Space-to-Space (S2S) Communication Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
ID: FA8819-25-R-B006Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8819 SPECIAL PROGRAMS DIR SMC SPEL SEGUNDO, CA, 90245-2808, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AC13)

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)
Timeline
    Description

    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, specifically targeting capabilities in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO). The primary objectives include developing state-of-the-art solutions for space-to-space communications and enhancing networking capabilities to address emerging threats and support national security. This initiative is critical for maintaining space superiority in a contested environment, 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 and proposals, with key deadlines for submissions on October 6, 2025, for Call 1.1 and December 17, 2025, for Call 1.2. For further inquiries, contact Melanie Gipson at melanie.gipson@spaceforce.mil or Tobias Richards at tobias.richards.1@spaceforce.mil.

    Files
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    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    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.
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