrastructure. The Air Force is looking to renovate the existing launch control centers and reach initial operational capability by 2027. The service could award a contract for the entire recapitalization effort as soon as summer of 2017.

As part of its technology-maturation and risk-reduction draft RFP, the Air Force asked industry to explore a mobile basing option for the GBSD System, Inside the Air Force reported in April. The design features and total cost to support the modular GBSD will be evaluated during the TMRR phase, Air Force spokesman Maj. Rob Leese told ITAF March 4.