ContractSolicitation

Space-to-Space (S2S) Communication Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)

DEPT OF DEFENSE FA8819-25-R-B006
Response Deadline
Sep 14, 2030
1624 days left
Days Remaining
1624
Until deadline
Set-Aside
No Set aside used
Notice Type
Solicitation

Contract Opportunity Analysis

The Department of Defense, through the Space Systems Command (SSC), is issuing a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for advanced technology projects focused on Space-to-Space Communication and Space Networking. The primary objectives are to enhance capabilities in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) communications and networking, addressing urgent national security needs in a contested space environment. This initiative is critical for developing resilient space capabilities that support national interests and counter emerging threats, with a performance period of 60 months starting September 15, 2025. Interested parties, including small and large businesses, non-profits, and academic institutions, are encouraged to submit white papers for Call 1.1 by October 6, 2025, and for Call 1.2 by December 17, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Melanie Gipson at melanie.gipson@spaceforce.mil or Tobias Richards at tobias.richards.1@spaceforce.mil.

Classification Codes

NAICS Code
541715
Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
PSC Code
AC13
NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT

Solicitation Documents

9 Files
Space-to-Space Comm BAA Posting_Amd 1 Updated Contracting POC.pdf
PDF449 KBDec 9, 2025
AI Summary
The Space Systems Command (SSC) Program Executive Office (PEO) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8819-25-R-B006, seeking advanced technology projects for Space-to-Space Communication and Space Networking. This BAA, with a performance period of 60 months starting September 15, 2025, aims to enhance proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) capabilities to counter emerging threats and support national security. Key focus areas include advancements in optical communication, advanced data links and waveforms, novel communication techniques, alternate Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) solutions, and space hardware advancements. Space Networking objectives involve high-rate mesh backbones, multi-level security operations, cyber defense, and enterprise hybrid architectures. The BAA outlines a two-phase (white paper and full proposal) or one-phase (full proposal) submission process. Eligibility is open to all responsible sources, including small and large businesses, non-profits, and academic institutions, with an emphasis on rapid and innovative solutions that can transition into the pLEO space marketplace. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, contribution to focus areas, and cost realism, with an anticipated multiple awards of Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF), Cost Reimbursable (CR), and/or Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contracts.
S2S Comm BAA Call 1.2 Final_19 Nov 2025.pdf
PDF161 KBDec 9, 2025
AI Summary
The USSF Proliferated Low Earth (pLEO) Mesh Concepts Call #1.2 seeks industry white papers by December 17, 2025, to form an "Industry Consortium for Space-to-Space Communications" (ICSSC). This initiative, led by Space Systems Command Spectrum Warfare Division (SSC/SZW) in partnership with the NRO, aims to establish a proliferated, integrated, and vendor-diverse space-to-space communications mesh in LEO, forming the backbone of the Space Data Network (SDN). The ICSSC will comprise 5-7 industrial base members, focusing on solving technical and integration challenges, leveraging commercial capabilities, and defining approaches to field a multi-vendor pLEO mesh. Key challenges include cooperative technical development, open standards, interoperable network layers, cybersecurity, and constellation management. White papers, limited to 11 pages (including a cover), must provide feedback on the draft ICSSC construct, a company profile highlighting relevant commercial products and capabilities, and propose three other industry members. Submissions must adhere to NAICS code 541715, and CUI submissions require special instructions via DOD SAFE.
S2S Comm BAA Call 1.1_Final_12 Sep 25.pdf
PDF138 KBDec 9, 2025
AI Summary
The Space Systems Command Spectrum Warfare Delta (SSC/SZW) is seeking state-of-the-art technology for the United States Space Force’s (USSF) space-based communications architecture, specifically for Space-to-Space Comms System Development and Demonstration (Call #1.1). The program aims to develop a Link-182 waveform space-qualified flight radio, capable of operating from LEO to GEO, with specific requirements for weight, power, design life, and NSA Type-1 cryptography connectivity. Additionally, a LEO space-to-space communication demonstration and the development of an Application Programming Interface (API) for payload pointing are required within a 12-month performance period. Offerors must submit a white paper with a technical approach and a rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for radio modification, space demonstration, API development, interactive discussions, and a final report. Access to the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Link-182 Waveform Specification is available to interested vendors who meet stringent security requirements, including NIST SP 800-171 compliance, SPRS self-assessment, and specific vetting procedures for CUI access and handling.
Attachment A_OCI Statement Template_PDF version.pdf
PDF146 KBDec 9, 2025
AI Summary
This document outlines the Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) statement requirements for offerors, subcontractors, and teaming partners involved in government contracts. All parties must complete and sign an OCI statement, affirming they are unaware of any actual or potential conflicts or providing details if a conflict exists. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 2.101 defines OCI as situations where a person's other activities or relationships could impair their impartiality or create an unfair competitive advantage. If an actual or potential OCI is identified, the contractor must submit an existing mitigation plan for review. The document provides sample OCI statements for both offerors and subcontractors/teaming partners, emphasizing the need for a Point of Contact with authority to bind the company.
Attachment C_CSOW Instructions and Template_PDF version.pdf
PDF162 KBDec 9, 2025
AI Summary
This document outlines the instructions and guidance for preparing a Contractor Statement of Work (CSOW) for government contracts, grants, and RFPs. The CSOW must be a distinct document defining tasks, deliverables, and research, suitable for incorporation into an awarded contract. It must be accurate, enforceable, and consistent, detailing technical methodology without excessive inflexibility. The CSOW should clearly specify scope, applicable documents, and requirements. It has no page limit but adheres to specific formatting (8.5x11 inch, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman 12pt font, single-spaced). Proprietary, export-controlled, or technical proposal information, including tables, diagrams, and graphs, must be excluded. The document provides a template outlining sections such as Scope, Applicable Documents, and Requirements, emphasizing clarity, minimum referencing, and accurate task definition to enable cost estimation and ensure contractor accountability.
Space-to-Space Comm BAA Posting_15 Sep 25_Final.pdf
PDF384 KBNov 24, 2025
AI Summary
The Space Systems Command (SSC) Space Combat Power (SCP) Program Executive Office (PEO) has issued a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) FA8819-25-R-B006 for Space-to-Space Communication Technology Projects. The BAA aims to solicit state-of-the-art technology advancements in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) focusing on Space-to-Space Communications and Space Networking. Key focus areas include advancements in optical communication, advanced data links and waveforms, novel communication techniques, alternate Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capabilities, space hardware advancements, support infrastructure for tasking and orchestration, RF communication payload maturation, payload hosting, high-rate mesh backbone networking, seamless multi-level security (MLS) operations, cyber defense, and enterprise hybrid architectures. The BAA outlines a two-phase submission approach (white papers and full proposals) or a one-phase approach (full proposals), with a performance period of 60 months from September 15, 2025, to September 14, 2030. Eligibility is unrestricted, welcoming all responsible sources, including small and large businesses, non-profits, and academic institutions, with an emphasis on small business subcontracting opportunities. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, relevance to USSF programs, and funding availability.
Attachment A_OCI Statement Template.docx
Word54 KBDec 9, 2025
AI Summary
No AI summary available for this file.
Attachment B_Cost and Price Proposal Workbook Template Example.xlsx
Excel78 KBDec 9, 2025
AI Summary
No AI summary available for this file.
Attachment C_CSOW Instructions and Template.docx
Word54 KBDec 9, 2025
AI Summary
No AI summary available for this file.

Related Contract Opportunities

Project Timeline

postedOriginal Solicitation PostedSep 15, 2025
amendedAmendment #1· Description UpdatedSep 16, 2025
amendedAmendment #2· Description UpdatedSep 16, 2025
amendedAmendment #3· Description UpdatedOct 2, 2025
amendedAmendment #4· Description UpdatedNov 19, 2025
amendedAmendment #5· Description UpdatedNov 24, 2025
amendedLatest Amendment· Description UpdatedDec 9, 2025
deadlineResponse DeadlineSep 14, 2030
expiryArchive DateSep 29, 2030

Agency Information

Department
DEPT OF DEFENSE
Sub-Tier
DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE
Office
FA8819 SPECIAL PROGRAMS DIR SMC SP

Point of Contact

Name
Melanie Gipson

Place of Performance

El Segundo, California, UNITED STATES

Official Sources