Starshield terminals with global access subscriptions

This Special Notice, posted by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center (NASA/NSSC) on December 11, 2025, pertains to the procurement of Starshield terminals with global access subscriptions. The agency has determined that Space Exploration Technologies Corp. is the sole provider of these terminals and intends to award a contract under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i). However, NASA is accepting written submissions from interested organizations to demonstrate their capabilities and qualifications, with submissions due by 4:00 p.m. Central Standard Time on December 15, 2025. The government will evaluate these submissions solely to determine whether to conduct the procurement on a competitive basis, though the final decision remains at NASA's discretion. This procurement is categorized under NAICS Code 517410 (Satellite Telecommunications) and PSC Code 7B20 (IT and Telecom - High Performance Compute Hardware and Perpetual License Software).

The underlying objective is to support NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program through a six-month Starshield Secure Data Transport Pilot that will enhance the Deep Space Network's communication infrastructure. The pilot requires seven terminals with mount kits across three DSN ground stations located in Goldstone, California; Madrid, Spain; and Canberra, Australia, along with eight 5TB/month data subscriptions for encrypted, government-only communications. Key technical specifications include minimum 20 Mbps uplink capability, AES 128 encryption or better, and compliance with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and export control requirements. Interested contractors must submit written capabilities statements by the December 15, 2025 deadline; oral communications are not acceptable. Additionally, any contractor selected must comply with mandatory provisions requiring disclosure of artificial intelligence technologies used during contract performance and must ensure secure data transmission protecting NASA's sensitive information throughout the contract period.