Space-to-Space (S2S) Communication Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
Open Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- FA8819-25-R-B006
- Agency
-
Space and Missile Systems Center
Air Force Space Command, 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
- El Segundo, California 90245, United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Space Systems Command (SSC) Space Combat Power (SCP) Program Executive Office is seeking technology project contracts for Space-to-Space (S2S) Communications and Space Networking advancements in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) through a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) posted on September 15, 2025. The solicitation targets state-of-the-art technology development including optical communication advancements, advanced data links, novel communication techniques, positioning/navigation/timing alternatives, space hardware improvements, high-rate mesh backbones, multi-level security operations, cyber defense, and enterprise hybrid architectures. Key contract requirements include compliance with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) handling protocols, adherence to NIST SP 800-171 security controls for contractors handling sensitive information, submission of Organizational Conflict of Interest statements, and development of comprehensive Cost and Price Proposals and Contractor Statements of Work. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical merit, contribution to focus areas, technical approach, and cost, with the government reserving the right to select one, multiple, or no proposals depending on assessment and funding availability. The solicitation period extends from September 15, 2025 through September 14, 2030, with Call 1.1 (Link-182 Space-to-Space Communications System Development and Demonstration) white papers due October 6, 2025, and Call 1.2 (pLEO Mesh Concepts) white papers due December 17, 2025.
This unrestricted solicitation contains no set-aside designations and is open to small businesses, large businesses, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions, with no identified incumbent contractors. The BAA does not specify award values or budget ranges, though multiple awards are anticipated across the various calls. Call 1.1 represents a two-phase technology development effort with a 12-month period of performance focusing on developing a Link-182 waveform space-qualified flight radio weighing under 1.36 kg with power consumption under 30 watts and NSA Type-1 cryptography compatibility. Call 1.2 seeks to establish an Industry Consortium for Space-to-Space Communications (ICSSC) with anticipated membership of 5-7 industrial base members, requiring vendors to have NAICS code 541715 (Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) and a minimum 12-month period of performance. Place of performance is located in El Segundo, California, USA, where the Space Systems Command maintains its operations.
Notice text
7 versions
Update #7 · Latest ·
***ATTENTION***(9 Dec 25) Attachments A, B, & C updated due to access issues. Content has not changed.
***ATTENTION***(24 Nov 25) A new contracting POC has been added via Amendment 1 of this BAA.
***ATTENTION***(19 Nov 25) Call 1.2 is posted as an attachment to this annoucment.
***ATTENTION*** (02 Oct 25) Contractors who will be submitting Call 1.1 white papers marked as CUI shall do so via DOD SAFE. Contractors shall send an email to the security POC (listed below) asking them to initiate the DOD SAFE "Request a Drop-Off" action with the subject line “S2S Comm BAA Call 1.1 DOD SAFE Drop-Off Request – (company name)”.
Security POC:
Mr. Steven Mafla
SSC/SZW
Email: steven.mafla.ctr@spaceforce.mil
***ATTENTION*** (16 Sep 25) We are aware of the Microsoft Document issue and are working with the helpdesk to address it. We've uploaded PDF versions of Attachment A and C. Attachment B is an Excel file with multiple tabs and the PDF conversion didn't work. We'll update this announcement as we know more, thank you.
Mission
Space Combat Power (SCP) is the Space Systems Command (SSC) Program Executive Office (PEO) focused on developing and delivering combat power capabilities in and through space while also providing National security deterrence capabilities countering those identified threats to prevail in a space conflict. This includes acquiring, developing, and fielding resilient space capabilities to protect national interests, enable critical infrastructures, and support the warfighter. Space Combat Power was established to stay ahead of emerging threats by partnering with the defense and commercial industry, academia and allied partners to deliver cutting edge technology in support of full and continuous characterization of space, when necessary, prevailing in a multi-domain conflict extending to space. Dedicated acquisition personnel lead the way to enable and deliver next-generation space enterprise solutions through rapid, innovative, and affordable technology leveraging the full spectrum of partnerships.
Perpetual and prolific space characterization is a foundational requirement for continued, sustainable use of space. The need is even more urgent in today’s contested and congested space domain where satellites are proliferating, adversaries are demonstrating aggressive behaviors, and additional threats are emerging. These new threats necessitate dominant and resilient combat power that can gain and maintain space superiority. To that end, SSC/SCP is seeking state-of-the-art technology advancements in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) for Space-to-Space Communications by soliciting technology project contracts through this BAA.
Purpose
To address near-term pLEO technology challenges, the Government, through this solicitation, is seeking advancement in the following two (2) overarching areas:
- Space-to-space communications and
- Space Networking
FY26 BAA Calls:
Call 1.1: Link-182 Space-to-Space Comms System Development and Demonstration, two-phase, white papers due 6 Oct 2025
Call 1.2 USSF Proliferated Low Earth (pLEO) Mesh Concepts
Update #6 ·
***ATTENTION***(24 Nov 25) A new contracting POC has been added via Amendment 1 of this BAA.
***ATTENTION***(19 Nov 25) Call 1.2 is posted as an attachment to this annoucment.
***ATTENTION*** (02 Oct 25) Contractors who will be submitting Call 1.1 white papers marked as CUI shall do so via DOD SAFE. Contractors shall send an email to the security POC (listed below) asking them to initiate the DOD SAFE "Request a Drop-Off" action with the subject line “S2S Comm BAA Call 1.1 DOD SAFE Drop-Off Request – (company name)”.
Security POC:
Mr. Steven Mafla
SSC/SZW
Email: steven.mafla.ctr@spaceforce.mil
***ATTENTION*** (16 Sep 25) We are aware of the Microsoft Document issue and are working with the helpdesk to address it. We've uploaded PDF versions of Attachment A and C. Attachment B is an Excel file with multiple tabs and the PDF conversion didn't work. We'll update this announcement as we know more, thank you.
Mission
Space Combat Power (SCP) is the Space Systems Command (SSC) Program Executive Office (PEO) focused on developing and delivering combat power capabilities in and through space while also providing National security deterrence capabilities countering those identified threats to prevail in a space conflict. This includes acquiring, developing, and fielding resilient space capabilities to protect national interests, enable critical infrastructures, and support the warfighter. Space Combat Power was established to stay ahead of emerging threats by partnering with the defense and commercial industry, academia and allied partners to deliver cutting edge technology in support of full and continuous characterization of space, when necessary, prevailing in a multi-domain conflict extending to space. Dedicated acquisition personnel lead the way to enable and deliver next-generation space enterprise solutions through rapid, innovative, and affordable technology leveraging the full spectrum of partnerships.
Perpetual and prolific space characterization is a foundational requirement for continued, sustainable use of space. The need is even more urgent in today’s contested and congested space domain where satellites are proliferating, adversaries are demonstrating aggressive behaviors, and additional threats are emerging. These new threats necessitate dominant and resilient combat power that can gain and maintain space superiority. To that end, SSC/SCP is seeking state-of-the-art technology advancements in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) for Space-to-Space Communications by soliciting technology project contracts through this BAA.
Purpose
To address near-term pLEO technology challenges, the Government, through this solicitation, is seeking advancement in the following two (2) overarching areas:
- Space-to-space communications and
- Space Networking
FY26 BAA Calls:
Call 1.1: Link-182 Space-to-Space Comms System Development and Demonstration, two-phase, white papers due 6 Oct 2025
Call 1.2 USSF Proliferated Low Earth (pLEO) Mesh Concepts
Update #5 ·
***ATTENTION***(19 Nov 25) Call 1.2 is posted as an attachment to this annoucment.
***ATTENTION*** (02 Oct 25) Contractors who will be submitting Call 1.1 white papers marked as CUI shall do so via DOD SAFE. Contractors shall send an email to the security POC (listed below) asking them to initiate the DOD SAFE "Request a Drop-Off" action with the subject line “S2S Comm BAA Call 1.1 DOD SAFE Drop-Off Request – (company name)”.
Security POC:
Mr. Steven Mafla
SSC/SZW
Email: steven.mafla.ctr@spaceforce.mil
***ATTENTION*** (16 Sep 25) We are aware of the Microsoft Document issue and are working with the helpdesk to address it. We've uploaded PDF versions of Attachment A and C. Attachment B is an Excel file with multiple tabs and the PDF conversion didn't work. We'll update this announcement as we know more, thank you.
Mission
Space Combat Power (SCP) is the Space Systems Command (SSC) Program Executive Office (PEO) focused on developing and delivering combat power capabilities in and through space while also providing National security deterrence capabilities countering those identified threats to prevail in a space conflict. This includes acquiring, developing, and fielding resilient space capabilities to protect national interests, enable critical infrastructures, and support the warfighter. Space Combat Power was established to stay ahead of emerging threats by partnering with the defense and commercial industry, academia and allied partners to deliver cutting edge technology in support of full and continuous characterization of space, when necessary, prevailing in a multi-domain conflict extending to space. Dedicated acquisition personnel lead the way to enable and deliver next-generation space enterprise solutions through rapid, innovative, and affordable technology leveraging the full spectrum of partnerships.
Perpetual and prolific space characterization is a foundational requirement for continued, sustainable use of space. The need is even more urgent in today’s contested and congested space domain where satellites are proliferating, adversaries are demonstrating aggressive behaviors, and additional threats are emerging. These new threats necessitate dominant and resilient combat power that can gain and maintain space superiority. To that end, SSC/SCP is seeking state-of-the-art technology advancements in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) for Space-to-Space Communications by soliciting technology project contracts through this BAA.
Purpose
To address near-term pLEO technology challenges, the Government, through this solicitation, is seeking advancement in the following two (2) overarching areas:
- Space-to-space communications and
- Space Networking
FY26 BAA Calls:
Call 1.1: Link-182 Space-to-Space Comms System Development and Demonstration, two-phase, white papers due 6 Oct 2025
Call 1.2 USSF Proliferated Low Earth (pLEO) Mesh Concepts
Update #4 ·
***ATTENTION*** (02 Oct 25) Contractors who will be submitting Call 1.1 white papers marked as CUI shall do so via DOD SAFE. Contractors shall send an email to the security POC (listed below) asking them to initiate the DOD SAFE "Request a Drop-Off" action with the subject line “S2S Comm BAA Call 1.1 DOD SAFE Drop-Off Request – (company name)”.
Security POC:
Mr. Steven Mafla
SSC/SZW
Email: steven.mafla.ctr@spaceforce.mil
***ATTENTION*** (16 Sep 25) We are aware of the Microsoft Document issue and are working with the helpdesk to address it. We've uploaded PDF versions of Attachment A and C. Attachment B is an Excel file with multiple tabs and the PDF conversion didn't work. We'll update this announcement as we know more, thank you.
Mission
Space Combat Power (SCP) is the Space Systems Command (SSC) Program Executive Office (PEO) focused on developing and delivering combat power capabilities in and through space while also providing National security deterrence capabilities countering those identified threats to prevail in a space conflict. This includes acquiring, developing, and fielding resilient space capabilities to protect national interests, enable critical infrastructures, and support the warfighter. Space Combat Power was established to stay ahead of emerging threats by partnering with the defense and commercial industry, academia and allied partners to deliver cutting edge technology in support of full and continuous characterization of space, when necessary, prevailing in a multi-domain conflict extending to space. Dedicated acquisition personnel lead the way to enable and deliver next-generation space enterprise solutions through rapid, innovative, and affordable technology leveraging the full spectrum of partnerships.
Perpetual and prolific space characterization is a foundational requirement for continued, sustainable use of space. The need is even more urgent in today’s contested and congested space domain where satellites are proliferating, adversaries are demonstrating aggressive behaviors, and additional threats are emerging. These new threats necessitate dominant and resilient combat power that can gain and maintain space superiority. To that end, SSC/SCP is seeking state-of-the-art technology advancements in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) for Space-to-Space Communications by soliciting technology project contracts through this BAA.
Purpose
To address near-term pLEO technology challenges, the Government, through this solicitation, is seeking advancement in the following two (2) overarching areas:
- Space-to-space communications and
- Space Networking
FY26 BAA Calls:
Call 1.1: Link-182 Space-to-Space Comms System Development and Demonstration, two-phase, white papers due 6 Oct 2025
Update #3 ·
***ATTENTION*** (16 Sep 25) We are aware of the Microsoft Document issue and are working with the helpdesk to address it. We've uploaded PDF versions of Attachment A and C. Attachment B is an Excel file with multiple tabs and the PDF conversion didn't work. We'll update this announcement as we know more, thank you.
Mission
Space Combat Power (SCP) is the Space Systems Command (SSC) Program Executive Office (PEO) focused on developing and delivering combat power capabilities in and through space while also providing National security deterrence capabilities countering those identified threats to prevail in a space conflict. This includes acquiring, developing, and fielding resilient space capabilities to protect national interests, enable critical infrastructures, and support the warfighter. Space Combat Power was established to stay ahead of emerging threats by partnering with the defense and commercial industry, academia and allied partners to deliver cutting edge technology in support of full and continuous characterization of space, when necessary, prevailing in a multi-domain conflict extending to space. Dedicated acquisition personnel lead the way to enable and deliver next-generation space enterprise solutions through rapid, innovative, and affordable technology leveraging the full spectrum of partnerships.
Perpetual and prolific space characterization is a foundational requirement for continued, sustainable use of space. The need is even more urgent in today’s contested and congested space domain where satellites are proliferating, adversaries are demonstrating aggressive behaviors, and additional threats are emerging. These new threats necessitate dominant and resilient combat power that can gain and maintain space superiority. To that end, SSC/SCP is seeking state-of-the-art technology advancements in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) for Space-to-Space Communications by soliciting technology project contracts through this BAA.
Purpose
To address near-term pLEO technology challenges, the Government, through this solicitation, is seeking advancement in the following two (2) overarching areas:
- Space-to-space communications and
- Space Networking
FY26 BAA Calls:
Call 1.1: Link-182 Space-to-Space Comms System Development and Demonstration, two-phase, white papers due 6 Oct 2025
Update #2 ·
Mission
Space Combat Power (SCP) is the Space Systems Command (SSC) Program Executive Office (PEO) focused on developing and delivering combat power capabilities in and through space while also providing National security deterrence capabilities countering those identified threats to prevail in a space conflict. This includes acquiring, developing, and fielding resilient space capabilities to protect national interests, enable critical infrastructures, and support the warfighter. Space Combat Power was established to stay ahead of emerging threats by partnering with the defense and commercial industry, academia and allied partners to deliver cutting edge technology in support of full and continuous characterization of space, when necessary, prevailing in a multi-domain conflict extending to space. Dedicated acquisition personnel lead the way to enable and deliver next-generation space enterprise solutions through rapid, innovative, and affordable technology leveraging the full spectrum of partnerships.
Perpetual and prolific space characterization is a foundational requirement for continued, sustainable use of space. The need is even more urgent in today’s contested and congested space domain where satellites are proliferating, adversaries are demonstrating aggressive behaviors, and additional threats are emerging. These new threats necessitate dominant and resilient combat power that can gain and maintain space superiority. To that end, SSC/SCP is seeking state-of-the-art technology advancements in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) for Space-to-Space Communications by soliciting technology project contracts through this BAA.
Purpose
To address near-term pLEO technology challenges, the Government, through this solicitation, is seeking advancement in the following two (2) overarching areas:
- Space-to-space communications and
- Space Networking
FY26 BAA Calls:
Call 1.1: Link-182 Space-to-Space Comms System Development and Demonstration, two-phase, white papers due 6 Oct 2025
Update #1 ·
Mission
Space Combat Power (SCP) is the Space Systems Command (SSC) Program Executive Office (PEO) focused on developing and delivering combat power capabilities in and through space while also providing National security deterrence capabilities countering those identified threats to prevail in a space conflict. This includes acquiring, developing, and fielding resilient space capabilities to protect national interests, enable critical infrastructures, and support the warfighter. Space Combat Power was established to stay ahead of emerging threats by partnering with the defense and commercial industry, academia and allied partners to deliver cutting edge technology in support of full and continuous characterization of space, when necessary, prevailing in a multi-domain conflict extending to space. Dedicated acquisition personnel lead the way to enable and deliver next-generation space enterprise solutions through rapid, innovative, and affordable technology leveraging the full spectrum of partnerships.
Perpetual and prolific space characterization is a foundational requirement for continued, sustainable use of space. The need is even more urgent in today’s contested and congested space domain where satellites are proliferating, adversaries are demonstrating aggressive behaviors, and additional threats are emerging. These new threats necessitate dominant and resilient combat power that can gain and maintain space superiority. To that end, SSC/SCP is seeking state-of-the-art technology advancements in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) for Space-to-Space Communications by soliciting technology project contracts through this BAA.
Purpose
To address near-term pLEO technology challenges, the Government, through this solicitation, is seeking advancement in the following two (2) overarching areas:
- Space-to-space communications and
- Space Networking
FY26 BAA Calls:
Call 1.1: Link-182 Space-to-Space Comms System Development and Demonstration, two-phase, white papers due 6 Oct 2026
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