NASA has awarded a contract to ARES Technical Services Corporation of McLean, Virginia, to support launch range operations at the agency’s Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore
The Wallops Range Contract strengthens NASA’s ability to conduct a wide range of launch and flight activities from one of its most versatile spaceports.
The new Wallops Range Contract has a total potential value of up to $ 339.8 million. It includes a one-year base period scheduled to begin Feb. 10, followed by four one-year option periods. If all options are exercised, the contract would extend through 2031.
Supporting a diverse launch portfolio
Wallops Flight Facility plays a critical role in NASA’s missions, supporting both orbital and suborbital launches as well as airborne and balloon-based research. Under this contract, ARES will provide comprehensive launch-range operations support to ensure these missions are conducted safely, reliably, and efficiently.
The work covers essential services, including radar and telemetry operations, tracking systems, communications infrastructure, and logistics support. These capabilities are required for a wide array of flight vehicles, including rockets, research aircraft, satellites, scientific balloons, and unmanned aerial systems.
By supporting this diverse mix of platforms, the contract helps maintain Wallops as a flexible launch and test site for government, commercial, and academic users.
Contract structure and flexibility
The Wallops Range Contract is structured to provide NASA with operational flexibility over the coming years. It includes a cost-plus-fixed-fee core component along with an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity element. This approach allows NASA to issue individual task orders as mission needs evolve.
Task orders under the contract may be awarded on either a cost-plus-fixed-fee or firm-fixed-price basis, depending on the nature and complexity of the work. This structure supports both long-term sustainment activities and shorter, mission-specific requirements.
Technology, systems, and engineering services
ARES will also support a wide range of technical and engineering functions. These include information technology and computer systems services that are essential for modern launch operations.
The company will also be responsible for testing, modifying, and installing communications and electronic systems across Wallops’ infrastructure. This work spans launch pads, launch control centres, and specialised test facilities, helping ensure that systems remain reliable and ready for upcoming missions.
The contract also includes sustainment engineering services for range technology. These efforts focus on maintaining and upgrading existing capabilities so that Wallops can continue to meet future mission demands.
Work locations and impact
While most of the work will take place at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, the contract also supports activities at other locations. These include the agency’s Bermuda Tracking Station, the Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska, and various temporary duty sites as required.
By maintaining and enhancing these interconnected range assets, the contract supports NASA’s broader science, exploration, and aeronautics goals. The award reflects continued investment in the infrastructure and expertise needed to enable safe and successful missions, while reinforcing Wallops Flight Facility’s role as a key hub for current and future aerospace activities.
