CALL FOR SOLUTIONS (GEO Antennae System) Final.docx

Call Reference Number

CFS-25-GEOANT-01

Point of Contacts (POCs) for Solution Brief Submission Contracting/Agreements Officer:

Thomas E. Lynn thomas.e.lynn23.civ@army.mil

Contract Specialist:

John Ye Jianhua.j.ye.civ@army.mil

PdM SATCOM POC:

MAJ Christopher M. King christopher.m.king24.mil@army.mil

CALL FOR SOLUTIONS

Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) High-Throughput, Low-Latency (HT/LL) Antenna System NAICS CODE: 334220 (Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing) *Any submissions that are received by the Contracting/Agreements Officer after the suspense date/time listed above will be deemed late and not evaluated. It is the sole responsibility of the company to ensure that its submission is received in the email inboxes listed above before the deadline specified.

This Call for Solution may result in the Government awarding Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) contracts or non-FAR agreements In Accordance With (IAW) Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) 212.70 – Defense Commercial Solutions Opening. Other Transaction (OT) that may be awarded from this Call for Solution are not subject to the FAR or its supplements, as applicable.

1.0 BACKGROUND.

This is a Call for Solutions (CFS) issued by the United States Army under the authorities of the Army Open Solicitation (AOS) for Innovative Technology Solutions, leveraging the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process. The Army is seeking Solution Briefs from industry for innovative commercial technologies to address a critical capability gap in satellite communications.

This CFS invites industry partners to propose novel solutions for a Large Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) terminal that transmits data with High-Throughput, Low-Latency (HT/LL) capacity and speeds.

2.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT.

Current industry capability is mature in delivering large GEO terminals that provide high-throughput, high-latency (HT/HL) data transmission. While effective for bulk data transfer, the inherent latency of these systems (>500 ms) limits their utility for real-time and latency-sensitive applications critical to modern Army operations.

The Army has a requirement to close this capability gap. The Army is seeking innovative solutions that can deliver the high-throughput benefits of GEO satellite constellations while significantly reducing the end-to-end data latency. The desired solution should push the boundaries of what is currently available in the commercial market to achieve Low-Latency data rates over GEO satellites, enabling faster decision-making and real-time operational support. Additionally, today’s technology must adapt to the Warfighter’s needs as multiple constellations become available through open non-proprietary, modular, intuitive, and reprogrammable capabilities. Current fielded systems solutions limit agility as they are vendor-locked, stove piped, technically complex, and purpose built.

The Government is interested in complete, end-to-end solutions which may include, but are not limited to, innovative modems, advanced waveform development, data processing techniques, software, or hybrid network integration that can be integrated into a large, transportable GEO terminal form factor.

2.1 Questions and Answers (Q&A) Regarding this Call for Solutions

2.1.1 Purpose:

The Government will provide a period for potential offerors to submit written questions to clarify any ambiguities or uncertainties in this CFS. The purpose of this Q&A period is to promote a common understanding of the Government's requirements and to improve the overall quality of the submitted solutions.

2.1.2 Submission of Questions:

Offerors shall submit all questions in writing via email to the primary point of contact identified on the Cover Page of this CFS. Questions submitted by any other means will not be accepted. To ensure a timely response, questions should be submitted in a format that allows for easy consolidation (e.g., a Microsoft Word or Excel file is preferred). Please use the subject line: "Questions for CFS-25-GEOANT-01: GEO Antennae System, [Offeror Name]".

2.1.3 Deadline for Questions:

All questions must be received by the Government no later than 25 MAR 2026 at 17:00 Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). Questions received after this deadline may not be answered.

2.1.4 Government Responses:

The Government will consolidate all timely questions and provide a single, formal response in the form of an amendment to this CFS. This amendment will be posted to the same location where this CFS was originally published. The source of the questions will not be identified in the Government's response. The Government does not intend to provide individual responses. Only answers provided in a formal, written amendment to this CFS shall be considered official and binding.

3.0 REQUIRED AND DESIRED SOLUTION ATTRIBUTES.

3.1 Required Attributes:

The Government is seeking a solution that meets the following required capability attributes. Offerors should describe their ability to meet or exceed these thresholds in their Solution Briefs. Solution must have a commercial maturity of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or higher.

3.2 Desired Attributes:

The following attributes are not mandatory but would enhance the solution’s merit and will be viewed favorably during evaluation:

Virtualization and Software Defined Modem Technologies – software enabled reprograming of the waveform to access a wide array of available satellites and gateway entry points.

Multi-Band – to allow more resiliency and freedom to access high throughput.

Multi-Orbit – allowing for a prioritization of NGC2 Applications and Data to traverse low latency transports through QoS.

Modularity – that allows for upgrading of technology as additional satellites and systems become available.

Resilient Protected Communications – anti-jam capabilities for critical communications links through software and hardware applications.

Intuitive – solutions that minimize the user training demand and enable the Warfighter to rapidly acquire access to the network.

Multiple Gateway Entry Points – enabled through partnerships with Commercial and Military operated Gateways and Network Operations Centers to provide flexible entryways depending on the area of operation.

4.0 AWARDING INSTRUMENT

In accordance with Army Open Solicitation Procedures detailed within W9128Z-25-S-A002 found at https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/cbdd2d1829324ebf89f3ce15edb97bb2/view, the Government intends to award Other Transaction(s) (OT) for Prototype Project(s) pursuant to 10 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 4022 as a result of this call; however the Government also reserves the right to award a FAR Part 12, Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) type contract(s) as a result of this Call. The Government further reserves the right to award to all, some, or none of the companies who submit proposals. This Call for Solution will utilize Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) procedures. Use of a CSO in accordance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) subpart 212.70 is considered to be a competitive procedure for the purposes of 10 U.S.C. chapter 221 and FAR subpart 6.102.

In the case an OT is utilized as the awarding instrument, in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f), the Government may award a follow-on production contract or transaction without the use of competitive procedures if the awardee of this prototype OTA successfully completes the prototype project. The Government's decision to pursue a follow-on production award is contingent on the successful completion of the prototype effort and a determination that it is in the Government's best interest.

5.0 CALL INSTRUCTIONS AND NOTES

5.1 Overview of Submission Phases

The response process for this Call will generally consist of the following phases:

Phase 1: Solution Brief Offerors will submit a high-level summary of their proposed solution, addressing the Government’s objectives and requirements.

Phase 2: Pitch (unless bypassed) Selected Offerors may be invited to present and discuss their solution in a live or virtual setting. The Government may request product demonstrations during this phase.

Phase 3: Solution Proposal Offerors advancing to this phase will be invited to submit a detailed proposal for final evaluation and potential award.

Detailed submission requirements for Phase 1 are provided in Section 6 and subsequent subsections. Evaluation criteria for Phase 1 are outlined in Section 7 and subsequent subsections. Phase 2 and/or Phase 3 submission requirements and evaluation criteria will be provided via subsequent invitation letters.

5.2 General Notes

Offerors are reminded that all awards are subject to the availability of funds and the Government reserves the right to make multiple awards, a single award, or no award as a result of this Call.

Only a Contracting or Agreements Officer has the authority to enter into, modify, or execute a binding instrument on behalf of the United States Government. All payment obligations are subject to Congressional appropriations.

In order to be eligible for award, Offerors must:

· Possess a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award, and maintain active registration throughout the period of performance.

· Register in the prescribed government invoicing system (e.g., Wide Area Work Flow).

· Accurately represent their small business size and status as required.

· Be determined responsible by the Contracting/Agreements Officer and not be suspended, debarred, or otherwise prohibited from receiving an award.

· Disclose any actual or potential Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCIs) to the Contracting/Agreements Officer prior to award.

The Government may utilize internal Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the administrative review and analysis of proposals, such as by summarizing content or verifying compliance with solicitation requirements. However, the use of AI is strictly for support purposes; all final evaluation judgments, the assignment of ratings, best value determinations, and the ultimate source selection decision are inherently governmental functions that will be made exclusively by Government personnel. The Government is committed to protecting all offeror proprietary and source selection sensitive information, and any AI tool used will operate in a secure environment, consistent with all applicable data protection regulations, and will not transmit data to external systems.

Offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for any amendments or updates to this Call.

Notice to Offeror(s): The Government reserves the right to cancel this open Call, either before or after the closing date. If the Government cancels this open Call, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any costs.

6.0 SOLUTION SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

6.1 Phase 1 – Solution Brief

All Phase 1 Solution Brief submission emails shall contain the subject line “Solution Brief Submission – CFS-25-GEOANT-01: GEO HT/LL Antenna System [COMPANY NAME]”.

6.1.1 Phase 1 – Solution Brief Content

Solution Briefs shall consist of the following sections. Each section shall not exceed the page limits identified, using 12-point Times New Roman font. For graphics, figures, tables, and diagrams, a smaller font size may be used provided the content remains clearly legible without magnification, consistent with the solicitation's requirement for a standard, readable font. The Government retains sole discretion in determining whether submitted content meets the readability standard. Offerors shall ensure all submitted content is easily readable. The Government will not consider inserted textboxes/pop-ups or internet links to additional information as part of the Solution Brief and will not consider such information in its evaluation. Solution Briefs are intended to be clear and concise.

a. Title Page (one-page limit) Company Name, Title, Date, Point of Contact Name, E-Mail Address, Phone, Address, and Call reference number. If registered in SAM.gov, include the Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and Unique Entity Identification (UEI) code. Specifically identify the Call for which the Solution Brief is submitted.

b. Executive Summary (one-page limit) The Executive Summary shall provide a concise, high-level overview of the offeror's proposed solution, its key benefits, and the offeror's relevant experience. The summary must be a "one-page snapshot" of the proposal that clearly and succinctly addresses the following points:

· Solution Overview: A summary of the proposed GEO/MEO Antenna System, its core design, and how it meets the key required attributes outlined in Section 3.1.

· Key Discriminators: A description of the unique features, innovations, or primary advantages of the proposed solution (e.g., superior Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP); enhanced performance; novel design).

· Corporate Experience: A brief overview of the offeror’s corporate experience and proven expertise in developing and delivering similar satellite communication systems.

c. High-Level Technology Solution/Concept (five-page limit) Discuss the solution’s design philosophy, focusing on how its modularity enables operations across diverse satellite networks (Military X, Ka, and Ku bands) and orbital paths (GEO and MEO).

Detail the system’s approach to Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP), explaining how the complete solution is packaged for transport and rapid deployment. The narrative should confirm how the system meets the transportability requirements above.

Explain whether the solution is a commercially available product, a product requiring adaptation for Government use, or a new capability under development.

Describe how your solution addresses the capability gap described in the Problem Statement.

Summarize the terminal's key RF performance characteristics. This section should provide the government with confidence that the proposed solution meets the required transmission power and reception sensitivity to ensure reliable communications.

Describe the security posture of the solution, including any certifications, authorizations, or compliance frameworks currently held or actively being pursued.

Provide a proposed project schedule for the proposed solution, and describe how the proposed schedule is achievable.

Identify whether the proposed solution includes a pilot or demonstration of an existing commercial technology (identified as commercially ready and viable technology), or the development of technology for potential defense application. If development or adaptation is proposed, identify a suggested path to mature the technology. Identify aspects which may be considered proprietary.

d. Company Viability (one-page limit) Provide a brief overview of the company. Include a summary of current fundraising to date or a summary of top-line (gross sales/revenues). Provide a summary of product/solution commercialization and go-to-market strategy. Include the current number of enterprise customers and any notable deployments.

e. ROM/Schedule (Limit of one-page for ROM, and one-page for Schedule) Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM - total estimated out-the-door price): The ROM must contain the breakout of pricing. Tie pricing to milestones, where appropriate. Annotate assumptions used to develop the ROM.

Notional Schedule: The notional schedule must contain a project schedule outlining major tasks, milestones, and/or timeline for delivering the proposed solution. Annotate assumptions used to develop the schedule.

f. Affirmation of Business Status Certification (two-page limit each, using Attachment 1 Template) Include documentation for each company that would be a participant in the solution/concept (see Attachment 1).

g. Intellectual Property Statement/Agreement/Disclosures (no page limit) As needed, include a separate disclosure for each company that would be a participant in the solution/concept. The Government may be unable to evaluate the Solution Brief if a Company fails to provide the information requested above.

h. Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI) Analysis and Mitigation Plan (As applicable, no page limit) See Section 12.0 of this Call.

The Government may be unable to evaluate the Solution Brief if a Company fails to submit the required contents for Phase 1. For ease of evaluation, please include ALL sections (a. through h.) in one (1) .pdf submission if possible.

6.2 Phase 2 – Pitch

Phase 2 submission requirements and evaluation criteria will be outlined in the invitation to this phase, unless bypassed. The Government may request live product demonstrations during Phase 2.

6.3 Phase 3 – Proposal

Phase 3 submission requirements and evaluation criteria will be outlined in the invitation to this Phase.

7.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA

7.1 Phase 1 – Solution Brief Basis of Evaluation

Solution briefs correctly submitted in response to the Call will be evaluated against the below criteria. The Government reserves the right to use external market research in the evaluation of a Company’s viability. The Government reserves the right to not respond to solution briefs incorrectly submitted under this Call. The Government reserves the right to select all, some, or none of the solution submissions submitted in response to this Call.

The Government intends to evaluate the Solutions Brief to determine which proposed solutions have the potential to best meet the Government’s needs utilizing the evaluation criteria below.

Solution Briefs submitted in response to this open solicitation will be evaluated using the following factors in descending order of importance: (a) Technical Merit, (b) Schedule, and (c) Viability.

a. Technical Merit: The Government will evaluate the Company’s Solution Brief submission in accordance with Section 6.1.1(c). The Government will evaluate the proposed solution’s relevance to this Call based on the solutions approach and or ability to meet requirements described above in section 3.1 Required Attributes.

b. ROM/Schedule: The Government will evaluate the Company’s proposed project schedule and review estimated out-the-door total cost. The Government will assess the feasibility of the proposed timeline for enterprise deployment, any phased delivery approach, and the vendor’s demonstrated ability to deliver at the proposed pace. The Government will not conduct a price analysis at this phase.

c. Viability: The Government will evaluate the submitted company overview, commercial maturity of the product, customer base and enterprise adoption, and if applicable, summary of product/solution commercialization and market strategy. The Government will assess the vendor’s organizational stability, financial health, and capacity to support an enterprise-scale deployment.

7.2 Phase 1 – Solution Brief Selection Process

Based on the evaluation, the Solution Brief will be categorized as “Selected for Further Consideration” or “Not Selected for Further Consideration”. The selection of one or more submissions into the next Phase will be based on the criteria listed above and funding availability. Solution Briefs considered not to have (1) sufficient merit or relevance to the topic, (2) a Government need, or (3) funds are not expected to be available, the submission may be declined without further review.

Selected for Further Consideration: The submitted Solution Brief has been determined to be of technical merit, represents an achievable schedule and viable maturity pathway. As such, the Government intends to invite the Company to participate in the next phase should funding be available.

Not Selected for Further Consideration: The submitted Solution Brief does not represent either the necessary degree of technical merit, technical innovation, or relevance to agency priorities to warrant further proposal effort or consideration.

The Army anticipates this Call may routinely receive more Solution Briefs than resources to award. All submissions will be fairly evaluated, however, only select Solution Briefs will be invited to Phase 2 and/or Phase 3. The Government reserves the right to limit the number of Companies invited to Phase 2 and/or Phase 3. As such, a Company’s solution may be evaluated to be of merit but not invited to Phase 2 and/or Phase 3. Solution Briefs that are chosen for Phase 2 and/or Phase 3 will be notified in writing as soon as practicable. The Government reserves the right to bypass Phase 2 into Phase 3 to request a formal proposal should funding be available.

8.0 Reserved

9.0 Reserved

10.0 Anticipated Award and Path to Production

The Government anticipates awarding one or more contracts resulting from this Call for Solutions; however, this Call for Solutions does not obligate the Government to make any award. The Government reserves the right to award no contract at all if it is determined to be in the Government's best interest.. The type of award will be based on the maturity of the proposed solution.

A. Direct to Production Contract: The Government's preferred approach is to award a FAR-based contract (e.g., Firm-Fixed-Price) for the direct procurement of solutions that are determined to be commercial or near-commercial items and meet the Government's requirements. Offerors who propose a solution that can be fielded without a significant development effort will be prioritized.

B. Prototype leading to Production: In the event a proposed solution requires significant development, the Government may award a Prototype Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. Offerors should be advised that this OTA will contain the appropriate provisions to allow for a potential non-competitive follow-on production contract or transaction upon successful completion of the prototype.

All awards are contingent upon the availability of funds. The Government reserves the right to make no award at all."

11.0 NON-GOVERNMENT ADVISORS

In accordance with AOS, Section I, the Government will use non-Government advisors from the following contractors with the contact information provided: None noted at this time.

As a reminder, by submitting information to the Government, the Company further understands that it had an opportunity to enter into a NDA directly with the Non-Government Advisor and therefore waives any and all claims against the Government for any disclosures of proprietary information by the non-Government personnel. Such NDAs are the responsibility of the Company, and the Government shall not be a party to them. Companies shall provide a copy of the signed NDAs to the Government with submissions.

12.0 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST (OCI)

The Offeror shall perform an OCI analysis and submit the results of that analysis in addition to the Solution Brief submission. Specifically, the Offeror shall analyze the details of the Call and the implementation of their proposed Solution for actual or potential OCI situations associated with the performance of the Offeror, or any of the Offeror’s proposed teammates or subcontractors, under any contract or agreement the Offeror or the Offeror’s teammates or subcontractors have been or may be awarded by any federal agency or other entity. The Offeror shall describe in detail the methodology used to identify actual or potential OCI issues. The level of detail for OCI analysis may not be the same for all vendors. FAR 9.5 may be used as guidance for OCI analysis. If no conflicts are identified, a risk mitigation plan is not required; however a description of the analysis methodology, and an affirming statement that no conflicts are identified shall be included. This section will not count against submission page limits.

If the Offeror identifies any actual or potential OCIs with respect to the performance of the Offeror or the Offeror’s subcontractors or teammates, the contractor shall provide an OCI Mitigation Plan to be incorporated as an attachment to any resulting contract or agreement. Any proposed avoidance or mitigation techniques shall be consistent with FAR 9.5 and the most recent decisions of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

13.0 APPENDICES

The following documents are included as appendices to this Call for Solutions:

Attachment 1: Affirmation of Business Status Certification Form

14.0 Additional Notes

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