Advanced Extremely High Frequency Satellite

The Advanced Extremely High Frequency Satellite (AEHF) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program that provides secure, jam-resistant global communications capabilities for U.S. military forces. Operating as an Acquisition Category IC program under the Major Capability Acquisition pathway, AEHF enables command and control of tactical and strategic military operations across land, sea, and air domains. The system represents a critical military satellite communications infrastructure designed to ensure survivable and protected communications for high-priority military assets.

The contract awards associated with AEHF range from small equipment purchases of under $100,000 to major production contracts exceeding $2 billion, with performance periods typically spanning 2-5 years. Primary contractors include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Company, and Linquest Corporation, with significant subcontracting participation from companies such as L3 Technologies, Northrop Grumman Systems, and Booz Allen Hamilton. The U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center and Electronic Systems Center serve as the primary contracting authorities. Contract types vary from Firm Fixed Price to Cost Plus Fixed Fee, with several awards structured as Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity vehicles. While most contracts have no set-aside designation, some smaller support services are allocated through Total Small Business and 8(a) Sole Source set-asides. The work predominantly encompasses satellite production, systems engineering and integration support, logistics services, and specialized communications equipment procurement.