SDA-SN-21-0005 T1 Acqusition Approach (Draft) RFI.pdf

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Space Development Agency

Tranche 1 Acquisition Approach (Draft)

Request for Information

SDA-SN-21-0005

The Space Development Agency (SDA) is seeking industry feedback on its draft approach for acquiring the National Defense Space Architecture’s (NDSA) Tranche 1. Tranche 1 (T1) will provide an initial transport capability to support a high-end regional conflict. Through this RFI, SDA is specifically seeking feedback on its approach to acquire T1 Transport space vehicles (SV) and support systems. All responses received to this Request for Information (RFI) are solely for information and planning purposes. Responses to this RFI may be used to support future solicitations.

BACKGROUND

SDA is responsible for developing, fielding, and operating the Department's next generation space architecture and accelerating the development and fielding of new military space capabilities necessary to ensure our technological and military advantage in space for national defense. To achieve this mission, SDA will unify and integrate next-generation space capabilities to deliver the NDSA, a resilient military sensing and data transport capability via a proliferated space architecture primarily in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). SDA will not necessarily develop and field all capabilities of the NDSA but rather orchestrate those efforts across DoD and fill in gaps in capabilities while providing the integrated architecture. SDA organizes its architecture into capability “layers” and predicated on the availability of a ubiquitous data and communications transport provided by relatively small, mass-produced satellites and tactically relevant payload hardware and software.

SDA is currently in the process of developing and deploying an initial suite of capabilities – Tranche 0 or the Warfighter Immersion Tranche, comprising elements of Transport, Tracking, Battle Management, Custody and Support. SDA is also preparing Tranche 1 – the NDSA’s Initial Warfighting Capability – anticipating a proliferation of space vehicles similar to those in development for Tranche 0 Transport Layer with incremental technology enhancements and efficient payload integration.

TRANCHE 1 MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT (DRAFT)

Figure 1 depicts a high-level overview of the Tranche 1 Product Line. The T1 product baseline will provide an initial transport capability to support a high-end regional conflict.

The T1 feature set includes low-latency sensor-to-shooter connectivity, initial deployment of the Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) space transport backbone, and direct-to-weapon connectivity. The success metrics for these features are:

• 90% Theater Coverage for Link 16 (Minimum Viable Product)

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• Highly-Desirable optical and/or RF connectivity with specific implementations of Air Force’s Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS), Army’s Project Convergence initiative, and Navy’s Project Overmatch initiative

• Best Effort direct-to-weapon connectivity with the TBD weapon system(s)

Figure 1: Visual Representation of Tranche 1 Product Line, including the T1 Minimum Viable Product

SDA expects the T1 Transport Layer (T1TL) to be comprised of approximately 150 space vehicles, developed and manufactured by multiple vendors, to be launched in late FY2024.

SDA plans to release Draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for the T1TL program in Summer 2021. Comprehensive solutions that include open architectures (e.g., buses that support multiple payloads and software applications, and payloads/software capable of integration aboard multiple buses or flight processors) and that leverage commercial capabilities, existing or planned are preferred. Additional solicitations for other capability layers will be based on identified requirements and availability of funds.

SDA expects the T1TL constellation to feature 6 near-polar circular planes with tens of satellites at 1000 km altitude in each plane. In Tranche 1, SDA is interested in deploying a homogeneous constellation design, with all space vehicles equipped with baseline mission payloads, as currently described in SDA-SN-21-0003.

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DRAFT ACQUISITION APPROACH

In pursuit of the Tranche 1 initial warfighting capability, SDA is contemplating multiple Requests for Proposals (RFP) as outlined below.

1. Transport SV and Support Systems. A FAR-based acquisition to solicit and award multiple firm/fixed priced contracts to deliver in orbit planes of Transport Tranche 1 capabilities. This acquisition approach is detailed below and the primary subject of this RFI seeking industry feedback.

2. BMC3 Interoperability & Security Layer (ISL). A FAR-based acquisition to solicit and award one or more cost reimbursable contracts to deliver the firmware/software architecture to provide integrated and interoperable Transport and BMC3 mission management. The BMC3 ISL would be provided as Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) relative to the Transport SV and Support Systems contracts to be hosted on some or all of the Transport SVs’ BMC3 hardware.

3. BMC3 Mission Applications. A FAR-based acquisition to solicit and award BMC3 software applications hosted on the BMC3 ISL, implemented either within the SOCs and/or on-board Transport SVs. The BMC3 Mission Applications would be provided as GFE relative to the Transport SV and Support Systems contracts to be hosted on some or all of the Transport SVs’ BMC3 hardware.

4. Ground System & Mission Integration, Ground Entry Points (GEP), and System Operations and Maintenance. Government-provided or separate solicitation(s) and contract award(s) for key systems integration across Transport SV and Support System solutions and operation and maintenance support functions within the Operations Centers.

DRAFT SCOPE OF WORK - TRANSPORT SV AND SUPPORT SYSTEMS

In support of the Transport SV and Support Systems scope, SDA is contemplating a full and open, FAR-based acquisition to solicit and award Firm/Fixed Price (FFP) contracts to deliver self-contained, fully mission-capable planes of Transport T1 capabilities. The major elements of the Transport SV and Support Systems draft scope of work are as follows.

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Figure 2: Graphical Representation of Transport SV and Support Systems Draft Scope of Work

1. One or more orbital planes of Transport T1 SVs (approximately 20 SVs per plane and as currently described in SDA-SN-21-0003)

2. Commercially-procured launch solution to deliver those SVs to orbit

3. Highly-automated constellation management and subnetwork management systems, developed using and compatible with the Government-Furnished NEPTUNE, VMOC, and OCEAN products, to be hosted and operated at each of the two SOC located (notionally at Grand Forks Air Force Base, ND and Redstone Arsenal, AL) as well as at the vendor facility in a backup configuration.

4. Launch, Checkout, and Early Operations support from vendor-provided facility;

transition operational support from vendor facilities to the two Government-Furnished SOCs; and provide trained, qualified, and on-site personnel at both SOCs for satellite

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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

SDA is seeking industry feedback on its draft approach for acquiring the National Defense Space Architecture’s (NDSA) Tranche 1. Tranche 1 will provide an initial capability to support a high-end regional conflict. Through this RFI, SDA is specifically seeking feedback on its approach to acquire T1 Transport Space Vehicles (SV) and support systems. In addition to general comments and feedback, SDA is specifically seeking industry feedback on the following aspects:

1. Your company’s initial interest in supporting this effort as a prime contractor

2. Scope of work your company is able to perform in-house and scope likely to executed under a subcontracting relationship, and any initial teaming arrangements at this time

3. Draft Statement of Work (SOW) requirements (note: not SV or System Technical

Requirements) your company would recommend or not recommend at this time

4. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for single self-contained plane, preferably with breakdown by cost of SVs, launch, ground support system software, and operations support

5. Your company’s interest and ability to provide on-site operations support personnel in Grand Forks, ND and Huntsville, AL

6. Initial expectations on Government-Furnished Material needed to deliver

7. Initial expectations on Data Rights, Intellectual Property, or other Proprietary concerns

8. Any other challenges, issues, risks, or considerations to this approach

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Responses to this notice shall include the following information:

• Vendor’s Company Name, Address, and Contact Information.

• Company Capability Statement/Overview (not to exceed one page)

Responses are limited to no more than 5 pages, and shall use a minimum of 12-point font and one inch margins. Responses must be in pdf format and not exceed 20MB.

All responses to this RFI must be received no later than 5:00 pm (Eastern) on 7 May 2021.

Unclassified responses shall be sent to osd.pentagon.ousd-r-e.mbx.sda-sn-21- 0005@mail.mil.

When submitting a response, please use the subject “Tranche 1 Acquisition Approach (Draft)

– [Vendor Name]”. Any responses submitted through different channels or to a different email address will not be considered. All submissions may request read receipts which will be provided.

DISCLAIMERS AND IMPORTANT NOTES

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This announcement contains all information required to submit a response. No additional forms, kits, or other materials are needed. Although the word “proposal” is used in this RFI, your response will be treated solely for information and planning purposes; it does not constitute a formal solicitation for proposals. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Submission of a response is strictly voluntary and is not required to propose to a subsequent SDA solicitation. No solicitation exists; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on betaSAM.gov. It is the responsibility of any potential offerors/bidders to monitor this site for release of any solicitation or synopsis. SDA will NOT provide reimbursement for costs incurred in responding to this RFI or participating in any subsequent workshop, briefing, Industry Day or other virtual or in-person discussion, or pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in subsection 31.205-18, Bid and Proposal Costs, of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

To the maximum extent possible, please submit non-proprietary information. If proprietary information is submitted, it must be appropriately and specifically marked as “Proprietary.” It is the submitter's responsibility to clearly define to the Government what is considered proprietary data. SDA will not publicly disclose proprietary information obtained as a result of the RFI. To the full extent that it is protected pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and other laws and regulations, information properly identified by a respondent as “Proprietary” will be appropriately controlled. Submissions may be reviewed by Government personnel and support contractors bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreements. Responses to this RFI will not be returned. Intellectual or other privileged or proprietary information contained in responses to this RFI will not be distributed outside of the Department of Defense or United States Government employees from other Government agencies who are working with SDA on this RFI. Respondents are advised that SDA is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information received or provide feedback with respect to any information submitted under this RFI. Responses to this RFI do not bind SDA to any further actions.