SDA Publishes Broad Agency Announcement for Mission-Specific Application Prototypes
Response Date: Executive Summaries (optional)- July 15, 2020; Full Proposals- August 21, 2020
The Space Development Agency (SDA) is seeking executive summaries and proposals through a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for software prototypes that enable the mission-specific needs of the National Defense Space Architecture (NDSA). The three technical areas addressed in this BAA are (1) Custody, (2) Navigation, and (3) Tracking.
The developed prototypes will be used to demonstrate novel technical capabilities as well as inform architecture trades between ground and on-orbit processing. The period of performance for all proposed efforts should end no later than September 30, 2021. Multiple awards are expected. Optional executive summaries are due July 15, 2020 for feedback (anticipated by July 24). Full proposals are due August 21, 2020.
SDA Posts RFP Seeking Proposals for Tracking Tranche 0
Response Date: July 16, 2020
The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks proposals from industry for the Tracking Tranche 0 mission. The scope of the request for proposals (RFP) includes ~8-10 interconnected satellites with cross links with wide field of view (WFOV) infrared sensors for missile warning and tracking. The specific requirements and technical challenges for this solicitation include, but are not limited to, low-recurring-cost satellite buses, mass-producible OPIR mission payloads and associated data processing, and interoperable crosslinks and networking.
SDA Posts RFP Seeking Industry Solutions for Tracking Phenomenology Experiment
Response Date: July 6, 2020
The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks proposals through a Request for Proposal (RFP) on the Tracking Phenomenology Experiment (TPE). The objective of TPE is to characterize the variation in background scenes for wide field of view infrared sensors at altitudes representative to those envisioned as part of Tracking Tranche 0. The TPE RFP solicits solutions to provide all hardware and services to launch and fly a government furnished sensor. The scope includes providing the bus, satellite integration and testing, launch, and operations of the satellite on behalf of the government for 6 months with an option to extend operations. Industry proposals must be submitted by July 6, 2020.
SDA Posts RFI Seeking Industry Feedback for Tranche 0 MSE&I
Responses due by June 8, 2020
The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks industry feedback on Tranche 0 Mission Systems Engineering and Integration (MSE&I). The scope of MSE&I support is delivery of an integrated, interoperable Tranche 0 system-of-systems to include integration of Transport and Tracking space vehicles, Naval Research Laboratory-based ground systems and hardware/software-in-the-loop testbeds. MSE&I will culminate in a Capstone demonstration of early warfighter effectiveness and suitability in FY2023. Industry feedback on approach and requirements is requested by June 8, 2020.
Responses due by June 5, 2020
The U.S. Space Force, Space and Missile Systems Center seeks information through a Request for Information (RFI) from prospective launch service providers to support the Space Development Agency (SDA) first generation (called “Tranche 0”). The SDA Tranche 0 Space Vehicle (SV) manifest will consist of up to 30 large spacecraft of 4 different types with the SV manifest divided into two planes of 15 spacecraft each. This RFI provides SDA Tranche 0 draft mission requirements in order to obtain industry feedback from prospective launch service providers to prepare for official release of a solicitation.
Original Responses due by May 29, 2020
The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks input on a DRAFT Request for Proposal (RFP) to inform the approach and technical requirements for the Tracking layer. Tracking Tranche 0 is expected to consist of approximately 8-10 satellites that are interconnected with cross links and wide field of view infrared sensors for missile warning and tracking. The agency, which worked closely on this with MDA’s HBTSS program, is looking for industry feedback to inform the current specific requirements and technical challenges that include, but are not limited to, low-recurring cost satellite buses, mass producible OPIR mission payloads and associated data processing, and interoperable crosslinks and networking. Industry feedback is needed by May 29, 2020 to support our release of the full RFP expected in mid-June.
Proposals are due by Noon EDT on June 1, 2020
The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks proposals on their first Request for Proposal (RFP) to help build the Transport layer. Transport Tranche 0 is an interoperable mesh network of tens of satellites to provide periodic low-latency and high-capacity data connectivity. The agency plans to award at least two contracts to build a total of 20 satellites with specific requirements and technical challenges, including low-recurring cost satellite buses, Link 16 and Integrated Broadcast Service (IBS) mission payloads, and interoperable crosslinks and networking.
Original Response Date: April 17, 2020
The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks input on a DRAFT Request for Proposal (RFP) to inform the approach and technical requirements for the Transport layer.
Transport Tranche 0 Industry Day Audio Recording (April 2, 2020)
Original Response Date: March 31, 2020
The Space Development Agency (SDA) seeks input through a DRAFT Request for Proposals (RFP) regarding the launch of one Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) experimental satellite in 2021. This satellite, the “Tracking Phenomenology Experiment,” will characterize scene backgrounds to optimize algorithms, Concept of Operations (CONOPS), and wavebands for advanced missile detection and tracking.
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.
Space Development Agency Space Mesh Networking Capabilities and Interoperability RFI
Original Response Date: Feb 17, 2020
Space Development Agency is seeking feedback on in-space mesh networking capabilities and interoperability to inform SDA’s future solicitations, including the Transport Tranche 0 solicitation anticipated for Spring 2020.