Space Force announces virtual industry day for STEP 2.0

The Space Force will hold a virtual industry day on Oct. 25 and 26 to gather industry input on spacecraft acquisition for technological and scientific experiments, according to a notice posted by the service today.

The industry day will be hosted by the Innovation and Prototyping Acquisition Delta at Kirtland Air Force Base, NM, for an initiative spearheaded by the Space Test Program. Called the Space Test Experiments Platform 2.0, the program will procure spacecraft for experimentation, the notice states.

STEP 2.0 is anticipated to be an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity multiple award contract, according to the notice, and will utilize “cascading set-asides to support the spacecraft needs of the STP office.” Vendors will be required to construct the spacecraft, provide payload and launch vehicle integration and a minimum of 365 days of on-orbit support.

Officials plan to issue a draft request for proposals on or around Oct. 11, according to the notice, which will include instructions for the industry day.