The New Mexico Spaceport Authority is seeking an architect to outline what it would take to design and build a new multi-use hub at Spaceport America.
Called the Spaceport Technology and Reception Center, or STARC, the project is scheduled to be completed in late 2024, according to the request for proposals released on Feb. 9.
The deadline to submit proposals is 3 p.m. on March 16. A single firm will receive the bid, according to the New Mexico Spaceport Authority, which is the state-run body that oversees the 18,000-acre aerospace facility in Southern New Mexico near Truth or Consequences.
Once selected, the architecture firm would create procurement and requirements documentation that would help the Spaceport Authority solicit a design-build team at a later date.A timeline shows the Spaceport Authority plans to solicit a design and build team in mid-April. The chosen firm would also provide quality assurance support services throughout the design, construction and close-out of the STARC project, according to the RFP.
Belinda Benavidez, the chief procurement officer for Spaceport America, will act as the procurement manager.
Plans call for the STARC to sit near the Spaceport's entrance and offer space for visitors to safely watch flights, tenants and other customers to run mission control or room for investor meetings. The design, according to the proposal, should "balance visuals with exterior finishes that resemble the local landscape while creating distinctive architecture that capture the bold and innovative spirit of Spaceport America."
The project is one of multiple infrastructure upgrades currently planned or underway at the Spaceport that aim to attract more customers.
"Activity at Spaceport America has been increasing for the last several years, and there is a need for a multi-use building outside of our secured airfield," Spaceport America's Executive Director, Scott McLaughlin, said in Feb. 13 email to Albuquerque Business First. "The new facility will help generate revenue and attract new customers to the spaceport."
Including its anchor tenant, Virgin Galactic (NYSE: SPCE), Spaceport America currently has six tenants: AeroVironment, UP Aerospace, HAPS Mobile, SpinLaunch and an undisclosed UAV company. The Spaceport has discussed potential leases with around 20 other companies, its Public Information Officer, Alice Carruth, previously told Business First. It's unclear if those discussion to lead to any new tenants.
The Spaceport Authority's annual report for the fiscal year 2022, released on Nov. 21, shows that the Spaceport had total program revenues of around $7.5 million and total program expenses of just over $15 million. An August Spaceport Authority presentation showed the Spaceport has budgeted about $6.9 million in operating revenue for the fiscal year 2023. However, McLaughlin previously told Business First that he expects that revenue to be higher.
