Operational Support Airlift/Executive Airlift (OSA/EA) Aircraft Combined COMSATCOM Services (SBS0042)

The Department of the Air Force seeks a Combined Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) service provider to deliver high-throughput satellite communications capabilities to senior leaders and support staff traveling on Operational Support Airlift/Executive Airlift (OSA/EA) aircraft, including the VC-25, C-32, C-40, C-37, and VH-92A platforms. The requirement encompasses Global Ka-Band high-capacity satellite managed subscription services, teleport and terrestrial communications backhaul, television services, network management portal integration, and electromagnetic interference identification and mitigation. Key contract objectives include providing unified Host Nation Agreement and frequency clearance processes, establishing a single web-based Network Monitoring System, ensuring 24/7 vendor support, delivering global terrestrial connectivity, and offering comprehensive training capabilities. The Air Force is particularly interested in vendors' strategies for consolidating existing satellite communication service types—including High-Capacity Mil-Ka Crossover service, SpaceX Star Shield Ku-Band SIMOP managed service, and Viasat Ku/Ka band services—into an integrated solution. The pre-solicitation notice was posted on July 12, 2024, with an RFI submission deadline of August 12, 2024, and the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) is available for vendor review and input.

This procurement includes no specific set-aside designations and does not identify named incumbents in the pre-solicitation materials. The contract is anticipated to commence on April 1, 2025, with the formal solicitation number FA2541-24-006. While specific award values or budget ranges are not detailed in the pre-solicitation notice, the contract documentation indicates that surge support of up to 25 percent of the total contract value may be required. The contractor must provide minimum aggregate throughput based on the number of terminals operating within steerable satellite spot beams to achieve global coverage. Vendors interested in this opportunity are encouraged to submit detailed responses to the RFI questions addressing their capabilities for service consolidation, technology integration with Mission Communications Systems, and partnerships with satellite operators, positioning themselves for the formal solicitation phase anticipated to follow the RFI review period.