The Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) is a Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) program designated as an Acquisition Category II program within the Department of Defense. The program appears to focus on meteorological and space-based systems, including satellite operations, ground systems, and related technical support services. Based on the contract history spanning from 1997 to 2013, this represents a long-term defense capability providing weather and environmental monitoring capabilities to military and government stakeholders.
The program's contract awards range from small purchase orders for equipment and maintenance (as low as $280) to major system development efforts exceeding $280 million. Notable contractors include Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Booz Allen Hamilton Engineering Services, and Science Applications International Corporation, with work primarily performed in Maryland, California, and Colorado. The majority of contracts were awarded without set-aside designations, with only one 8(a) sole-source award noted. Common contract vehicles include both definitive contracts and purchase orders, with pricing structures including Cost Plus Award Fee, Cost Plus Fixed Fee, and Firm Fixed Price arrangements. Deliverables encompass satellite systems, meteorological instruments, engineering services, logistics support, and maintenance of specialized equipment such as telescopes and antenna systems. The Space and Missile Systems Center appears as a primary contracting authority across multiple awards.