SDA Tranche 3 OCT Standard RFI
ID: SDA-SN-25-0011Type: 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)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/21f74d1caab545d188d192b153bad12b/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Space Development Agency (SDA), is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the release of a new Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) Standard, specifically version 3.2.0, aimed at facilitating Tranche 3 solicitations. This updated standard seeks to enhance interoperability and introduce critical updates while ensuring compatibility with previous versions, including requirements for timestamps, communication parameters, and specifications for effective terminal function over long distances. The feedback gathered from industry stakeholders will inform the development of advanced optical communication capabilities for space vehicles, aligning with military objectives and operational interoperability. Interested parties must submit their feedback by February 4, 2025, following specific formatting guidelines, and can direct inquiries to Angelita Lawrence at angelita.m.lawrence.ctr@mail.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    angelita.m.lawrence.ctr@mail.mil
    angelita.m.lawrence.ctr@mail.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    ID59390-SDA OCT Standard v3.2.0 DRAFT_20250123.pdf
    The Optical Communications Terminal (OCT) Standard Version 3.2.0 report, developed by the Space Development Agency and the U.S. Space Force, outlines interoperability specifications for optical communication systems for space-based applications. The document encompasses requirements for optical communications links, including space-to-space, space-to-air, space-to-ground, and space-to-maritime systems. Key elements of the standard involve defining the physical layer and the synchronization and coding layers needed for the successful operation of OCTs. Key updates in version 3.2.0 include enhanced interoperability with previous versions, stringent requirements for Pointing, Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT) processes, modulation characteristics, and improvements to power transmission capabilities. Notably, the standard mandates achieving a PAT acquisition time of ≤ 100 seconds and specifies clear parameters for receiving and transmitting signals. The document is structured to include a detailed introduction, elements of the standard, layered protocol definitions, and requirements for system compliance and performance. Overall, this version reinforces the commitment to robust, interoperable communication systems designed to facilitate advanced space missions while adhering to the best practices and requirements outlined by governing bodies, encapsulating the evolving needs in federal and interspace communications technology.
    SDA-SN-25-0011.pdf
    The Space Development Agency (SDA) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the release of a new Optical Communication Terminal (OCT) Standard, specifically version 3.2.0, to facilitate Tranche 3 solicitations. The updated standard aims to enhance interoperability and introduce vital updates while retaining compatibility with previous versions. Key changes include requirements for timestamps and communication parameters, and the specification of power flux and irradiance for effective terminal function over long distances. SDA seeks industry's feedback on several specific topics, such as the impact of the changes on hardware and software, interoperability constraints, and suggestions for additional requirements essential to their mission. All feedback must be submitted by February 4, 2025, following specific formatting guidelines, and organizations are limited to one submission per corporate entity. This RFI is part of SDA's broader strategy to gather insights to refine standards that support the development of advanced optical communication capabilities for space vehicles, ensuring that technology aligns with military objectives and operational interoperability. Responses will shape future solicitations but are not binding, nor will they reimburse any participating costs.
    Lifecycle
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    Type
    SDA Tranche 3 OCT Standard RFI
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    Special Notice
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