Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company Blue Origin has won a protest challenging the existing structure of the US Air Force’s military space launch procurement process.

The US Government Accountability Office (GAO) sustained a protest filed by Blue Origin in August contending that the current rules in the ongoing National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement competition are flawed.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

The main contention was that the terms of the request for proposals (RFP) do not allow for a level playing field and favour the incumbents, United Launch Alliance (ULA) and SpaceX.

The USAF is expected to downselect two firms next year. Four companies, including Northrop Grumman, Blue Origin, SpaceX and ULA are vying for the contracts expected to be worth billions of dollars.

The winners will be responsible for around 34 defence satellite launches between 2022 and 2027.

In a statement, the GAO said: “GAO sustained the protest, finding that the RFP’s basis for award is inconsistent with applicable procurement law and regulation, and otherwise unreasonable.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

“According to the RFP, the government will make the two awards by deciding which combination of two independently developed proposals offers the best value to the government.

“This methodology, as described by the agency, however, does not provide a reasonable, common basis on which offerors will be expected to compete and have their proposals evaluated. GAO recommends that the agency amend the solicitation.”

Blue Origin CEO Bob Smith was quoted by media sources as saying: “This is an important mission to Blue Origin, and we remain committed to our long-term partnership with the Air Force and to working with them as they address the GAO’s recommendations.”

However, GAO did not sustain complaints related to other provisions of the solicitation.

Meanwhile, the airforce stated that it is reviewing the findings of GAO.