The U.S. Air Force formally requested bids July 15 for the first competitively awarded contract under its main satellite launching program since 2006, a step that coincided with the latest congressional push to expand the number of Pentagon missions being put up for grabs. The first of the competitively awarded Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle missions would be conducted on behalf of the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, which operates the nation's spy satellites, according to a notice posted on the Federal Business Opportunities procurement website. Proposals are due Aug. 14 for the mission, dubbed NROL-79, the notice said. The launch could take place at Cape Canaveral Air Station in Florida or at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
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