Department of State Global Tactical and Satellite Communications

The Department of State's Bureau of Diplomatic Technology and Global Tactical Communications has issued a Sources Sought Notice to identify women-owned small businesses capable of providing satellite telecommunications services for contingency communications and crisis response operations. This Special Notice, posted on July 10, 2025, seeks contractors to support five functional categories of satellite telecommunications services: Standard Satellite Equipment, Standard Satellite Airtime/Service, Satellite Telephones, Low Earth Orbit Satellite Equipment, and Low Earth Orbit Service. The opportunity falls under NAICS Code 517410 for Satellite Telecommunications and is specifically set aside for Woman-Owned Small Business concerns. The government has attached detailed specifications including acceptable quality levels for equipment performance, legacy equipment pricing lists, and comprehensive technical requirements for satellite communication devices and services from various manufacturers including Cobham, Hughes, Iridium, SatCube, Kymeta, and Inmarsat Government.

The primary purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to identify qualified women-owned small businesses that can provide IT services for classified, unclassified, and sensitive but unclassified environments worldwide to support the Department of State's global tactical communications needs. Interested contractors must submit responses by July 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time via email to designated contract specialists, with submissions limited to women-owned small business concerns only. Response requirements include a cover letter with company information, business size verification, relevant certifications, and a detailed capability statement addressing the five functional categories, with submissions limited to 12 pages using 12-point font. The government will use these responses to determine acquisition strategy and potential small business program set-asides for future solicitations. Key performance standards include stringent quality requirements such as 99% on-time delivery within 45 days, 99.5% repair completion within 30 days, and comprehensive warranty and conformity certifications for all supplied equipment and services.