Starshield Installation Sources Sought.pdf

Sources Sought

This is a Sources Sought. It is neither a request for proposal nor does the United States Coast Guard intend to form a contract on the basis of any response to this Sources Sought.

I. INTRODUCTION

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) seeks capability statements from vendors able to perform the installation of the SpaceX Starshield Aero Terminal in accordance with Nextant Aerospace’s Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) on the USCG’s C-37A by June 1, 2025.

Additionally, USCG seeks integration of Starshield into its existing communications systems.

USCG will use the results of this Sources Sought, along with other market research, to assess the feasibility and desirability of potential contracting strategies.

II. DISCLAIMER

This Sources Sought is for informational purposes only. This is not a Request for Proposal.

It does not constitute a solicitation and shall not be construed as a commitment by USCG to purchase products or services. Responses in any form will not be considered offers and USCG is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted is strictly voluntary.

III. CONTRACT/PROGRAM BACKGROUND

Currently, the USCG Long Range Command and Control Aircraft (LRCCA) fleet is made up of military variants of Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s (GAC’s) G-V and a G550 to act as Command-and-Control platforms for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and

USCG.

IV. REQUIRED CAPABILITY

A. Any vendor certified as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 145 Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility able to acquire requisite hardware, perform its installation, and integrate Starshield via the Nextant STC and any other necessary Major Repair or Alteration (MRA) compatible with the C-37A. A vendor with Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) is preferred. The USCG seeks for this effort to be completed in May 2025.

B. The installation requires the use of the integrated Starshield Aero Terminal that shall be configured to utilize both Starlink and Starshield constellations. The installation shall include the most updated and aviation approved hardware to include a Block 3 Power Supply Unit, harness, and associated connector kits. Starlink Wireless Access Point kit is not required.

C. Integrate Starshield system within the existing aircraft topology. Contractor must work with network engineers from SpaceX and USCG to adapt the Starshield system to operate with the aircraft’s Satcom Direct Routers and Cabin Network Distribution Unit which may require modification to configuration settings.

D. The installation will require removal and relocation of the existing #2 VHF blade antenna and the existing UHF SATCOM antenna. See attached photographs of USCG C-37A installed antennas.

E. The installation requires removal without relocation of an existing ARC-513 antenna and installation of a suitable patch/repair using FAA Form 8110-3. See attached photographs of USCG C-37A installed antennas.

F. Integrate Starshield system within the existing aircraft network topology. Contractor must work with network engineers from SpaceX and USCG to adapt the Starshield system to operate with the aircraft’s 2 existing Satcom Direct Routers which may require installation of an additional ethernet router/switch and require changes to existing router configuration settings. Integration of Starshield with the existing network will be performed using FAA DER approved data and be substantiated by the following documentation:

a. Wiring Diagrams

b. Electrical Loads Analysis

c. Wire Routing Report

d. Structural Substantiation Report

e. Instructions for Continued Airworthiness

f. EMI Test Plan

g. Ground Test Plan

h. FAA Form 8110-3

G. Following system installation, a test phase of 10 days is required by DHS/USCG to ensure compatibility and functionality meets communication equipment requirements.

H. Prior to delivery, the contractor is required to update aircraft weight and balance and transmit chart data for USCG use.

I. Coordinate with FAA Military Certification Branch (MCB) as necessary to ensure aircraft modification and corresponding airworthiness reviews are completed prior to return to service.

V. SUBMITTAL INFORMATION

Interested vendors shall submit detailed capabilities statement regarding the company and available induction for installation. Respondents should provide Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing to include the first date of availability. Statements shall be submitted to the Contract Specialist, Jennifer McMahon at Jennifer.D.Mcmahon@uscg.mil with Matthew Wallace at Matthew.L.Wallace@uscg.mil carbon copied.

mailto:Jennifer.D.Mcmahon@uscg.mil mailto:Matthew.L.Wallace@uscg.mil

Capability statements should include the following information:

• The company’s name

• The company’s physical address

• The company’s FAA licenses/certifications

• The company’s published price catolog.

• The company’s point of contact with current phone number and email address

VI. ADDITIONAL AIRCRAFT PHOTOS