Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tranche 3 Transport Layer (T3TL) Upsilon DRAFT Solicitation
ID: SDA-SN-25-0007Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA2401 SPACE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY SDACHANTILLY, VA, 20151-2222, 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)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is preparing to solicit proposals for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tranche 3 Transport Layer Upsilon (T3TLυ) project. This initiative aims to develop a constellation of 40 small satellites designed to enhance tactical communications and interoperability among various systems, featuring advanced optical communication terminals and tactical satellite communication links. The program is critical for improving military operations and situational awareness through enhanced communication capabilities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Interested vendors should note that the draft solicitation will be available on January 22, 2025, with comments due by February 10, 2025, and final proposals expected by April 28, 2025. For further inquiries, potential contractors can contact Angelita M. Lawrence at angelita.m.lawrence.ctr@mail.mil, with a total contract value estimated at $15 million.

    Point(s) of Contact
    angelita.m.lawrence.ctr@mail.mil
    angelita.m.lawrence.ctr@mail.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines an Other Transaction for Prototype Agreement between the Space Development Agency (SDA) and a performer for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tranche 3 Transport Layer Upsilon (T3TLυ) project. The SDA intends to engage in a research and development program involving a constellation of satellites designed for tactical communication systems, featuring interconnectivity and interoperability across different systems. The agreement includes provisions for project management, obligations, payment terms, intellectual property rights, and data rights, with specific milestones documented for funding and performance verification. Key personnel are identified, and both parties have designated points of contact for administrative and technical discussions. The agreement emphasizes the government’s interest in patent rights and data, ensuring government ownership of inventions developed under the agreement, while also safeguarding covered defense information and ensuring cyber incident reporting. The document reflects the federal government’s approach to innovative technology development while maintaining rigorous control over intellectual property and cybersecurity. Overall, it showcases a strategic partnership in advancing national defense capabilities through technological innovation.
    The Space Development Agency (SDA) is preparing to issue a solicitation for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) Tranche 3 Transport Layer Upsilon (T3TLυ). This contract, anticipated as a Firm Fixed Price Other Transaction Agreement, involves developing a satellite constellation comprising four orbital planes with a total of forty T3TLυ satellites. These satellites will facilitate advanced communications, including optical communication terminals and tactical satellite communication links. The timeline for this acquisition includes key dates: a draft solicitation will be available on January 22, 2025, with comments due by February 10, 2025, and the final solicitation expected by March 14, 2025. Proposal submissions are due by April 28, 2025, and awards are anticipated by July 31, 2025. The procurement will be structured around development and operations, with a focus on ensuring interoperability among satellites from various vendors. Interested vendors are encouraged to provide feedback during the solicitation process and can request additional information regarding the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified documents. This program underscores the government's commitment to enhancing national defense through innovative space technologies and capabilities.
    The document outlines the milestones and payment structure associated with government contract SDA-PS-25-01 for the T3TL (Upsilon) program, emphasizing the development and deployment of space vehicles (SVs). Key phases include project initiation, design reviews, compatibility tests, and operational sustainment over five years. Each milestone requires specific completion criteria to secure payment, with a total value of $15 million. Notably, milestone payments may be adjusted based on performance results, such as successful interoperability tests and failure assessments of SVs. Additionally, operations and sustainment milestones are identified for subsequent years, illustrating a commitment to long-term support of the program. The document stresses the importance of adherence to established operational standards and contractual obligations, while providing a framework for monitoring progress and ensuring compliance throughout the contract period.
    The document pertains to comments and inquiries submitted by ABC Corp regarding the Model Contract, specifically section 3.1. The purpose of this file is to capture feedback from potential contractors related to government RFPs and grants. The structure presents a single comment with an identifier, indicating that comments are collected for review and may influence future contract terms or clarifications within procurement processes. While specific details of the comments are not provided, it suggests an ongoing engagement process where businesses can seek clarity or express concerns about contract specifications. This dialog between the federal government and contractors is vital for ensuring transparency and effective contract fulfillment in projects funded by federal and state resources.
    The Space Development Agency (SDA) has released a draft solicitation for the Tranche 3 Transport Layer (T3TL) of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, specifically the Upsilon (υ) variant. This initiative aims to deploy a constellation of 40 small, mass-producible Space Vehicles (SVs) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to enhance global communications and support Warfighter missions. The solicitation invites proposals through Other Transactions (OT) to establish partnerships with U.S. space industry teams for the design, development, and operation of T3TLυ SVs. Key components include deploying multiple SV configurations that feature advanced mission payloads and enhanced security measures, adhering to interoperability with previous Tranches. The program emphasizes rapid development and cost reduction through commercial collaboration while requiring compliance with extensive technical and management specifications outlined for the proposal structure. The delivery timeline for two orbital planes is set for September 2028, with comprehensive evaluation criteria for selecting contractors based on schedule, technical solution, past performance, and pricing. This solicitation reflects the government's strategic focus on leveraging emerging technologies to enhance defense capabilities in space, ensuring a robust and resilient communication architecture for military operations.
    The document is a draft solicitation titled SDA-SN-25-0007, specifically concerning the Data Rights Assertions Table, which is crucial for federal government RFPs. The table aims to outline the types of technical data and computer software that will be provided under specified restrictions during a government-funded project. It includes sections detailing the intended use of the data, the basis for asserting rights to that data, and the individuals or entities claiming these rights – categorized into prime performer and sub-performer assertions. This structured approach ensures transparency and clarity regarding the ownership and limitations of use for the furnished data, facilitating compliance with regulations and protect the interests of all parties involved. The purpose of this attachment is to define data rights clearly, which is critical for both the federal and state/local contexts, ensuring that all contributors to the government effort understand the implications of their data contributions.
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