SATCOM Modernization Synopsis

The Department of the Air Force Air Education and Training Command, specifically the 81st Contracting Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base in Mississippi, is procuring SATCOM terminals, antennas, and associated assets for modernization purposes. The requirement involves the replacement of two end-of-life Ground Multi-Band Terminal (GMT) and Quad-band Large Aperture Antenna (QLAA) training systems with modern, deployable dual-hub SATCOM terminal systems capable of operating across C, X, Ku, and Ka-band frequencies. Key contract requirements include delivery of two complete, turn-key SATCOM terminal systems with two small aperture antennas per terminal, remote command and control capability via contractor-provided ruggedized laptops, compatibility with existing infrastructure and legacy modem configurations, compliance with MIL-STD-188-165A and EIA-530 interface standards, comprehensive technical documentation, and a one-time train-the-trainer program for up to 12 government personnel. The government anticipates awarding a firm-fixed price requirements contract using Simplified Acquisition Procedures under FAR 13.5, though specific evaluation criteria have not been detailed in the presolicitation notice. The solicitation is expected to be posted on www.sam.gov on or about February 26, 2026, and prospective offerors should monitor that site for updates and closing dates, with written questions accepted only after the solicitation posting and directed to Zachary Willard at (228) 377-1804 or zachary.willard.1@us.af.mil.

This opportunity is designated as a 100% Small Business Set-Aside, making it available exclusively to small businesses meeting the NAICS 334220 size standard of 1,250 employees or fewer. The solicitation does not identify any incumbent contractors or current contract holders. No specific award value or budget range is disclosed in the presolicitation materials. The requirement calls for delivery of two complete operational SATCOM terminal systems with integrated hardware, software, and documentation, along with on-site integration and turn-key setup services. The contractor must deliver these systems to Keesler AFB within 180 to 225 days after contract award, representing a tight implementation timeline. All prospective offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to contract award, and the government will accept proposals only in written form via email, with no paper copies or verbal responses accepted.