"One thing I can say for certain is that with regards to ideas, the more the better. And if you can look across the broad space ecosystem and pull in as many ideas as possible, regardless of the size of the vendor that's promoting that idea, you're going to be more successful at it putting solid innovative ideas on the plate."
U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, during his confirmation hearing for Chief of Space Operations
SDA Issues Request for Information for Future Optical Communication Waveforms
Posted On: April 4, 2024 Response Date: April 18, 2024
SDA seeks industry feedback on optical communications waveforms, ongoing work with other U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) agencies on datalinks and waveforms, and integrating datalinks and waveforms on future Tranches of the Proliferated Warfighter Defense Architecture (PWSA). This request for information (RFI) includes risk reduction efforts to support low data rate links, and long-range links, specifically space-to-space geometries of low earth orbit (LEO) to medium earth orbit (MEO) (L2M) and LEO to geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) (L2G) ranges.
SDA previously issued the Future Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Optical Communications Waveforms RFI (SDA-SN-24-0005) in November 2023. That RFI described two potential waveform types: low-data-rate pulse position modulation (PPM) and burst mode. Based on industry feedback, SDA selected the burst mode waveform. SDA will be adding two additional waveforms to the next version of the OCT Standard. The OCT Standard version 4.0 will provide the PWSA capability to achieve optical links over longer ranges at the expense of data rate.
Responses to this RFI will specifically inform SDA's Tranche 3 Transport Layer planning beginning in fiscal year 2024 (FY 2024) for subsequent acquisition efforts to be slated to begin in FY 2025.
For more information on this RFI and for proposal submission instructions, please visit the link below. Responses are due by 4:00 pm ET on April 18, 2024.
SDA Issues Solicitation for Tranche 2 Transport Layer- Gamma Variant Space Vehicles
Posted On: March 26, 2024 Response Date: April 30, 2024
SDA seeks industry submissions for the final of three types of Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) space vehicles—T2TL Gamma. This solicitation expands upon the foundation for Tranche 2 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) previously described in the T2TL Alpha and Beta solicitations.
SDA expects to procure approximately 20 T2TL Gamma space vehicles with a payload specifically designed to close future kill chains via the PWSA. The Gamma variant will share certain baseline characteristics with the other T2TL variants (Alpha and Beta) outlined in the solicitation.
T2TL features multiple space vehicle and mission configuration variants procured through a multi-solicitation and multi-vendor acquisition approach. The initial launch capability is scheduled for September 2026.
The T2 Gamma solicitation is comprised of unclassified solicitation documents as well as classified material on technical details of payload development. For information on how to request the classified solicitation documents and for proposal submission instructions, please visit the link below. Responses are due by 12:00 pm ET on April 30, 2024.
Space Development Agency Systems, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities (STEC) Broad Agency Announcement
Posted On: January 18, 2024 Original Date Offers Due: January 15, 2025
Through this updated Systems, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities (STEC) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), SDA is soliciting executive summaries, invited proposal abstracts, and invited proposals for novel architecture concepts, systems, technologies, and capabilities that enable leap-ahead improvements for future tranches of the agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), capability layers, or, that enable new capability layers and missions areas to address other emerging or evolving warfighter needs.
SDA is seeking architecture studies, concepts of operations (CONOPS), modeling and simulation, system designs, key technologies, and/or risk reduction prototypes that are responsive to the following focus areas:
• Efficient Beyond Line-of-Sight Data Transport and Warfighter Communications
• Advanced/Alternate Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT)
• Advanced Target Custody, Warning, Tracking and Defeat
• Global Battle Management
Although not required, SDA strongly encourages submitting an executive summary in advance of a full proposal to ensure interest and potential funding availability. SDA releases an updated STEC BAA on an annual basis. Because SDA strives to always maintain an active BAA with similar focus areas, proposers are discouraged from submitting uninvited full proposals shortly before the BAA proposal due date simply to meet the submission deadline. They should consider instead submitting an executive summary to the subsequent BAA.
For a detailed description and submission instructions, check out the full BAA.
STEC BAA Amendment: Call for Proposals for Studies for On-demand Space Vehicle De-orbit as a Service
Posted On: March 25, 2024 Response Date: May 1, 2024
Under the current Systems, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities (STEC) Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), FA240124S0001, the Space Development Agency (SDA) is issuing this Call for Proposals for engineering studies, analyses, and technical trades to support assisted, on-demand space vehicle de-orbit as a service for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). Potential offerors are encouraged to submit proposals by May 30, 2024.
For a detailed description and submission instructions, check out the updated BAA here: https://sam.gov/opp/5a68efab26d24d5981bfef6ed7e4749d/view
SDA Posts Draft Solicitation Seeking Feedback on PWSA Futures Program (PFP), Ground Segment Integration (PGI)
Posted On: December 20, 2023 Response Date: January 19, 2024
SDA released a DRAFT solicitation for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Futures Program (PFP), Ground Segment Integration (PGI). The draft solicitation provides an opportunity for industry to review and offer feedback in advance of final solicitation posting. The overall goal of the PGI acquisition is to provide a common, enduring ground infrastructure and resources to minimize cost and complexity for PFP space vehicle demonstration and experimentation programs. This acquisition includes all activities required for the development, program management, systems engineering, integration, and operations and maintenance of the PGI.
SDA plans to build a PWSA PFP ground segment to support SDA’s Emerging Capabilities mission. SDA will deliver a ground segment to provide a service for managing shared ground resources; fit-out and manage a government-owned, contractor-operated facility called the Demonstration Operations Center; and provide a structured environment for cloud-based data processing.
The purpose of this draft solicitation is to inform industry of the Government’s requirements and allow industry to provide comments on the solicitation via a comment resolution matrix. View the full draft solicitation at the link for additional details and submission instructions. Industry feedback is requested by noon ET, January 19, 2024.
SDA Issues Draft Solicitation for Tranche 2 Transport Layer- Gamma Variant Space Vehicles
Posted On: December 4, 2023 Response Date: January 19, 2024
SDA seeks industry feedback for the final of three types of Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) space vehicles—T2TL Gamma. This draft solicitation expands upon the foundation for Tranche 2 of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) previously described in the T2TL Alpha and Beta solicitations.
SDA expects to procure approximately 20 T2TL Gamma space vehicles with a payload specifically designed to close future kill chains via the PWSA. The Gamma variant will share certain baseline characteristics with the other T2TL variants (Alpha and Beta) outlined in the solicitation.
T2TL features multiple space vehicle and mission configuration variants procured through a multi-solicitation and multi-vendor acquisition approach. The initial launch capability is scheduled for September 2026.
The T2 Gamma draft solicitation is comprised of unclassified solicitation documents as well as classified material on technical details of payload development.
For information on how to request the classified solicitation documents and for proposal submission instructions, please visit the link below. Responses are due by 5:00 pm ET on January 19, 2024.
SPECIAL NOTICE – SDA to host Tranche 2 Transport Layer- Gamma Industry Day Feb. 7-8, 2024
Registration Opens: January 9, 2024 Registration Closes: January 30, 2024
The Space Development Agency will deliver a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) - level industry presentation ahead of the anticipated Tranche 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) Gamma solicitation. The engagement will occur on Wednesday February 7 and Thursday, February 8 beginning at 9 a.m. ET at SDA’s Tech Center in Chantilly, Virginia.
The presentations will focus on the anticipated T2TL Gamma Other Transaction (OT) solicitation for payload development for space systems to provide fire control solutions. Those interested in attending can get more information and registration instructions at the link below. Registration closes on January 30, 2024.
SDA Issues Solicitation for Fire-control On Orbit-support-to-the-war Fighter (FOO Fighter or F2) Program
Posted On: December 1, 2023 Response Date: January 19, 2024
SDA seeks industry proposals through a solicitation for the Fire-control On Orbit-support-to-the-war Fighter (FOO Fighter or F2) Program.
SDA plans to purchase and deploy eight (8) F2 SVs, with awards to one or two vendors. For more information and to receive proposal submission instructions, please visit the link below. Responses are due by Noon ET on January 19, 2024.
SDA participates in the DoD Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. Starting in October 2021, SDA began leveraging the DoD SBIR 22.4 Annual Program Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) and the DoD STTR 22.D Annual Program BAA. These programs are competitive opportunities to encourage domestic small businesses to engage in research and development with the DoD. SDA will use the SBIR/STTR program to enhance future tranches and to inform the overall architecture of spiral development projects to demonstrate warfighter capability via proliferated low Earth orbit. Through a competitive awards-based program, SDA’s SBIR/STTR efforts will enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provides the incentive to profit from its commercialization. SDA will post updated small business opportunities under the DoD Annual SBIR and STTR BAAs throughout the year as we identify specific technical topics for industry consideration and will consider partnering with other organizations such as DARPA or Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), based on their research interests and the quality of small business proposals. The annual BAAs close Dec. 31, 2022.
The Space Development Agency (SDA) views small businesses as critical contributors to the performance of research and development supporting national security through space and is soliciting small business participation in the advancement of the Proliferated Warfare Space Architecture.
On November 28, SDA announced SDA24-P001 the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Advanced Capability Development Open Topic under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) programs, inviting submissions of innovative research proposals supporting the advancement of the PWSA. We have several focus areas, including developing the optical communication terminal technology, integrating commercial sensing to the Transport Layer, In-space processing, generic BMC3 solutions, cyber, networking, and high performance clocks. Each of these has a team of subject matter experts working at SDA to develop and build the industrial base, and seeking new and innovative technology that will help support the warfighter and their mission.
The topic was posted publicly earlier in November as a preview for interested parties. Full topic descriptions for SDA24-P001 are available on DSIP at https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/login and SDA SBIR instructions and topic descriptions are available under the DOD SBIR 24.4 Annual listing at https://media.defense.gov/2023/Nov/08/2003337722/-1/-1/0/SDA_SBIR_244_R1.PDF.
IMPORTANT DATES:
November 28, 2023: Topic opens, begin submitting proposals in DSIP
December 28, 2023: Topic Q&A closes to new questions at 12:00 p.m. ET
January 10, 2024: Topic closes, full proposals must be submitted in DSIP no later than 12:00 p.m. ET