Defense Support Program Satellite System

The Defense Support Program Satellite System (DSP) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) operating under the Major Capability Acquisition pathway. This space-based system appears to involve a constellation of networked space vehicles designed to demonstrate emerging warfighter mission payloads. The program encompasses both satellite operations and the supporting ground infrastructure, including cloud computing resources and specialized electronic equipment.

Recent contract awards range from small equipment maintenance purchase orders of a few thousand dollars to substantial technology implementations approaching $4.6 million. Major contractors include Microsoft Corporation, which was awarded a $4.6 million firm-fixed-price contract to provide Azure IL4 Secret cloud infrastructure, Collins Aerospace Government Systems ($2.5 million for the WARLOCK program), and L3 Technologies ($2.6 million for Advanced Tactical Data Link Common Payload development). The U.S. Air Force is the primary contracting agency, with contract durations typically spanning 1-5 years. While most awards have no set-aside designation, some smaller maintenance and repair contracts are designated for small businesses. Contract types include both firm-fixed-price and cost-plus-fixed-fee arrangements, with work involving electronic equipment maintenance, circuit card repairs, cloud computing infrastructure, and specialized payload development.