Applying Responsive Space Contracting to Missile Warning Acquisitions

This paper compares source selection procedures using program research & development announcement (PRDA) guidelines versus procedures used under federal acquisitions regulation (FAR) 15 best value contracting. We intend to demonstrate that the judicious use of PRDA and broad agency announcement (BAA) techniques allow for rapid prototyping and greater risk reduction when compared to the traditional approach of purchasing major systems in their entirety before critical technologies have reached acceptable technology readiness levels (TRL). This paper will outline the advantages of PRDA and BAA contracting when initiating new systems development by using the alternative infrared satellite system (AIRSS) as a case study. We believe that contracting applications in the broader space acquisitions arena could benefit by the use of the PRDA approach. This paper focuses on advantages in the areas of schedule, programmatic risk reduction, and early vetting of innovative system concept definitions. We will also discuss our belief that the lowering of technology readiness level(s) (TRLs) should be explored by broad agency announcements (BAA), which uses essentially the same procedure as the PRDA.