DRAFT SOLICITATION: Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Service Life Extension (SLE)

INTRODUCTION: The Space Systems Command Program Executive Office for Military Communications & Position, Navigation, and Timing is issuing this notice on behalf of the Narrowband Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Acquisition Delta, requesting industry feedback on certain draft solicitation documents for the Government's upcoming planned acquisition for Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) Service Life Extension (SLE).

DISCLAIMER:  THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL TO BE SUBMITTED. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT 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. 

OVERVIEW: In a 2020 Acquisition Decision Memorandum, Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Geurts, and Secretary of the Air Force, Dr. Roper, endorsed the now Narrowband SATCOM Acquisition Delta of Space Systems Command, to complete pre-acquisition activities for the MUOS SLE effort. That work is coming to closure with the directed intent to acquire two replacement satellites to replenish the existing 4-ball geosynchronous satellite constellation to continue MUOS operations beyond the original service life. The new satellites, MUOS SV6 and SV7, will extend the life of WCDMA communication services, using the same WCDMA frequencies, beams, Radio Access Facilities, and radio user interfaces. MUOS SV6 and SV7 will meet or exceed the current system performance requirements and have compatible interfaces to ensure seamless integration with the MUOS ground systems and continuity of operations with current and planned DoD WCDMA radio terminals. 

The Government intends to acquire MUOS SV6 and SV7 in two contracting phases: Phase 1 is an Early Satellite Design and Risk Reduction phase. Phase 2 will be a Final Satellite Design, Production, and Delivery Phase limited to offeror(s) awarded contract(s) for Phase 1.  

In July of 2022, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Space Acquisition and Integration, Mr. Calvelli, approved this MUOS SLE Acquisition Strategy and directed the Narrowband SATCOM Acquisition Delta to complete Early Satellite Design and Risk Reduction (Phase 1) activities.

In September of 2022, the Government held an Industry Day to introduce the full-and-open contract opportunity for Phase 1, under the construct of a not-to-exceed fixed price contract with award available for up to two vendors. The Government intends to release a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for Industry review and comment in 1QFY23, followed by a final RFP in 2QFY23.

In December of 2022, the Government provided initial instructions for interested vendors to register for the SLE Phase 1 Bidders' Library. Registration requests were processed in advance of this notice to provide access to the repository where the draft documents will be provided for comment. 

PRE-REGISTERED ACCESS TO DRAFT SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS:

Vendors that pre-registered for access to the SLE Phase 1 Bidders' Library can access the draft documents via the link provided during pre-registration. 

NON-PRE-REGISTERED ACCESS TO DRAFT SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS:

Vendors that did not pre-registered for access to the SLE Phase 1 Bidders' Library are still invited to comment on the draft solicitation documents. The documents will be provided via the DOD Secure Access File Exchange (SAFE). Requests for documents should be directed to Bryan Boardway (bryan.boardway@spaceforce.mil), Krystal Hussong (krystal.hussong@spaceforce.mil), and Bethany Reed (bethany.reed.3.ctr@spaceforce.mil) and include the following information: 

1. Company Name:
2. Point of Contact:
3. Telephone:
4. Email:
5. Did you or someone from your organization attend Industry Day? (Y/N)

Upon receipt of this information, the Government will provide you with further instructions.

VENDOR RESPONSES: 

Responses to this notice are due by 0800 Pacific Time on Monday, January 16, 2023. Vendors shall submit their input via email using the provided CRM.xlsx template to Bryan Boardway (bryan.boardway@spaceforce.mil), Krystal Hussong (krystal.hussong@spaceforce.mil), Bethany Reed (bethany.reed.3.ctr@spaceforce.mil), and Shawn Veen (shannon.veen@spaceforce.mil). Note that responses are for Government consideration only and will not be publicized.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Primary Point of Contact
Shawn Veen, Deputy PM SLE Space
shannon.veen@spaceforce.mil
(619) 813-0673

Secondary Point of Contact
Bethany Reed, PM Support
bethany.reed.3.ctr@spaceforce.mil
(805) 796-8068

Contractual Point of Contact
Bryan Boardway, SLE PCO
bryan.boardway@spaceforce.mil 
(310) 701-0335