Release courtesy of Spaceport America
Rick Homans
LAS CRUCES, NM — The New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA) has issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for the day-to-day operations of Spaceport America, announced Rick Homans, Executive Director of the NMSA.
“Issuing these RFPs represents another major milestone on the path toward serving commercial spaceflight companies at Spaceport America,” Homans said. “The companies that win these awards will be on the front lines as we establish day-to-day operations for our launch customers.”
The RFPs cover three distinct areas of operations: General Services (including but not limited to operations and maintenance of facilities); Protective Services (including but not limited to site security and safety and environmental and health management); and Technical Services (including but not limited to airfield and launch support, IT management, airspace management and flight safety engineering).
Mandatory pre-proposal meetings and visits to Spaceport America have been scheduled on December 1 and 2 for each of the three RFPs. For complete details, the RFPs are available for download under the “Proposals” tab at www.spaceportamerica.com.
The New Mexico Spaceport Authority has also established an online business registry so local businesses can post contact information and the level and type of experience they offer. Through the registry, larger companies can identify potential sub-contractors and suppliers with the capability to provide specific goods and/or services.
Regional economic development groups, including the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance and Sierra County Economic Development Organization, have scheduled two regional industry events to bring registered companies together in one place so they can network face-to-face and explore partnership arrangements.
LAS CRUCES:
Industry Day Event
Wednesday, Dec. 1 – 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
680 E. University Ave., Las Cruces
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES:
Industry Day Event
Thursday, Dec. 2 – 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Sierra County Event Center
2953 S. Broadway, Truth or Consequences
“We want to do everything possible to ensure that local businesses participate in the opportunities created by Spaceport America,” said Homans. “We appreciate the support provided by the regional economic development organizations to ensure that we maximize local involvement.”
Spaceport America has been providing commercial launch services since 2006. The state-of-the-art launch facility is under construction near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, and is expected to become fully operational in 2011. Officials at Spaceport America have been working closely with their anchor tenant Virgin Galactic and other leading aerospace firms such as Lockheed Martin, Moog-FTS, Armadillo Aerospace, and UP Aerospace to develop commercial spaceflight at the new facility. The economic impact of launches, tourism and new construction at Spaceport America are delivering on its promise to the people of New Mexico.