SDA RFI Seeks Industry Feedback on Tranche 1
Response Date: November 13, 2020
SDA released a Request for Information (RFI) for Tranche 1 of the National Defense Space Architecture, scheduled to launch in late FY2024. Tranche 1 is largely a proliferation of the capabilities demonstrated in Tranche 0; however, SDA is working with the warfighter community through its Warfighter Council and conducting market research to inform its final minimum viable product for Tranche 1 capabilities. Tranche 1 is anticipated to include 100-150 transport satellites and should include technical and manufacturing readiness level 6 solutions to ensure viable warfighting capabilities once deployed. SDA is interested in hardware, software, firmware, process, procedure and technique solution that will enable beyond line of sight targeting and advanced missile tracking.
SDA RFP Seeks Industry Proposals for Launch Services
Response Date: November 9, 2020
SDA posted a Request for Proposal (RFP) for launch services to deliver its Transport and Tracking Tranche 0 capabilities to orbit. The scope of the RFP includes delivery of up to 28 spacecraft-- SDA’s initial Transport and Tracking satellites. The launch requires delivery to two circular 950 km near-polar orbits, with the first launch expected in September 2022. Upon award, the launch services contractor will work with SDA satellite providers on payload integration with the launch vehicle(s) and will lead the mission integration activities.
Original Response Date: Jan. 20, 2021
SDA recognizes the need to establish an “intellectual pipeline” to access ideas from across the community to inform the future of the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA). Through this BAA, SDA specifically seeks novel architecture concepts, systems, technologies, and capabilities that:
- Enable leap-ahead improvements for future tranches of currently planned NDSA capability layers
- Enable new capability layers to address other emerging or evolving warfighters needs
To this end, SDA is soliciting executive summaries, white papers/proposal abstracts, and full proposals. Please see the BAA for details, focus areas, and submission instructions.
Original Response Date: Sept. 30, 2021
SDA release a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to launch its participation in DoD’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program. These programs are competitive opportunities to encourage domestic small businesses to engage in research and development with the DoD. SDA will utilize the SBIR/STTR program to enhance future tranches and to inform the overall architecture of spiral development projects to demonstrate warfighter capability via proliferated LEO. 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 issue Small Business Opportunities under this BAA throughout the year as we identify specific technical topics for industry consideration and will consider partnering with other organizations such as DARPA or AFRL based on their research interests and the quality of small business proposals.
SDA Resources
SDA has published an Optical Intersatellite Link Standard. This document provides interface specifications that enable space vehicles and payloads developed and operated by multiple organizations to readily exchange data via optical intersatelite links and to integrate with the National Defense Space Architecture.