Wideband Global SATCOM

The Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) that provides advanced military satellite communications capabilities for the Department of Defense. Operating under Acquisition Category IC within the Major Capability Acquisition pathway, WGS represents a critical space-based communications infrastructure program that delivers worldwide, high-capacity satellite communications to support military operations. The program encompasses satellite development, deployment, and ongoing operations and logistics support of the WGS constellation.

The program's contract awards range from small purchases of components and software licenses to major spacecraft development and sustainment contracts exceeding $2 billion. The Boeing Company serves as the primary spacecraft contractor, receiving the largest awards including a $2.49 billion contract for WGS Block II Follow On and a $99.8 million contract for spacecraft operations and logistics support. Other significant contractors include Artel LLC for network communications services ($18.9 million), Signal Mountain Networks for satellite services, and Thundercat Technology for security information management software ($541,966). Contract vehicles include both direct awards and orders through vehicles such as GSA Multiple Award Schedule, Information Technology Enterprise Solutions-Software 2, and Army Desktop and Mobile Computing 2. While most awards have no set-aside designation, some smaller contracts utilize Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business and 8(a) set-asides. Primary funding agencies include the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center, Army Materiel Command, and Defense Information Systems Agency, with significant work performed in California, Virginia, and Maryland.