The United States Space Force is seeking industry input through a Request for Information (RFI) to enhance its acquisition strategy for the Operational Test & Training Infrastructure (OTTI) program involving satellite communications. Vendors are invited to submit specific, well-documented responses, rather than generic capability statements, relating to their ability to provide transponded bandwidth in Ku and C Bands for testing and evaluation purposes in the Continental United States and Hawaii. The anticipated contract includes a 12-month base period starting November 1, 2025, with two optional six-month extensions.
Key areas of inquiry include vendors' capabilities to fulfill required bandwidth specifications, provide cost estimates, and ensure compliance with communication standards. Additional topics include occasional use capacity, subcontracting needs, and potential bid limitations. The submission deadline is July 9, 2025. The government emphasizes that responses will be used for informational purposes only, and vendors are responsible for any associated costs. Ultimately, this RFI aims to inform a formal solicitation process while adhering to federal procurement guidelines.
The Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for the United States Space Force's Operational Test & Training Infrastructure (OTTI) Program, specifically for Delta 11 Satellite Communications Services. The contract seeks to provide mandatory satellite bandwidth (144 MHz in Ku-band and 72 MHz in C-band) for testing and evaluation across the Continental United States (CONUS) and Hawaii, with options for additional bandwidth as needed.
Key tasks include monitoring service availability, network operations, handling electromagnetic interference (EMI), and reporting incidents. The contractor must ensure a high operational availability (99.999%) for services, provide technical support, and aid in resolving interference issues, documenting findings promptly.
Deliverables include monthly status reports, compliance with frequency clearance processes, and readiness for emergency service conditions during the set performance period of 12 months with possible extensions. The contractor's responsibilities also cover providing tools for calculating communication link budgets and supporting various government exercises linked to satellite operations. Emphasizing the importance of secure communications, the document stipulates the need for compliance with Information Assurance regulations. Overall, this comprehensive PWS serves to establish a structured approach toward advancing satellite communications capabilities crucial for national defense operations.
The document addresses various questions related to a government Request for Information (RFI) associated with transponder capacity and requirements. Clarifications were sought regarding the definitions of 'minimum' and 'desired' performance capacities, which are outlined in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) sections 2.2.1 and 2.2.2. The responses indicate that 'minimum' represents the absolute performance standard, while 'desired' reflects the preferable values. Additionally, it clarifies the submission format for responses: while the response to questions may have no page limit, the Capabilities Statement must not exceed 15 pages. For geographical coverage, it specifies the use of Nautical Miles for the distance from the California Border into the Pacific Ocean. Lastly, it states that the licensing term for the Link Budget Tool software must coincide with the duration of the contract. Overall, the document serves to clarify critical aspects of the RFI, ensuring that vendors understand the requirements for submitting their proposals in accordance with government standards.