The Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO) was established via the FY18 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), with subsequent authorities defined in the FY19 NDAA. The SpRCO is rapidly developing and fielding critical space capabilities for the space enterprise.
SpRCO was created in response to the National Defense Strategy which called for improvements to defense acquisition. Consistent with current law mandating an independent command and reporting structure, the SpRCO reports to the Chief of Space Operations, (CSO) through the Secretary of the Air Force via their Board of Directors.
Mission: The SpRCO mission is to develop and deliver operationally dominant space capabilities at the speed of warfighting relevance. We expedite delivery and deployment of space capabilities in response to the Commander, US Space Command (USSPACECOM) requirements.
Requirements: SpRCO requirements are driven by critical Combatant Commander and Enterprise space needs required to allow them to fulfill their joint, military operational needs for national defense.
Organization: We are a small, streamlined organization with dedicated, organic acquisition support functions: contracting, financial management, HR, security, program management and technical engineering support that are critical in enabling the rapid response required for unique missions.
Governing Principles: The key governing principles for SpRCO are based on proven acquisition principles: - Short and narrow chain of command - Maximized in-house decision-making authorities - Small integrated program office teams - Stable funding & requirements - Minimized bureaucracy - Early & prominent warfighter involvement - Organic functional support and authorities
Board of Directors:
- Secretary of the Air Force, Chair
- Chief of Space Operations
- Commander of US Space Command
- Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics
- Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition & Services
- Undersecretary of Defense for Research & Engineering
Locations: SpRCO is headquartered at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM with additional staff located in Washington DC and Colorado Springs, CO
“Risk has to be pushed down if you’re going to go fast...If you want to see a [Program Manager] go fast, all you have to do is give them the authority and responsibility.” -Gen John Hyten, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff