How to Win the US Space Force MS&A MSCC Contract: A Guide for Potential Bidders

Introduction

The United States Space Force (USSF) is the newest and smallest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, established in 2019 to protect and defend the nation’s interests in space. The USSF operates various space systems and capabilities, such as satellites, launch vehicles, spaceplanes, missile warning systems, and space surveillance networks. To support its mission, the USSF requires modelling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) services for its space and cyberspace capabilities.

Historical Background of the RFP

The USSF issued a request for proposal (RFP) on August 23, 2021, for the MS&A for Space and Cyberspace Capabilities Support Services (MS&A MSCC) contract. The RFP is a follow-on to the previous MS&A contract awarded to Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in 2017, which had a ceiling value of $621 million and a five-year period of performance.

The MS&A MSCC contract is a multiple-award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with a ceiling value of $950 million and a ten-year period of performance. The contract will provide MS&A services to the USSF Headquarters, Space Operations Command, Space Systems Command, Space Training and Readiness Command, and other USSF organizations. The services will include developing, maintaining, and enhancing models and simulations; conducting studies and analyses; providing technical support and training; and performing verification, validation, and accreditation.

RFP Description

The RFP consists of two parts: Part A and Part B. Part A is a self-scoring proposal that evaluates the offerors’ past performance, experience, certifications, clearances, and facilities. Part A has a total of 10,000 possible points, with a minimum threshold of 7,000 points to be eligible for Part B. Part B is a technical proposal that evaluates the offerors’ understanding of the requirements, proposed approach, staffing plan, management plan, quality control plan, transition plan, and innovation plan. Part B also includes an oral presentation and a written sample task order response.

Uniqueness of the Solicitation

The MS&A MSCC contract is unique in several aspects. First, it is one of the first major contracts issued by the USSF since its inception, reflecting its growing needs and priorities in the space domain. Second, it is a self-scoring proposal that allows the offerors to demonstrate their qualifications and capabilities based on objective criteria. Third, it is a multiple-award contract that encourages competition and collaboration among the awardees to deliver high-quality MS&A services to the USSF. Fourth, it is a long-term contract that offers stability and continuity for both the USSF and the contractors.

Who should Participate?

The MS&A MSCC contract is open to any company that can meet the minimum requirements and provide MS&A services to the USSF. However, some factors that may increase the chances of winning are:

  • Having relevant past performance and experience in providing MS&A services to the USSF or other Department of Defense (DoD) customers
  • Having access to classified information and facilities at the Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) level
  • Having certifications in various MS&A tools and standards
  • Having qualified personnel with expertise in space and cyberspace domains
  • Having innovative ideas and solutions to enhance the USSF’s MS&A capabilities.

Challenges

The MS&A MSCC contract also poses some challenges for potential bidders. Some of these are:

  • Preparing a comprehensive and accurate self-scoring proposal that maximizes the points.
  • Developing a technical proposal that demonstrates a clear understanding of the requirements and a feasible approach.
  • Delivering an oral presentation that showcases the offerors’ strengths and differentiators.
  • Responding to a sample task order that reflects the complexity and diversity of the MS&A services.
  • Competing with other qualified offerors that have similar or better qualifications and capabilities.

If you are interested in bidding for the MS&A MSCC contract and want to increase your chances of winning, contact GDI Consulting today.