Request for Information (RFI) SG-XX Geosynchronous Space to Space (S2S) Radio Frequency Cross Link

1. Background: Space Systems Command Space Reconnaissance and Surveillance Branch (SSC/SYZ) is finalizing the SG-XX communication architecture requirements and requests industry information on possible high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) solutions to support the constellation of SG-XX vehicles. SG-XX is a planned super sync geo-based surveillance system comprised of a proliferated constellation of free flyer space vehicles (SVs) with Wide Field of View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) payload(s) capable of wide-area volume search and track. The primary objective of this proliferated constellation will be to scan, track, and detect Resident Space Objects (RSO's) in and around the geosynchronous orbit geo-belt. The data collected must be delivered to the operational community in near real time to support warfighter requirements.  The government has performed communication architectures studies and has determined a SG-XX to SG-XX cross link solution will provide the timeliness required to ensure mission data delivery over the entire geo-belt.  The SG-XX constellation will operate in an evenly spaced “string of pearls” configuration at a TBD altitude above the geo-belt.  The cross link may operate in either half-duplex or full-duplex mode between each satellite. The SG-XX satellite may slew throughout the day to meet the scan requirements and thus the communication subsystem must include antennas that can maintain the link through nominal slew rates.  The solution must incorporate the capability to manage the data flow of each communication element across the constellation of SG-XX satellites. This RFI is only seeking information related to a radio frequency (RF) V-Band cross link solutions, please do not submit alternative communications subsystem (e.g. optical, other RF bands, or geo to ground) solutions or capabilities related to SG-XX buses or payload that may not improve the information requested as part of this RFI.

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for information and planning purposes (market research).  This RFI does not constitute a solicitation (Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quotations (RFQ) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future.  This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Furthermore, the Government is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept any unsolicited proposals. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party’s expense.  Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if any is issued. Any information submitted by respondents to this RFI is strictly voluntary. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations.  Proprietary information or trade secrets shall be clearly identified.

2. Description: This RFI is for SSC/SYZ. Additional market research may or may not be conducted. Responses from small businesses are encouraged. This RFI is focused on surveying industry capability. All RF cross link designs that meet the requirements are of interest; however, the Government is seeking industry experience with operational or very mature builds nearing final design/environmental qualification that incorporate V-Band radio frequency solutions.  Government is seeking recent (≤5 years) and relevant demonstrated success with low/moderate cost, build/production (≤2 (preferred) year communication payload builds) of subsystem performing the mission described in section 3b and 3c is desired, which may include final build/environmental testing that is underway, modified existing space qualified design, or already fielded. High Technology Readiness Level (TRL) products and services, as well as re-use opportunities are of interest. “Low/moderate-cost” and “rapid” production must result in acceptable programmatic and technical risk to the Government.

3. Requested Information:

The RFI responses must include the following:

1. Company and Security Information:
   
   1. Company name and Parent Company, if applicable
   2. Business Address: Street, City, State, and Zip code
   3. Commercial and Government Entity Code
   4. Unique Entity Code
   5. Company Socio-economic Status:
   6. Point of Contact (i.e. POC, Company Representative)
   7. POC Telephone and Email Address)
2. Recent/Relevant Technical Information:
   1. Description of communication system payload, antenna and networking capabilities
   2. Flight heritage of communication system operating in GEO or LEO orbits (if any)
   3. Design/Build/Environmental Testing of communication subsystem
   4. TRL of communication payload(s)
   5. Experience building communication payload(s)
   6. Anticipated or demonstrated performance specifications for the communications payload subsystem intended for SG-XX constellation, including:
      • Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP) to include payload, antennas, LNA, amplifiers, network control processor, and crypto
      • Antenna Design/Capabilities (FOV, FOR)
      • Recommendation to use existing networking standards to manage this crosslink network
      • EIRP and G/T over temperature (assume periodic sun co-bore sighted with antenna)
      • Data Rates at ranges between 15,000 to 55,000 kilometers between each SG-XX
      • Nominal initial acquisition and re-acquisition times for communication link
      • Qualification data related to space environmental testing and design life
      • Must provide a solution that addresses networking security
3. Recent/Relevant Programmatic Information:
   1. Describe schedule from Authority to Proceed (ATP) to Payload Delivery (e.g. provide number of months) or if modified design/build anticipated schedule
   2. Experience with Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of sensors (e.g. 10-24 quantities)
   3. Provide parametric cost information (e.g. past builds, engineering experience, etc.) from previous payload builds broken out by anticipated recurring and/or non-recurring cost.

4. Assumptions: Contractor shall assume the following for the purposes of providing this RFI:

1. Government is seeking companies with mature communication flight heritage
2. Contractor shall assume a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract type for the cross link communication subsystem build

5. Request for Information Submission Details

Submittals shall not exceed five (5) pages total, any pages beyond the limit will not be considered. Response shall be submitted in MS Word 2000 (or newer). Responses will be formatted to match the structure of the RFI as outlined above in 3 a, b, and c. Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches; single spaced with text no smaller than 10-point Times New Roman; font size within graphics and tables shall be no smaller than 8 point, Times New Roman. Margins shall be one inch on all sides. The title page and front matter such as transmittal letter, cover page, and table of contents will not count against the page limit.

Respondents shall provide an UNCLASSIFIED response to the RFI to the maximum extent possible. Respondents shall indicate whether their responses contain any proprietary information if the respondents wish for the responses to be handled as such. The Government shall NOT be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information is not properly identified. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

If a classified annex to the RFI response is submitted, its contents will be limited to only that which is required to be protected as classified information. Classified annex page count will count towards the five (5) page total for the response, not including title page and front matter. A classified annex may be provided via appropriately classified network (CORE, SGN, etc.) or classified fax. The contractor may request a POC for submission of the classified annex. Please ensure all files and media are scanned and cleaned with an anti-virus program before transmitting. Oral communications are not acceptable. The Government may reach out with clarification questions following contractor submission.  The Government intends to procure the SG-XX communication subsystem as an UNCLASSIFIED procurement.

SSC has entered into contracts with Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) and/or Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance staff working for the Government.  These could include, but are not limited to: The Aerospace Corporation, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, SAIC, Alpha Omega, Mantech, Tecolote, Emolbi, Tyto, and KBR Corporation. These companies support the Government by performing technical reviews, systems engineering and integration analyses, cost estimation, and other advisory services. Respondents are hereby notified that all responses will be provided to SSC support contractors for services to SSC. If Respondents disagree to the release of its RFI response to any of the aforementioned firms, the Respondent must clearly state this restriction in the cover letter accompanying the RFI response.

Foreign firms are advised that they will not be allowed to participate in this acquisition at the prime contractor level; however, provided they are eligible to do business with the US Government they may be eligible to participate at the subcontractor level. The research and test data produced under a resultant contract may contain Military Critical Technology List (MCTL) information whose export is restricted by Export Control Act (Title 22, U.S. Sec 2751, et seq.) or the Export Administration Act of 1979, as amended (Title 50, U.S.C., App. 2401, et seq.).  Request certification and registration from the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC), Federal Center, 74 North Washington, Battle Creek, MI 49016-3412 as soon as possible.

6. Submittal Instructions:

All responses shall be submitted via email to the Contracting POCs identified below. All submissions shall include company name and point of contact information including name, position, telephone number, and email address. Any questions related to the RFI should be directed to all the POCs listed below.

Responses received after the due date may not be considered in the Government’s analysis. The Government may subsequently contact respondents for clarification on the information submitted.

POINTS OF CONTACT:

Contracting CO 

Capt Andrew Madison

Andrew.madison.6@spaceforce.mil

O: 310-653-7796

Government PM

Maj Christopher Fridley

Christopher.fridley.2@spaceforce.mil

O: 310-653-9016

Disclaimer

Proprietary information, if any, should be kept to a minimum and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED.  Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned.