SDA Issues Special Notice to Industry for National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) Systems, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities (STEC) Broad Agency Announcement
Special Notice Publish Date: August 4, 2022
Under the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) Systems, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities (STEC) Space Development Agency (SDA) Broad Agency Announcement, HQ085022S0001, posted on SAM.gov on January 13, 2022, SDA is issuing this Special Notice specifically seeking industry partnership to demonstrate laser communications from SDA’s Tranche 0 Transport Layer (first launch Sept 2022) to a laser equipped airborne platform as soon as practical. While SDA is specifically interested in a live flight demonstration, potential offerors may consider three phases as contract options: space to ground (risk reduction), space to moving ground (further risk reduction), and then space to an airborne platform, as long as the optical terminal maintains pedigree throughout. Potential offerors are encouraged to submit proposals by 2 Sep 2022.
SDA Issues Solicitation for National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) Experimental Testbed (NExT)
Original Response Date: July 29, 2022
SDA issued a solicitation for the agency’s National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) Experimental Testbed (NExT) satellites. Using Other Transaction Authority (OTA), this solicitation seeks proposals for space industry builder-operator teams that will partner with the agency to jointly develop and operate NExT.
The solicitation outlines the agency’s need for at least 10 experimentation-capable space vehicles set to fly beginning in 2024. The experimental testbed will demonstrate warfighter utility of emerging mission partner payloads prior to potential incorporation in future tranches. This solicitation is for development, manufacture, deployment, and operations of a set of at least 10 NExT space vehicles and mission-enabling ground systems.
NExT leverages the low latency data transport and beyond line-of-sight command and control infrastructure established by the NDSA to field and connect additional space vehicles with different mission payload configurations.
Please note this solicitation supersedes all information previously issued regarding this program.
SDA Releases Program Solicitation for Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T1DES)
Original Response Date: July 25, 2022
The Space Development Agency (SDA) is issuing a Program Solicitation for an Other Transaction (OT) prototype for the Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T1DES) Program. SDA previously released a DRAFT Request for Proposal (RFP) on this topic in late 2021 and an updated DRAFT solicitation in May 2022; however, it should be noted that all content in the final solicitation supersedes any information previously released or discussed regarding this opportunity. SDA is soliciting solutions for up to 12 space systems to augment the Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) constellation with demonstration and experimentation capability. T1DES will demonstrate tactical satellite communication (TACSATCOM) and Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS) by leveraging the low latency data transfer and beyond-line-of-sight command and control infrastructure established by the T1TL program. This solicitation is for development, manufacture, test, launch integration, and deployment of the T1DES space vehicles and mission-enabling ground systems.
SDA to Host NExT Industry Day to Discuss Draft Solicitation
Registration Open: June 10-20, 2022
The Space Development Agency will deliver a controlled unclassified information (CUI)-level virtual presentation for industry on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at 11 a.m. EST. This Industry Day will discuss the NExT—National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) Experimental Testbed-- DRAFT solicitation. The NExT program will procure up to ten (10) space vehicles that will carry multiple government-furnished experimental payloads to demonstrate and evaluate new mission payloads for proliferation in future tranches. The NExT program was formerly known as T1DES-XSDA.
The purpose of this event is to provide preliminary design review (PDR)-level details on the payloads and mission concepts of operation (CONOPS) to gather feedback and ultimately to inform potential industry bids. The payload providers will be presenting and available for Q&A. SDA is seeking solutions that accept a variety of complete, integrated missions payloads and deliver those on orbit to support remotely-operated mission demonstrations. Additional information on the draft solicitation can be found here: https://sam.gov/opp/ccc78d7186184cd6b5574046a123fda8/view.
All organizations that wish to participate in the industry day will register via the Eventbright Registration site. This event is limited to U.S. citizens from U.S. companies. Early registration is strongly encouraged. The event is closed to the general public. Below are key dates you need to know.
EVENT DATE: June 22, 2022, 11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
REGISTRATION CLOSE DATE: June 20, 2022, 12:00 P.M. EST
SDA Seeks Industry Feedback through DRAFT Solicitation for NExT (National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) Experimental Testbed)
Original Response Date: June 24, 2022
The Space Development Agency (SDA) issued a draft solicitation for a prototyping effort to augment the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) constellation with experimentation-capable space vehicles. NExT (National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) Experimental Testbed) leverages the low latency data transfer and beyond line-of-sight command and control infrastructure established by the Transport Layer to field and connect additional space vehicles with different mission payload configurations. This experimental testbed will demonstrate warfighter utility of emerging mission partner payloads prior to potential incorporation in future Tranches.
This DRAFT solicitation seeks feedback on the development, manufacture, deployment, and operations of a set of 10 NExT space vehicles and mission-enabling ground systems. SDA expects to publish a final solicitation soon to seek proposals for U.S. space industry builder-operator teams that will partner with the agency to jointly develop and operate NExT as part of the NDSA.
SDA Releases Updated DRAFT Solicitation for Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T1DES)
Original Response Date: June 3, 2022
The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks input through a Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T1DES) DRAFT solicitation. SDA previously released a DRAFT Request for Proposal (RFP) on this topic in late 2021; however, this document is updated to a DRAFT solicitation to reflect the Agency’s updated acquisition strategy. SDA plans to solicit solutions for space systems to augment the Tranche 1 Transport Layer (T1TL) constellation with demonstration and experimentation capability. T1DES leverages the low latency data transfer and beyond-line-of-sight command and control infrastructure established by the T1TL program to field and connect additional space vehicles. These space vehicles will demonstrate and evaluate new mission payloads for proliferation in future tranches of the Transport Layer. This solicitation is for development, manufacture, test, launch integration, and deployment of the T1DES space vehicles, payloads, and mission-enabling ground systems.
SDA to Host Tranche 1 Demonstration & Experimentation System (T1DES) Industry Day to Discuss Draft Solicitation
Registration Open: May 4 - May 16, 2022
The Space Development Agency issued the Tranche 1 Demonstration and Experimentation System (T1DES) DRAFT solicitation to augment the Tranche 1 constellation. T1DES will deploy additional space vehicles with payloads that demonstrate future missions. SDA will host an in-person Industry Day in Chantilly, Va., on Thursday, May 19, 2022. This Industry Day will discuss the National Defense Space Architecture T1DES draft solicitation with two distinct sessions. The morning presentation (9 a.m.-noon ET) will focus on the T1DES system and anticipated outcomes. After that presentation, potential bidders will have an opportunity to ask questions in-person. This event will be held at the SECRET level and all attendees are required to hold a Department of Defense SECRET level clearance. The afternoon (1-3 p.m. ET) presentation will cover Sensitive Compartmented Information-level information for T1DES and only attendees with DOD SCI level clearances will be permitted to attend that portion.
The whole event is intended to provide background information and guidance that will enhance industry’s chances of submitting compliant proposals that are responsive to program objectives. Registration is limited by the venue capacity to a maximum of 60 attendees. Organizations are limited to one in-person attendee. Early registration is strongly recommended. The event is closed to the general public. Below are key dates you need to know.
EVENT DATE: May 19, 2022, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM EST
REGISTRATION CLOSE DATE: May 16, 2022, 5 a.m. EST
SDA Seeks Industry Submissions to Accelerate Tranche 1 Tracking Layer to Address Conventional and Advanced Missile Threats
Updated Response Date: April 20, 2022
SDA has released a solicitation seeking industry submissions for Tracking Layer satellites as part of Tranche 1 of the National Defense Space Architecture. SDA will use an Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototyping solicitation to accelerate delivery of the NDSA’s ultimate capability to provide global, persistent indications, warning, tracking, and identification of both conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missile systems. This acceleration is funded by the fiscal year 2022 Defense appropriation.
SDA plans to buy approximately 28 Tracking Tranche 1 space vehicles that will fly in four highly-inclined planes, from up to two vendors. Broadly, The T1 Tracking Layer will expand upon the Tranche 0 Tracking Layer capabilities with targeted technology enhancements, expanded coverage, increased integration, established calibration processes, and greater production efficiencies.
The fiscal year 2022 priority mission partner is U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, and the long-term vision is to field a system that provides a resilient global capability to all combatant commands as rapidly and affordably as possible.
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.
SDA Releases New Small Business Innovation Research Topic for Integrated Architecture Technology (IAT)
Original Response Date: April 12, 2022
SDA is issuing new Small Business Opportunities (SBO) under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program, inviting submissions of innovative research concepts supporting the advancement of our national defense space capabilities. This SBO (SDA224-001) pertains to modeling, simulation and analysis (MS&A).
This project looks to develop and demonstrate an integrated architecture technology solution that will serve as a testbed, enabling realistic and informative mission design that facilitates the formation of traceable requirements.
This SBO is issued under the DOD Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for SBIR, 2022.4. All proposals in response to the technical area(s) described herein must be submitted in accordance with the instructions provided under DoD SBIR FY2022.4, found at the link below. SDA is currently accepting and seeking proposals for Direct to Phase II (DP2) awards.
National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA) Systems, Technologies, and Emerging Capabilities (STEC) Broad Agency Announcement
Original Date Offers Due: Jan 12, 2023Through this updated STEC Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), SDA is soliciting executive summaries, white papers/abstracts, and full proposals for novel architecture concepts, systems, technologies, and capabilities that enable improvements for future tranches of currently planned National Defense Space Architecture capability layers. SDA is also interested in ideas to enable new capability layers that address other emerging or evolving warfighter needs in the future.
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 topic areas:
• Real-Time Global Awareness and Connectivity
• Comprehensive Space-Based Sensing
• Omniscient Command, Control, and Execution
Please see the BAA for details and submission instructions.
SDA Resources
The Space Development Agency (SDA) has released via sda.mil an update to the Department of Defense Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) Standard. Version 3.0.0 of the OCT Standard is designed to ensure interoperability, enable a strong marketplace, and provide advanced communication capabilities to terrestrial, maritime and airborne warfighting elements. More importantly, this standard provides interface specifications that enable space vehicles and payloads developed and operated by multiple organizations to readily exchange data via optical intersatellite links and to integrate with the National Defense Space Architecture allowing more partners to leverage the Transport Layer.
Laser optical links provide a large number of advantages over radio-frequency (RF) communications. Inherent to their design is the capacity to transport very large volumes of low latency data. Additionally, optical links provide anti-cyber capabilities that significantly reduces the vulnerability associated with RF communications. Many warfighting elements would also prefer communication capabilities defined by low probability of intercept (LPI) and low probability of detection (LPD). Laser optical links are by their very nature LPI/LPD and very difficult to jam.