PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE UPDATE** Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR): Increment 1
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- Satellite_Communication_Augmentation_Resource_(SCAR)_Increment_1
- Agency
-
Air Force
Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- Place of performance
- Kirtland AFB, New Mexico 87117, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The United States Space Force is soliciting novel satellite ground Telemetry, Tracking and Commanding (TT&C) capabilities under the Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR) program, with the first Call (solicitation HQ0860-26-S-C008) anticipated to post on or about 10 September 2026 through the Missile Defense Agency NOBLE MAA marketplace. This is a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) under 10 U.S.C. 3458 and DFARS 212.70, with anticipated multiple awards possible across single or multiple Calls.
The procurement targets novel concepts in satellite ground communication antenna systems delivering high-gain, low-latency, and reliable services. The government will prioritize commercially available technologies and fixed-price arrangements using Prototype Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) under 10 U.S.C. 4022 wherever practicable, with FAR Part 12 contracts available when determined in the government's interest. Cost-reimbursable agreements will not be used. The government reserves the right to award non-competitive follow-on production contracts to successful prototype participants.
Responses follow a two-phase closed variant methodology, with proposals evaluated by SCAR PMO subject matter experts on innovation criteria. Respondents must submit a Non-Disclosure Agreement before accessing CUI-marked supplemental documents via the DoD SAFE website. Non-response to this notice may preclude participation in future Increment 1 solicitations and industry events.
NAICS 541715; PSC 5985.
Notice text
6 versions
Update #6 · Latest ·
***PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE UPDATE***
This is an update to the SCAR CSO Presolicitation Synopsis for pending solicitation number HQ0860-26-S-C008.
The SCAR PMO anticipates posting the solicitation on or about 10 September 26 through the MDA Opportunity Marketplace NOBLE MAA page at https://www.mda.mil/business/noble.html.
CSO Statutory Authority
The solicitation will utilize CSO procedures to acquire innovative commercial solutions. This CSO, conducted pursuant to 10 U.S.C. §3458 and DFARS 212.70-(Class Deviation 2026-O0028), will serve as the competitive procedure for the initial prototype project selection. The Government intends to maximize the use of Prototype Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) under 10 U.S.C. § 4022. In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f), the Government will reserves the right to award a non-competitive follow-on production contract or transaction to the participant(s) in the transaction following the successful completion of a prototype project competitively awarded under an OTA from this solicitation. The Government may award FAR-based firm-fixed price contracts as a result of this solicitation. All innovative commercial products and commercial services acquired under this CSO will be treated as commercial.
CSO Approach
Under this Two Phase Closed Variant, the Government may award contracts resulting from proposals to acquire innovative products, technologies, or services based on a review of solutions by scientific, technological, or other subject matter expert peers within the SCAR Program Management Office (PMO).
For the purposes of this solicitation, “Innovative” means any technology, process, or method, including research and development (R&D), that is new as of the date of the submission of a proposal, or any application that is new as of the date of the submission of a proposal of a technology, process or method, existing as of such date
Two Phased Methodology
The CSO will be a Two Phase Closed Variant. Phase 1 will be structured to provide the Government with an initial White Paper for solutions while Phase 2 will capture proposal submission. The Government will reserve the right to invite one, some, all, or none of the Offerors to submit a proposal under Phase 2.
Phase 1: White Paper: Offerors will be invited to submit a detailed technical white paper describing their innovative solution addressing the specific AOI(s) selected. The PMO will utilize the DoD SAFE website https://safe.apps.mil/ for the submission of Phase 1 White Papers by the date and time specified in this solicitation. Vendors will be required to request a drop off code no later than three days before the response deadline. SAFE will no longer allow you to submit your response without a drop off code.
Phase 2: Request for Proposals (RFPs) or Request for Prototype Proposals (RPPs): Offerors selected from Phase1 may be invited to submit a full, formal proposal. Phase 2 proposals will only be accepted from Offerors who, upon review of Phase 1 submission, have received a request from the Agreement Officer (AO). The PMO will utilize the DoD SAFE website https://safe.apps.mil/ for the submission of proposals. Vendors will be required to request a drop off code no later than three days before the identified response deadline. SAFE will no longer allow you to submit your response without a drop off code.
Program Security Requirements
- The solicitation will include a DD Form 254 DoD Contract Security Classification Specification.
- All classified information must be handled in accordance with NISPOM (32 CFR part 117).
- Offerors must have a valid U.S. security clearance of Secret or higher and an active Facility Security Clearance (FCL) issued by DCSA under the NISP at the time of White Paper submission.
- Offerors must have Government approval to safeguard classified material at their facility.
Offeror’s Library
This solicitation will include an “Offeror’s Library” with documents marked as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). The documents include CUI Categories Controlled Technical Information (CTI) and Export Controlled (EXPT). In order to access the CUI documents marked EXPT, Offerors must possess an Active DD Form 2345 Militarily Critical Technical Data Agreement searchable in the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Joint Certification Program (JCP) Portal at https://www.dla.mil/logistics-operations/services/joint-certification-program/. Interested offerors must have their Data Custodian email the following information to the POCs identified in the solicitation:
- Company name and official mailing address
- Data Custodian contact information (email and phone number)
- Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code
Offerors who do not possess an Active DD2345 will only have access to documents without a CUI EXPT marking. In order to access the CUI documents in the Offeror’s Library, Offerors must have at least a Computer Maturity Model Capability (CMMC) Level II Self-Assessment in Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) at https://www.sprs.csd.disa.mil/.
The Offeror’s Library documents will be distributed to the requesting Offeror once the SCAR PMO has verified its Data Custodian and SPRS score as described above. Documents from the Offeror’s Library will be sent to eligible Offerors via the DoD Secure Access File Exchange (SAFE) website https://safe.apps.mil/. DOD SAFE drop off email and passphrase allowing access and pick-up of documents will be provided. Any previous Non-Disclosure Agreement(s) (NDAs) executed under the SCAR Increment 1 Sources Sought will not be considered sufficient to request documents from this solicitation’s Offeror’s Library.
DoW Policy Alignment
In accordance with the DoW Secretarial Memorandum dated November 7, 2025, this solicitation executes a “commercial-first” acquisition strategy, prioritizing non-traditional defense contractors and commercially derived innovations to bypass traditional bureaucratic barriers.
Use of Non-Government Advisors
The SCAR PMO intends to use Non-Government Advisors to evaluate offers receive in response to the CSO. In order to review submissions resultant from any phase, CUI PROPIN information may be given to Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC), Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA), Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I), and/or Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) contractors working for the Government. The Non-Government Advisors will have signed a non-disclosure agreement with the Government prior to reviewing submissions. By submission to any phase of the CSO, offerors will be required to accede to the terms of this provision. Any objection to non-Government advisors reviewing information submitted in response to this solicitation must be included in the Offeror submissions with the appropriate restrictive legends.
OFFERORS MUST BE REGISTERED with System for Award Management (SAM), in order to receive a Government Contract award. To register, the SAM Internet address is: https://sam.gov/content/home.
**NOTE** Please send any inquiries regarding SCAR PMO postings to both POCs listed below:
PCO: Lee Mutschler, CORE, SIC
Unclassified e-mail: lee.mutschler@spaceforce.mil, Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0769
CS: Erica Talley, CORE
Unclassified e-mail: erica.talley.2.ctr@spaceforce.mil, Unclassified Phone: 505 853-0768
Offerors are advised that this requirement may be delayed, canceled, or revised at any time during the solicitation, or final award process.
End of Update
Update #5 ·
***PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE***
Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) multiple Calls anticipated. For planning purposes, the first Call is intended under Solicitation number HQ0860-26-S-C008.
The SCAR Program Management Office (PMO) will solicit this procurement utilizing the existing Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Nimble Options for Buying Layered Effects (NOBLE) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA). The PMO will utilize 10 U.S.C. §3458 – Authority to acquire innovative commercial products and commercial services using general solicitation competitive procedures / DFARS 212.70 – Defense Commercial Solutions Opening. The PMO may make multiple awards under a single Call or multiple Calls may be utilized. If multiple Calls are utilized, each call will have a distinct solicitation number.
The PMO anticipates posting the first solicitation on or about 45 days from the date of this notice through the MDA Opportunity Marketplace NOBLE MAA page at https://www.mda.mil/business/noble.html which will include further detail, instructions for accessing supplemental documents, and identify a submission due date/time and process.
NOBLE consolidates several solicitation authorities under a single overarching announcement (identified in the NOBLE Announcement HQ0860-25-S-0001 in Section IV Authorities). The PMO intends to utilize Topic Area 4. Disruptive Technologies to solicit novel concepts in the areas of satellite ground Telemetry, Tracking and Commanding (TT&C) capabilities.
The PMO will maximize the use of commercially available technologies under Fixed-price (FP) arrangement using Other Transactions Authority (OTA) Agreements wherever practicable with FAR Part 12 Procurement Contracts when determined in the best interest of the Government. Cost Reimbursable Agreements or Procurement Contracts will not be used.
The contemplated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541715 and Product Service Code (PSC) is 5985 Antennas, Waveguides, and Related Equipment.
OFFERORS MUST BE REGISTERED with System for Award Management (SAM), in order to receive a Government Contract award. To register, the SAM Internet address is: https://sam.gov/content/home. The PMO will utilize the DoD SAFE website https://safe.apps.mil/ for the submission of offers.
The solicitation will include Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), necessitating a bidder's library, and will not be posted publicly. The Request for Proposal (RFP) will include specific instruction for obtaining documents from the Bidder’s Library.
**NOTE** Please send any inquiries regarding SCAR PMO postings to both POCs listed below:
PCO: Lee Mutschler, CORE, SIC
Unclassified e-mail: lee.mutschler@spaceforce.mil
Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0769
CS: Erica Talley, CORE
Unclassified e-mail: erica.talley.2.ctr@spaceforce.mil
Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0625
Offerors are advised that this requirement may be delayed, canceled, or revised at any time during the solicitation, or final award process.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Update #4 ·
***PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE***
Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) multiple Calls anticipated. For planning purposes, the first Call is intended under Solicitation number HQ0860-26-S-C008.
The SCAR Program Management Office (PMO) will solicit this procurement utilizing the existing Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Nimble Options for Buying Layered Effects (NOBLE) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA). The PMO will utilize 10 U.S.C. §3458 – Authority to acquire innovative commercial products and commercial services using general solicitation competitive procedures / DFARS 212.70 – Defense Commercial Solutions Opening. The PMO may make multiple awards under a single Call or multiple Calls may be utilized. If multiple Calls are utilized, each call will have a distinct solicitation number.
The PMO anticipates posting the first solicitation on or about 45 days from the date of this notice through the MDA Opportunity Marketplace NOBLE MAA page at https://www.mda.mil/business/noble.html which will include further detail, instructions for accessing supplemental documents, and identify a submission due date/time and process.
NOBLE consolidates several solicitation authorities under a single overarching announcement (identified in the NOBLE Announcement HQ0860-25-S-0001 in Section IV Authorities). The PMO intends to utilize Topic Area 4. Disruptive Technologies to solicit novel concepts in the areas of satellite ground Telemetry, Tracking and Commanding (TT&C) capabilities.
The PMO will maximize the use of commercially available technologies under Fixed-price (FP) arrangement using Other Transactions Authority (OTA) Agreements wherever practicable with FAR Part 12 Procurement Contracts when determined in the best interest of the Government. Cost Reimbursable Agreements or Procurement Contracts will not be used.
The contemplated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541715 and Product Service Code (PSC) is 5985 Antennas, Waveguides, and Related Equipment.
OFFERORS MUST BE REGISTERED with System for Award Management (SAM), in order to receive a Government Contract award. To register, the SAM Internet address is: https://sam.gov/content/home. The PMO will utilize the DoD SAFE website https://safe.apps.mil/ for the submission of offers.
The solicitation will include Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), necessitating a bidder's library, and will not be posted publicly. The Request for Proposal (RFP) will include specific instruction for obtaining documents from the Bidder’s Library.
**NOTE** Please send any inquiries regarding SCAR PMO postings to both POCs listed below:
PCO: Lee Mutschler, CORE, SIC
Unclassified e-mail: lee.mutschler@spaceforce.mil
Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0769
CS: Erica Talley, CORE
Unclassified e-mail: erica.talley.2.ctr@spaceforce.mil
Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0625
Offerors are advised that this requirement may be delayed, canceled, or revised at any time during the solicitation, or final award process.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Update #3 ·
***PRE-SOLICITATION NOTICE***
Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) multiple Calls anticipated. For planning purposes, the first Call is intended under Solicitation number HQ0860-26-S-C008.
The SCAR Program Management Office (PMO) will solicit this procurement utilizing the existing Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Nimble Options for Buying Layered Effects (NOBLE) Multiple Authority Announcement (MAA). The PMO will utilize 10 U.S.C. §3458 – Authority to acquire innovative commercial products and commercial services using general solicitation competitive procedures / DFARS 212.70 – Defense Commercial Solutions Opening. The PMO may make multiple awards under a single Call or multiple Calls may be utilized. If multiple Calls are utilized, each call will have a distinct solicitation number.
The PMO anticipates posting the first solicitation on or about 45 days from the date of this notice through the MDA Opportunity Marketplace NOBLE MAA page at https://www.mda.mil/business/noble.html which will include further detail, instructions for accessing supplemental documents, and identify a submission due date/time and process.
NOBLE consolidates several solicitation authorities under a single overarching announcement (identified in the NOBLE Announcement HQ0860-25-S-0001 in Section IV Authorities). The PMO intends to utilize Topic Area 4. Disruptive Technologies to solicit novel concepts in the areas of satellite ground Telemetry, Tracking and Commanding (TT&C) capabilities.
The PMO will maximize the use of commercially available technologies under Fixed-price (FP) arrangement using Other Transactions Authority (OTA) Agreements wherever practicable with FAR Part 12 Procurement Contracts when determined in the best interest of the Government. Cost Reimbursable Agreements or Procurement Contracts will not be used.
The contemplated North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 541715 and Product Service Code (PSC) is 5985 Antennas, Waveguides, and Related Equipment.
OFFERORS MUST BE REGISTERED with System for Award Management (SAM), in order to receive a Government Contract award. To register, the SAM Internet address is: https://sam.gov/content/home. The PMO will utilize the DoD SAFE website https://safe.apps.mil/ for the submission of offers.
The solicitation will include Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), necessitating a bidder's library, and will not be posted publicly. The Request for Proposal (RFP) will include specific instruction for obtaining documents from the Bidder’s Library.
**NOTE** Please send any inquiries regarding SCAR PMO postings to both POCs listed below:
PCO: Lee Mutschler, CORE, SIC
Unclassified e-mail: lee.mutschler@spaceforce.mil
Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0769
CS: Erica Talley, CORE
Unclassified e-mail: erica.talley.2.ctr@spaceforce.mil
Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0625
Offerors are advised that this requirement may be delayed, canceled, or revised at any time during the solicitation, or final award process.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
(This is a SOURCES SOUGHT announcement, to be used to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities and qualifications of various members of industry. This is intended to further the Government’s understanding of industry capabilities to assist with acquisition planning purposes. Additionally, this does not restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS AND NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED FROM THIS NOTICE. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this notice nor for any follow-up information requests. Responses to this notice will not be returned and no further feedback will be provided. Non-response to this Sources Sought may preclude future participation in any further events or solicitation for Increment 1.
The Attachment for this posting are marked as CUI and will be part of the Bidder's Library. They must be sent to interested vendors via the DoD SAFE website (https://safe.apps.mil). Respondents will be required to submit a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before being provided a DoD SAFE drop off email and passphrase allowing access and pick-up.
Respondents submitting proprietary or business sensitive information bear sole responsibility for the information for appropriate safeguarding.
Summary of Requrement
The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking information from industry on currently deployed satellite communication antenna systems that can provide high-gain, low-latency, and reliable communication services for various applications. The purpose of this notice is to assess the current state of system technology, maturity, and availability to inform current and future USSF Programs. The system requirements captured here describe the first of several anticipated Increments for the Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR) Program. USSF will execute additional industry engagements for future SCAR Increments.
Contracting Points of Contact:
Respondents shall submit their responses in electronic format to lee.mutschler@spaceforce.mil and erica.talley.2.ctr@spaceforce.mil. Email is preferable, however, you may utilize the DoD SAFE website (https://safe.apps.mil) to submit your response. If using DoD SAFE for submission, you must request a drop off code from the POCs identified above and below no later than three days before the response deadline. SAFE will no longer allow you to submit your response without a drop off code.
PCO: Lee Mutschler, CORE, SIC
Unclassified e-mail: lee.mutschler@spaceforce.mil
Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0769
CS: Erica Talley, CORE
Unclassified e-mail: erica.talley.2.ctr@spaceforce.mil
Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0625
Update #2 ·
This is a SOURCES SOUGHT announcement, to be used to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities and qualifications of various members of industry. This is intended to further the Government’s understanding of industry capabilities to assist with acquisition planning purposes. Additionally, this does not restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS AND NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED FROM THIS NOTICE. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this notice nor for any follow-up information requests. Responses to this notice will not be returned and no further feedback will be provided. Non-response to this Sources Sought may preclude future participation in any further events or solicitation for Increment 1.
The Attachment for this posting are marked as CUI and will be part of the Bidder's Library. They must be sent to interested vendors via the DoD SAFE website (https://safe.apps.mil). Respondents will be required to submit a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before being provided a DoD SAFE drop off email and passphrase allowing access and pick-up.
Respondents submitting proprietary or business sensitive information bear sole responsibility for the information for appropriate safeguarding.
Summary of Requrement
The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking information from industry on currently deployed satellite communication antenna systems that can provide high-gain, low-latency, and reliable communication services for various applications. The purpose of this notice is to assess the current state of system technology, maturity, and availability to inform current and future USSF Programs. The system requirements captured here describe the first of several anticipated Increments for the Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR) Program. USSF will execute additional industry engagements for future SCAR Increments.
Contracting Points of Contact:
Respondents shall submit their responses in electronic format to lee.mutschler@spaceforce.mil and erica.talley.2.ctr@spaceforce.mil. Email is preferable, however, you may utilize the DoD SAFE website (https://safe.apps.mil) to submit your response. If using DoD SAFE for submission, you must request a drop off code from the POCs identified above and below no later than three days before the response deadline. SAFE will no longer allow you to submit your response without a drop off code.
PCO: Lee Mutschler, CORE, SIC
Unclassified e-mail: lee.mutschler@spaceforce.mil
Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0769
CS: Erica Talley, CORE
Unclassified e-mail: erica.talley.2.ctr@spaceforce.mil
Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0625
Update #1 ·
This is a SOURCES SOUGHT announcement, to be used to gain knowledge of interest, capabilities and qualifications of various members of industry. This is intended to further the Government’s understanding of industry capabilities to assist with acquisition planning purposes. Additionally, this does not restrict the Government to a particular acquisition approach. THIS IS NOT A SOLICITATION FOR PROPOSALS AND NO CONTRACT WILL BE AWARDED FROM THIS NOTICE. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this notice nor for any follow-up information requests. Responses to this notice will not be returned and no further feedback will be provided. Non-response to this Sources Sought may preclude future participation in any further events or solicitation for Increment 1.
The Attachment for this posting are marked as CUI and will be part of the Bidder's Library. They must be sent to interested vendors via the DoD SAFE website (https://safe.apps.mil). Respondents will be required to submit a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before being provided a DoD SAFE drop off email and passphrase allowing access and pick-up.
Respondents submitting proprietary or business sensitive information bear sole responsibility for the information for appropriate safeguarding.
Summary of Requrement
The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking information from industry on currently deployed satellite communication antenna systems that can provide high-gain, low-latency, and reliable communication services for various applications. The purpose of this notice is to assess the current state of system technology, maturity, and availability to inform current and future USSF Programs. The system requirements captured here describe the first of several anticipated Increments for the Satellite Communication Augmentation Resource (SCAR) Program. USSF will execute additional industry engagements for future SCAR Increments.
Contracting Points of Contact:
Respondents shall submit their responses in electronic format to lee.mutschler@spaceforce.mil and erica.talley.2.ctr@spaceforce.mil. Email is preferable, however, you may utilize the DoD SAFE website (https://safe.apps.mil) to submit your response. If using DoD SAFE for submission, you must request a drop off code from the POCs identified above and below no later than three days before the response deadline. SAFE will no longer allow you to submit your response without a drop off code.
PCO: Lee Mutschler, CORE, SIC
Unclassified e-mail: lee.mutschler@spaceforce.mil
Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0769
CS: Erica Talley, CORE
Unclassified e-mail: erica.talley.2.ctr@spaceforce.mil
Unclassified Phone: 505-853-0625
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| CUI Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA).pdf |
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