The Space Test Program (STP) office officially released the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Space Test Experiments Platform (STEP) 2.0 contract, paving the way for STP to procure “cradle-to-grave” solutions for the US Space Force’s Science & Technology (S&T) experiments.
Under the purview of Space Systems Command (SSC), STP plays a crucial role in facilitating experimental payload access to the space domain. Working in collaboration with government agencies, industry, and academia, the program aims to demonstrate promising technologies to aid the warfighter. By leveraging commercially developed spacecrafts and fostering industry partnerships, STEP 2.0 aims to accelerate the development of cutting-edge space technologies over the next decade for the Department of Defense and their mission partners.
“The DoD Space Test Program is looking to leverage all the successes from industry to provide proven spacecraft to host the DoD’s next generation of space technologies.” said Lt. Col. Brian Shimek, STP director.
STEP 2.0 will establish a 10-year multi-award Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (ID/IQ) to fill the existing spacecraft procurement gap within STP. STEP 2.0 is planning on the first Delivery Order (DO) to begin in September 2024. The RFP was released on 15 May 24, with proposals due by mid-June, and expected award by end of July 2024. For more information on the STEP 2.0 contract effort and the RFP, visit SAM.gov (SAM RFP Link).
The DoD Space Test Program (STP) is a critical component of national security, providing mission design, spacecraft acquisition, integration, launch, and operations support to facilitate experimental payload access to the space domain. Established in 1965, the STP has executed over 300 missions and continues to play a pivotal role in advancing scientific knowledge and capability in the space domain.