Space News by Sandra Erwin — June 16, 2019
Smith so far has not been happy with the Air Force’s response to his concerns about the launch program. The House Armed Services Committee last week passed legislation that Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) believes will help commercial rocket companies compete on a more level playing field against established military contractors.
The language does not go as far as Smith wanted, but he will continue to push for change, a committee staffer told SpaceNews. A key concern for Smith is making sure the Air Force opens the market to more competitors, the staffer said. Smith also has asserted that he will not interfere with the ongoing National Security Space Launch Phase 2 Launch Service Procurement competition.
The provisions that made it into the committee’s version of the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act direct the Air Force to create opportunities for new entrants to compete in the NSSL program, and requires that the Air Force set aside $500 million to help a company that wins a Phase 2 contract but does not receive subsidies under the Launch Service Agreement program.
Smith had to compromise on other items that SpaceX and Blue Origin wanted in the bill but were opposed by United Launch Alliance and Northrop Grumman, and the language was watered down some to ensure passage.
More:
https://spacenews.com/smith-to-continue-to-press-for-change-in-national-security-space-launch-program/
