Space Based Space Surveilance (SBSS) As a Service

I. PURPOSE/DESCRIPTION This Sources Sought Synopsis is solely for information and planning purposes in support of market research being conducted by the United States Space Force (USSF) to identify 1) the feasibility and 2) potential sources for conducting Space Based Space Surveillance (SBSS) as a Service. This sources sought announcement is not to be construed as a commitment by the USSF to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. The Space Systems Command's Special Programs Directorate (SSC/ECZ) is exploring options for acquiring SBSS as a Service which is inclusive of contractor operations and maintenance of the SBSS Block 10 system. This requirement is fundamentally different than the current SBSS Block 10 Sustainment contract (FA8819-15-C-0007) which is only inclusive of sustainment and maintenance of the SBSS Block 10 system. This sources sought will inform the Government if contractor operations and maintenance of the SBSS Block 10 space vehicle can be performed as a service from cleared defense contractor facilities, if and when SBSS Block 10 is decommissioned from operational service in support of the Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission area. The Government intends to provide SBSS Block 10 and other assets as Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). SBSS as a Service is inclusive of contractor operations and maintenance. Contractor operations and maintenance, as defined in this sources sought, include all tasks in support of 1) continuous upkeep of the SBSS Block 10 space vehicle health and safety and 2) the execution of on-demand space vehicle operations as a service. Contractor operations is intended to be based on the existing SBSS Block 10 Space Segment (SS) configuration. The SBSS Block 10 System is composed of a Space Segment (SS) and Ground Segment (GS). The SS is composed of a bus and optical payload. The bus systems are controlled by redundant Spacecraft Control Processors (SCP), which are part of the Command and Data Handling Subsystem. The SCP controls all other SV bus subsystems including attitude control, propulsion, communications, and power. The SBSS Block 10 payload processors include redundant Payload Electronics Boxes, the Gimbal Amplifier Assembly, the On-Board Mission Data Processor (OBMDP) and the Solid-State Recorder (SSR). The standing GS provides the focal point for Command, Control, Communications, and Computers of the SBSS Block 10 System and is responsible for all aspects of mission and satellite space operations, including initial and ongoing on-orbit operations, maintenance, and anomaly resolution. Many of these critical design pieces are based on proprietary technology, such as: Spacecraft bus and Space Vehicle Processor is based on Ball's BCP2000 technology. Boeing has developed the On-Board Mission Data Processor and associated software; as well as the ground segment based on the Boeing/Iridium architecture, design, and software. The Government does not own the data rights for the proprietary Boeing or Ball technology used in the development and operation of the SBSS Block 10 space and ground segments and the Government does not intend to purchase or obtain these data rights by any other means. Tasks for SBSS as a Service include but are not limited to: maintaining health and safety of the space vehicle, executing on-demand space vehicle and payload operations, managing security and cybersecurity, and final system disposal and decommissioning. II.SMALL BUSINESS CONSIDERATION The pertinent NAICS code for this announcement is 541990 with the applicable size standard of $16.5M. Any business, regardless of size, in this area of expertise is encouraged to submit a Statement of Capability (SOC) to demonstrate the ability to meet the requirements listed above to show that competition would be advantageous to the Government. Responses from small and small disadvantaged businesses are highly encouraged and the Government encourages teaming/partnering. Responders to this Source Sought shall indicate whether they are a large business, small business, small-disadvantaged business, 8(a) small business, women-owned small business, HUBZone small business, veteran-owned small business, or service-disabled veteran-owned small business and all applicable North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) codes. Interested parties desiring to do business with the Space Force shall be registered in the DoD Central Contractor Registry. Respondents must specify if they are a U.S. or foreign owned firm. This acquisition involves data that are subject to export control requirements under the Arms Export Control Act (Department of State) or the Export Administration Regulations (Department of Commerce). III. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Any persons or companies believes that they are capable of fulfilling a prime contractor role for this program may submit a written response. The Statement of Capability (SOC) should contain the following information: company name, address, primary POC, an executive technical summary of capabilities mentioned above, and how the interested party would overcome the Government's lack of data rights to SBSS system. Potential sources interested in a prime contractor role must possess or be able to obtain a TS/SCI/SAR accredited SCIF to house Government equipment and information and have personnel with current TS/SSBIs clearances. Responses to this synopsis must be received via email to each POC listed below no later than 2 December 2021. Responses must be in an electronic format (MS Word 2003 or newer, or PDF) and must conform to 8.5 X 11 page size, 1 margins, and a type 12 font. Submittals must not exceed 10 pages (single sided) in length. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement or any follow up information requests. Submittals that contain classified materials must be coordinated with either the primary or secondary points of contact. Any interested party in this area of expertise may submit a SOC. The Government is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of submissions or of the information received, or to provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted under this Sources Sought Synopsis. The Government will not reimburse any cost associated with submitting information in the SOC response to this market research, nor shall any cost allowed on any Government contract.