RATO (Rocket Assisted Take Off) Motor and Initiator

AMEND 4: This amendment is to make publicly known the following information for industry consideration. Due to mission criticality of the requirement schedule it is the governments intent to include the following requirement(s) necessary to be considered as a capable and qualified source for contract award.

1. Contractors are required to be qualified per the JQR requirements (Attached) by the time of award. If a contractor is not qualified by the time of award, they will not be considered. the current estimated schedule to become qualified is 180-365 days.

2. Contractors are required to be flight certified (have an air worthiness certification) for their proposed design by the time of contract award. The current estimated schedule for air worthiness certification is 2-4 years. Any questions or comments may be directed to the Listed POC:

Jesse.whinham@us.af.mil AMEND 3: Updated the JQR Qualification process QandA supplemnt to add questions 7-11. These are in regards to the JQR requirements.

AMEND 2: Updated the JQR Qualification Process QandA supplement to add Questions 4-6. These are in regards to the JQR Qualification and what constitutes a similar Item. Please note that the performance specifications referenced are protected under Distribution D and is only authorized to be distributed to the department of defence (DOD) and DOD contractors only. All interested parties will need to request a copy from the Point of Contact listed to ensure there are no restictions against them.

Prospective Offerors are advised that foreign participation is permitted at the prim contractor level. Foreign owned firms are advised to contact the contracting officer before submitting any proposal information to determine whether there are restrictions on receiving an award or the Performance Specification Documents.

AMEND 1: This Synopsis has been extended through 17 January 2025. Additional information regarding the JQR qualification process has been provided. See attached documents: JQR Qualification Process Q&A supplement.pdf Contractor Feedback and Government Response (002).docx DI-NDTI-81307A DI-NDTI-80809B If there are still additional questions regarding the JQR process, please reach out to the PCO listed in the contact section of this Synopsis.

This is the official synopsis for RATO Solicitation: FA821325RB005 All responsible sources may submit a proposal which shall be considered by the agency. This acquisition is to establish a five (5) – year indefinite delivery – indefinite quantity (IDIQ) firm-fixed price (FFP) contract. This IDIQ will consist of five (5) – one year ordering periods. The United States Government (USG) intends to procure Rocket Assisted Take-Off (RATO) rocket motors and initiators.

These rockets are used to launch a remotely piloted target drone called the BQM-167 aerial target drone. The USG reserves the right to not issue a solicitation in response to this Synopsis. Interested parties with questions may reach out to the Primary Contracting Officer as listed below. The JQR documents describing the required process needed to become qualified (as a requirement to be considered a technically acceptable source for award) are listed in the attachments below.