Sources Sought for Support Equipment, Spares, Services, and Installation Construction Associated with Commercially Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Mobile Off-Grid Robotic Telescope Observatories
ID: SSCIA-25-FMS02Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8802 INTEGRATION OPERATION PIKPKEEL SEGUNDO, CA, 90245-2808, USA

NAICS

Facilities Support Services (561210)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force's Space Systems Command, is seeking responses from small businesses for support equipment, spares, services, and installation related to commercially off-the-shelf (COTS) mobile off-grid robotic telescope observatories. This initiative aims to enhance space domain awareness and international partnerships by utilizing advanced optical systems for satellite observation, with a focus on both CONUS and OCONUS operations, particularly in regions like South America and Africa. The project is part of a broader strategy to improve military capabilities and foster collaboration, with interested parties required to submit their responses by March 25, 2025, to the primary contact, Keith Brandner, at keith.brandner@spaceforce.mil, or the secondary contact, Melina Monroy-Szita, at melina.monroy-szita@spaceforce.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The United States Space Force's Space Systems Command has issued a Sources Sought notice seeking responses from firms regarding support equipment, spares, services, and installation for commercially off-the-shelf (COTS) mobile off-grid robotic telescope observatories. This initiative is part of a Title 10 Section 333 Building Partner Capacity effort, aiming to enhance space capabilities and partnerships with other nations through the support of optical Space Domain Awareness (SDA). The procurement will cover both CONUS and OCONUS operations, particularly in regions like USSOUTHCOM and USAFRICOM. Interested parties must respond by 25 March 2025 and adhere to the outlined formatting and content requirements. The document encourages submissions from small businesses and emphasizes the importance of market research for developing an effective acquisition. Additionally, the notice includes detailed expectations concerning capabilities statements, integration of input into the acquisition strategy, and potential planning for ID/IQ contract vehicles. Proprietary information management and the involvement of non-government advisors are also addressed, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of submission processes. Overall, this notice represents a proactive approach in fostering international collaboration for space awareness and technological advancement.
    The document outlines a Statement of Work (SOW) for the Space Systems Command (SSC) regarding the design, procurement, installation, and maintenance of mobile, off-grid, robotic telescope observatories as part of the Significant Security Cooperation Initiative (SSCI). The observatories will utilize Commercially Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technology, optimized for autonomous operations and grounded energy efficiency, with capabilities for day and night observations of satellites. Three main tasks are specified: building COTS-based observatories, enhancing design for larger apertures and wider fields of view (FOV), and acquiring large aperture systems tailored for remote and robotic operations. The deliverables include completed observatories, lists of recommended spare parts, and necessary training materials. Locations for work are primarily in South America and Africa. Importantly, the project forecasts required compliance with government protocols while remaining unclassified, and is structured for remote support by contractors. This initiative reflects the U.S. government's strategy to enhance space domain awareness through technologically advanced and flexible telescope systems, minimizing infrastructure delays and fostering international collaboration in military contexts.
    Similar Opportunities
    U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Based Interceptor (SBI) LOE 2M Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP)
    Dept Of Defense
    The U.S. Space Force (USSF) is seeking proposals for the Space Based Interceptor (SBI) Level of Effort 2M through a Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP) under the Department of Defense. This initiative focuses on developing kinetic midcourse solutions, with the intention to competitively award multiple fixed-price Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) in accordance with relevant U.S. Code provisions. The SBI program is critical for enhancing the U.S. defense capabilities in space, and while this opportunity is not set aside for small businesses, participation from small and disadvantaged businesses is encouraged. Interested companies must submit requests for access to the RPP Bidders Library by December 15, 2025, and can contact Brent Jorgensen at brent.jorgensen.1@spaceforce.mil for further information.
    Quickset Gimbal
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is soliciting quotes for a Quickset Gimbal system, which is essential for providing motion stability and high-precision pointing control for various remote sensing instruments valued at over $9 million. The procurement aims to enhance educational activities in Optical Engineering and Applied Physics at the Air Force Institute of Technology by ensuring the gimbal meets specific technical requirements, including a minimum payload capacity of 1200 lbs, active stabilization for disturbances of 0.25Hz, and an IP67 environmental rating. Interested vendors must submit their quotes electronically by December 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST, and are encouraged to direct any inquiries to Bryson Pennie or Linh Jameson before the question deadline on December 16, 2025. This opportunity is set aside for small businesses under NAICS code 334516, with a performance period of 16 weeks post-award.
    MTS-A DMS Retro Fit Market Research Update
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), is conducting market research for the MTS-A DMS Retro Fit project, which involves the production and support of a proprietary retro-fit replacement for the Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensor HC-130J and its subsystems. This sole source requirement is aimed at developing a Retro-Fit Kit, establishing a production line, and providing necessary repairs and initial spares, all under a 10-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a basic 5-year period and an option for an additional 5 years. Interested parties are encouraged to submit capability statements or proposals by January 15, 2026, with inquiries directed to Darryl Baker at darryl.baker.6@us.af.mil or Philip Earthly at philip.earthly.1@us.af.mil.
    USSF COMSATCOM Forecast to Industry Future Requirements Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-2026 (May 2025)
    Dept Of Defense
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is preparing to issue Requests for Proposals (RFP) for Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) services for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The anticipated procurement will focus on three primary service categories: COMSATCOM Transponded Capacity (CTC), COMSATCOM Subscription Services (CSS), and Complex Commercial SATCOM Solutions (CS3), which are essential for supporting military operations through satellite bandwidth leasing and custom solutions. The projected lifecycle values for these contracts range from under $300,000 to approximately $905 million, with specific projects including Ku Band and C Band bandwidth for range testing and high-throughput services for data applications. Interested parties should note that the timeline for anticipated RFQ releases is from June to December 2025, with awards expected in late 2025 and early 2026. For further inquiries, contact John Seacrist at john.seacrist@spaceforce.mil.
    Time-Space-Position Optical Tracking (T-SPOT)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army Contracting Command - Orlando, is issuing a Sources Sought Notice for the Time-Space-Position Optical Tracking (T-SPOT) project, aimed at identifying potential sources for a technology study and trade space analysis. The primary objective is to develop a system architecture and concept of operations for a non-GNSS-based Time-Space-Position Information (TSPI) truth sensor that can operate effectively in environments where GNSS is denied, thereby enhancing the testing of advanced navigation systems. This initiative is crucial due to the increasing reliance on GNSS navigation systems and the corresponding threats posed by adversaries who seek to jam or spoof these systems. Interested parties must submit a capability statement by 4:00 p.m. EST on February 20, 2026, to the designated contacts, including Peter Jorg and John Mosby, with no funds available for response preparation.
    Sources Sought: For Ionospheric Ground Sensors (IGS) Sustaining and Engineering Support Request for Information (RFI)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking information from commercial entities capable of providing sustaining and engineering support for the Ionospheric Ground Sensors (IGS) program. This procurement aims to identify companies that can deliver maintenance, specialized engineering support, installation, and sustainment for the Next Generation Ionosonde (NEXION) and Ionospheric Scintillation Total Electron Content (TEC) Observer (ISTO) systems, which are critical for characterizing the space weather environment and supporting various defense operations. The selected contractors will be responsible for tasks such as site surveys, spectrum analysis, cybersecurity compliance, and system troubleshooting, with a focus on ensuring the operational readiness of IGS installations globally. Interested parties are encouraged to respond by January 12, 2026, and should direct inquiries to Chaz Wisuri at chaz.wisuri@spaceforce.mil or Ryan Hart at ryan.hart.23@spaceforce.mil.
    USSF COMSATCOM CSCO Forecast to Industry Future Requirements Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 (as of Oct 2025)
    Dept Of Defense
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking industry input regarding future requirements for Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) for Fiscal Year 2026. The procurement will focus on potential Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotes (RFQs) related to satellite communication capabilities, which include services such as COMSATCOM Transponded Capacity, Subscription Services, and Complex Commercial SATCOM Solutions. This initiative is critical for enhancing satellite communication capabilities, which support various military operations and strategic objectives. Interested parties can reach out to John Seacrist at john.seacrist@spaceforce.mil for further information, with the forecast document being current as of September 30, 2025.
    Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
    Dept Of Defense
    The United States Space Force (USSF) is issuing a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for the Operational Test and Training Infrastructure (OTTI), seeking innovative solutions for space test, training, exercises, and related infrastructure. The procurement aims to acquire advanced commercial products, technologies, and services, particularly focusing on specific Areas of Interest (AOIs) such as Continuous Fitness Assessment, Multirole Satellite Frequency In-field Test Suite, and enhancements to the National Space Test and Training Complex. Interested offerors are invited to participate in a multi-phased submission process, with key deadlines for submissions extending into December 2025, and are encouraged to contact Crystal Price or Cassie DeBree for further information regarding the solicitation and requirements.
    MFT 25-96 - DCC Surveillance System
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking qualified vendors for the MFT 25-96 - DCC Surveillance System, as indicated in a Special Notice. This procurement is set aside for small businesses and aims to acquire communications security equipment and components, classified under the NAICS code 334220. The goods and services are critical for enhancing surveillance capabilities within the military framework. As of September 25, 2025, the solicitation is currently on hold indefinitely. Interested parties can reach out to Mr. Michael Goetz at michael.goetz.7@us.af.mil or by phone at 707-424-7788, or Mr. Vitaliy Kim at vitaliy.kim.1@us.af.mil or 707-424-7740 for further inquiries.
    Spotting Instrument
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army Contracting Command Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA), is soliciting proposals for the procurement of 178 Spotting Instruments (NSN: 6650-01-549-5838, Part Number: 13016120) under a Firm Fixed Price contract, which is set aside exclusively for small businesses. The procurement includes an option for an additional 178 units and requires a First Article Test Report (FATR) within 270 days post-award, with delivery of the instruments expected within 420 days, or 150 days if the FATR is waived. This equipment is critical for military operations, emphasizing the importance of precision in optical instruments. Interested contractors must acknowledge receipt of amendments and submit their proposals by January 9, 2026, to the Contract Specialist, Richard Hall, at richard.g.hall64.civ@army.mil, ensuring compliance with export control regulations and access to the Technical Data Package (TDP) via SAM.gov.