FA252124C0013
Definitive Contract
Overview
Government Description
Strategic funds increase (STRATFI) project for Space Mobility and Logistics (SML) technology using starfish space otter spacecraft to improve maneuverability on-orbit and enable dynamic space operations docking and maneuvering DOD assets on-orbit by 2026. The project involves the demonstration of the commercial starfish space otter spacecraft to enhance on-orbit maneuverability and support dynamic space operations for Department of Defense assets, with work being performed at tukila, Washington, and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
Awardee
Awarding Agency
Funding Agency
PSC
Place of Performance
Canaveral Air Station, FL 32925 United States
Pricing
Fixed Price
Set Aside
Small Business Set Aside - Total (SBA)
Extent Competed
Full And Open Competition After Exclusion Of Sources
Est. Average FTE
57
Related Opportunity
None
Starfish Space was awarded
Definitive Contract FA252124C0013 (FA2521-24-C-0013)
for STRATFI Project for SML Tech with Starfish Otter Spacecraft
worth up to $47,499,923
by Launch Enterprise Directorate
in July 2024.
The contract
has a duration of 4 years and
was awarded
with a Small Business Total set aside
with
NAICS 541715 and
PSC AC13
via direct negotiation acquisition procedures with 1 bid received.
As of today, the Definitive Contract has a total reported backlog of $21,800,146.
DOD Announcements
May 2024:
Starfish Space Inc., Tukila, Washington, was awarded a $37,499,938 firm-fixed-price contract for the Starfish Otter Demonstration Award project. This contract provides for a strategic funds increase project for space mobility and logistics technology using a commercial Starfish Space Otter spacecraft to improve maneuverability on-orbit and enable dynamic space operations docking and maneuvering of Department of Defense assets on-orbit by 2026. Work will be performed at Tukila, Washington; and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, and is expected to be completed by June 30, 2028. This contract was a competitive acquisition, and one offer was received. Fiscal 2023 research, development, test, and evaluation funds in the amount of $1,099,786 are being obligated at time of award. The 45th Contracting Squadron, Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, is the contracting activity (FA2521-24-C-0013).
SBIR Details
Research Type
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) Phase II
Title
Starfish Space STRATFI
Abstract
Starfish Space is developing Otter, an ESPA-class vehicle capable of autonomous rendezvous, proximity operations, and docking (RPOD) and conjoined maneuver of assets in all orbits. Otter utilizes Starfish's core proprietary technology to unlock affordable, available satellite servicing. These technologies, CEPHALOPOD (guidance and control software), CETACEAN (navigation software), Nautilus (docking mechanism), and Manta (articulating boom for thrust and communications), enables Otter to dock with and service unprepared clients, meaning clients do not need to install any hardware such as a docking plate or fiducial marker. In this effort, Starfish will collaborate with DOD stakeholders to qualify the commercial Otter design for DAF missions, develop the CONOPS for a particular mission, and ultimately conduct that mission to provide operational value for the DOD. Through the STRATFI's private and Government matching commitments, the Space Force achieves 4:1 leverage on its investment to signal the importance of Servicing, Mobility, and Logistics (SML) and provide such capabilities at a low cost relative to the value and timeline of delivery. With substantial private and government funding commitments under the STRATFI dual-use matching guidelines, Starfish will build, launch, and provide approximately two years of on-orbit operations with an Otter vehicle over a four-year STRATFI effort. The first two years of the effort will consist of the (1) mission design (2) vehicle build, assembly, integration, and test and (3) vehicle launch to GEO, leaving another two years for the Otter to commission and perform on-orbit operations. It is also expected that there will remain some residual capability beyond the STRATFI period of performance. Leaders in SSC/AATS, SSC/COMSO, SSC/SZI, and Space RCO have expressed interest in utilizing this residual capability.
Research Objective
The goal of phase II is to continue the R&D efforts initiated in Phase I. Funding is based on the results achieved in Phase I and the scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of the project proposed in Phase II.
Topic Code
AF211-CSO1
Agency Tracking Number
FX211-CSO1-1069
Solicitation Number
X21.1
Contact
Afwerx Afwerx
Status
(Open)
Last Modified 7/17/25
Period of Performance
7/1/24
Start Date
6/30/26
Current End Date
6/30/28
Potential End Date
Obligations and Backlog
$25.7M
Total Obligated
$25.7M
Current Award
$47.5M
Potential Award
$0.0
Funded Backlog
$21.8M
Total Backlog
Award Hierarchy
Definitive Contract
FA252124C0013
Subcontracts
Activity Timeline
Transaction History
Modifications to FA252124C0013
People
Suggested agency contacts for FA252124C0013
Competition
Number of Bidders
1
Solicitation Procedures
Negotiated Proposal/Quote
Evaluated Preference
None
Performance Based Acquisition
Yes
Commercial Item Acquisition
Commercial Item
Simplified Procedures for Commercial Items
No
Other Categorizations
Subcontracting Plan
Plan Not Required
Cost Accounting Standards
Exempt
Business Size Determination
Small Business
Defense Program
None
DoD Claimant Code
None
IT Commercial Item Category
Not Applicable
Awardee UEI
QM7PN38M94U7
Awardee CAGE
8F8Q5
Agency Detail
Awarding Office
FA2521 FA2521 45 CONS PK
Funding Office
F2TS2A
Created By
rasnizi.cobb@us.af.mil
Last Modified By
rasnizi.cobb@us.af.mil
Approved By
rasnizi.cobb@us.af.mil
Legislative
Legislative Mandates
Labor Standards
Performance District
FL-08
Senators
Marco Rubio
Rick Scott
Rick Scott
Representative
Bill Posey
Modified: 7/17/25