Space Data Network (SDN) Mission Operations Center Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)

The contract seeks a comprehensive design and implementation for a Mission Operations Center (MOC) that will serve as the centralized hub managing the Space Data Network Backbone (SDN-B). The MOC is intended to seamlessly integrate a range of space and ground network components, including commercial low Earth orbit (pLEO) providers, government and commercial transport layers, ground elements, and Space Exchange Points (SEPs). Operating under a Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated (GOCO) model, the MOC will incorporate a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to ensure flexibility and ease of future expansion. Key functions include brokering user services, mission plans, and resource allocations while providing enterprise-wide situational awareness and a unified operational picture across all SDN assets. The architecture employs a hybrid of on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure to orchestrate, control, and monitor the full network transport service domain, ensuring end-to-end service performance through real-time health and status monitoring of network elements. The solicitation, issued by the Department of Defense’s Special Programs Directorate and based in El Segundo, California, requires proposals addressing technical feasibility and risk management alongside adherence to strict cybersecurity and data protection standards such as NIST SP 800-171 and DD254 for Top Secret/SCI information. The contract anticipates a five-year performance period with firm fixed price (FFP) terms for major development work, supplemented by cost-reimbursable items and priced/unpriced options covering system engineering, future capability releases, demonstrations, and studies. Evaluation criteria prioritize the technical approach, schedule adherence, overall value, and vendor experience, employing a trade-off award process rather than lowest price. Key restrictions include mandatory facility and personnel security clearances, exclusion of bidders with conflicting government support roles, and compliance with subcontracting plans for awards exceeding $900,000. The submission process emphasizes concise, integrated proposals limited to 15 pages, with electronic delivery required to designated contracting officers. No detailed package or marking requirements, nor exact pricing data, are disclosed within the solicitation, but rigorous oversight mechanisms and acceptance processes ensure alignment with government objectives for a scalable, adaptive SDN MOC.