This is NOT a solicitation. This is a Sources Sought/Notice of a Proposed Contract Action. Space Systems Command (PKL), 1050 E. Stewart Ave, Peterson SFB CO, 80914 intends to extend, on a sole source basis, ground and space systems sustainment, and system operations support. These services are currently provided on the Space Systems Command’s contract number FA8823-21-C-0001, Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) Product Support and Integration Contract Evolution (SPICE), with a period of performance for these services ending on 30 September 2026.
Scope of New Contract:
This contract provides contractor support for the SBIRS for three years (FY27-FY29), structured as a base year with two one-year options. The contract encompasses:
- Operations Crew Support: Providing personnel to support SBIRS operations.
- Site Support: Maintaining and supporting SBIRS operational sites.
- Ground Sustainment: Ensuring the readiness and upkeep of fixed and mobile ground infrastructure.
- Factory Support: Providing on-orbit support to the SBIRS satellite constellation.
Description of Services:
The Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS) is the United States' premier space-based infrared surveillance system, providing critical missile warning, missile defense, battlespace awareness, and technical intelligence to national leaders, combatant commanders, and intelligence agencies.
Here's how SBIRS delivers these capabilities:
- Real-time Missile Detection and Warning: SBIRS detects, and reports missile launches worldwide, including those within the atmosphere (endo-atmospheric), above it (exo-atmospheric), and even deep space. This near-instantaneous alerting enables rapid response times for missile defense and threat assessment.
- Nuclear Detonation Monitoring: SBIRS plays a vital role in detecting and characterizing nuclear detonations, contributing to nuclear treaty monitoring, post-attack assessment, and situational awareness.
- Enhanced Situational Awareness: Beyond missile launches, SBIRS delivers comprehensive infrared data, providing valuable insights into battlespace activities and supporting military operations.
The SBIRS architecture consists of two interconnected segments:
- Space Segment: A constellation of powerful satellites in Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO) and Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO), along with legacy Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites, work in concert to provide global coverage and data collection.
- Ground Segment: This segment comprises fixed and mobile elements that receive, process, analyze, and distribute SBIRS data to users worldwide.
- Fixed Ground Segment: Includes the Mission Control Station (MCS), Mission Control Station Backup (MCSB), and Relay Ground Stations (RGSs) responsible for data downlink, processing, analysis, and dissemination to command centers and other stakeholders. The ground segment utilizes a robust communication network and complex hardware/software systems for data relay, processing, and distribution. This network also facilitates critical telemetry and tracking data for command and control of the SBIRS satellite network.
- Mobile Ground Segment (SBIRS Survivable Endurable Evolution - S2E2): Provides resilient data processing and limited satellite commanding capabilities in challenging environments, ensuring mission continuity. The S2E2 system utilizes mobile units equipped with Parabolic Dish Subsystems (PDSS), Universal Ground NUDET Terminals (UGNT), Future Communication Systems (FCS), and other support vehicles.
Beyond real-time operations, SBIRS benefits from robust factory support, encompassing:
- Satellite and Sensor Support: Continuous monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting of the GEO, HEO, and legacy DSP satellites and their onboard sensors.
- Anomaly Resolution: Rapid identification, analysis, and resolution of spacecraft and sensor anomalies to maintain system performance.
- Software and Database Maintenance: Regular updates and maintenance of onboard software and databases ensure optimal satellite functionality and data accuracy.
- Studies, Modifications, and Upgrades: Ongoing research and development efforts focus on enhancing SBIRS capabilities, incorporating new technologies, and extending the system's operational lifespan.
This contract focuses on providing comprehensive operational and technical support for the Space Based Infrared System (SBIRS), ensuring 24/7 mission success and system health.
The core services encompass:
1. Operations and Mission Crew Support:
- (a) 24/7 Mission Operations Crew: Highly skilled contractor personnel will work alongside USSF crew members in a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) environment. This integrated team will execute all aspects of SBIRS missions, leveraging the capabilities of legacy DSP spacecraft and sensors, HEO payloads, and the current GEO constellation.
- (b) Ground Systems Engineering (GSE): Continuous (24/7) engineering support will be provided to ensure seamless operation of SBIRS ground systems and software. This includes close collaboration with USSF and contractor logistics support (CLS) personnel to:
- Resolve software issues and deficiencies
- Report, track, and document system problems
- Monitor progress on open issues
- Provide regular updates on system status to both operational crews and CLS teams
- (c) Satellite Systems Engineering (SSE): 24/7 engineering expertise will be dedicated to supporting the USSF Operational Crews in all facets of SBIRS satellite system management, including:
- Scheduled and unscheduled satellite commanding
- Real-time health and status monitoring
- Planning and scheduling constellation activities and ground system support
- Comprehensive support for State of Health (SOH) monitoring, Flight Operations, Vehicle Operations Engineering, and overall Satellite Systems Engineering.
- (d) Mission Payload Engineering (MPE): 24/7 specialized support will be provided to USSF operators for:
- Monitoring the health and status of all SBIRS sensor payloads
- Executing scheduled and unscheduled sensor commanding
- Real-time and post-event assessment of mission processing across all SBIRS mission areas.
- (e) Hardware Maintenance: A dedicated team will work closely with the Satellite Control Center - High (SCCH), Ground System Operators (GSOs), and shift commanders to guarantee the continuous availability and redundancy of critical data collection and communication paths. This 24/7 support ensures uninterrupted processing of operational SBIRS data and supports the Ground Communications Network-Modernization (GCNM) primary mission data center.
- (f) On-site Support: 24/7 on-site personnel will provide continuous monitoring, scheduling, troubleshooting, administration, and maintenance for all critical systems and equipment at operational SBIRS locations.
The contract will require the following Organizational Maintenance (level 1) and Depot Maintenance (level 2) Support:
1. On-Site Maintenance & Support (Level 1)
Think of this as the "front line" of support, happening directly at the SBIRS operational sites outside of the 24/7 operations support function. This includes:
- Keeping Things Running: Handling all hardware, software, and field maintenance to ensure SBIRS systems are operational. This includes quick response to emergencies and unexpected issues, ensuring both fixed and mobile systems are reliable.
- Specific System Support: Providing 8x5 on-site support, with 24/7 on-call availability, for the operationally accepted SMGS at locations within the US (CONUS) and outside the US (OCONUS).
2. Engineering & Depot-Level Support (Level 2)
This level involves more specialized engineering, logistics, and deep technical expertise. It's about supporting the operational sites from a central location or specialized facility. This includes:
- Facility Support: Providing engineering and maintenance support for:
- Ground and mobile system depots
- SBIRS testing laboratories
- GCNM facilities
- On-Orbit Support: Providing engineering and technical support for SBIRS components in space:
- HEO/GEO sensors
- GEO satellites
3. Specialized Technical Services (Level 1 & 2)
These services require specific expertise and may be performed at either the operational site (Level 1) or a depot/engineering facility (Level 2):
- SMGS Support: Providing engineering and test analysis for the operationally accepted SMGS.
- System & Network Administration:
- Managing multi-user computer systems and the site's network.
- This includes:
- System performance monitoring and troubleshooting.
- Data backup and recovery.
- Software license management.
- User account creation and management (in coordination with the ISSM/ISSO).
- Satellite Control Network (SCN) Expertise:
- Providing technical expertise to support SCN operations.
- This includes:
- Support for launch activities.
- Tracking Mission Impact Reports (MIRs).
- Maintaining SCN ground system configurations.
- Coordinating changes to the SCN ground system.
- Overall Technical Leadership:
- Providing management, technical leadership, and specialized engineering support (CLS, hardware/software integration, logistics, systems engineering) to all operational sites.
- This includes:
- Proactively identifying and resolving system issues.
- Maintaining optimal system performance.
- Updating and evolving the SBIRS systems to meet changing mission needs.
- Logistics & Item Management:
- Managing the lifecycle of SBIRS equipment, from procurement to disposal.
- This includes:
- Providing engineering support for repairs.
- Managing spare parts inventory.
- Overseeing shipping and handling of equipment.
- Hardware Depot Expertise:
- Providing in-depth engineering support and specialized services at the hardware depot level.
- This includes:
- Preventative maintenance (PMI).
- Failure analysis.
- Addressing obsolescence issues.
- Managing vendors.
- Ensuring long-term system reliability and maintainability.
- This also includes managing the engineering process for resolving hardware issues:
- Investigating and diagnosing problems.
- Developing solutions and design modifications.
- Testing and implementing solutions.
- Documenting and presenting findings to stakeholders.
4. On-Orbit Sustainment (Factory Support)
This area focuses on maintaining the health and performance of SBIRS assets operating in space.
- Mission-Critical Support: The SBIRS system provides critical missile warning data to protect US and allied forces. Maintaining the space-based systems is essential.
- Key Activities:
- Providing engineering support for the operational missile warning satellite constellation.
- Analyzing system performance trends.
- Archiving critical data.
- Developing and delivering training for new personnel.
- Performing in-depth assessments of the space-based infrared mission performance.
- Rapidly responding to and resolving any anomalies detected with the on-orbit satellites and payloads.
- Secure Facilities: The contractor must have a DCSA certified facility capable of handling classified information related to the SBIRS constellation.
- Program Management:
- Providing overall program management support, including:
- Managing the contractor workforce.
- Overseeing contract and business operations.
- Tracking budgets and deliverables.
- Developing software tools and implementing command plans as needed.
- Providing on-site support at various government locations.
5. S2E2 Vehicle Support
This area focuses on maintaining the ground-based SBIRS S2E2 vehicles.
- Mission Equipment Maintenance: The contractor is responsible for all maintenance activities for the mission equipment on the S2E2 vehicles.
- Technical Baseline Management: The contractor will manage the technical baseline for the Total Weapon System on the S2E2 vehicles.
- Additional Responsibilities:
- Managing COTS software licenses.
- Ensuring cybersecurity and cryptography requirements are met.
- Maintaining COTS hardware and associated maintenance agreements.
- Integrating new capabilities and upgrades (e.g., FCS).
- Proactively planning for obsolescence and refreshing technology as needed.
Schedule:
It is anticipated that a Request for Proposal (RFP) will be released in the fourth quarter of FY25 with a period of performance beginning in the first quarter of FY27 comprised of a base year and two (2) one-year options.
Capabilities Sought:
The Government seeks qualified and experienced prime contractors capable of providing a full range of operational and technical support services for the SBIRS program. Key service areas include:
- 24/7 Mission Operations Crew Support
- Ground Systems Engineering
- Satellite Systems Engineering
- Mission Payload Engineering
- Hardware Maintenance
- On-Site Support
Submission Instructions:
Interested parties must submit a Statement of Capabilities (SOC) demonstrating their ability to meet the requirements outlined in the PWS, even without direct access to technical data. The SOC must clearly articulate:
- Proven System Knowledge and Capability: Detail your firm's experience with similar space systems, infrared sensor technology, ground station operations, and mission-critical software development and maintenance.
- Prime Contractor Capabilities: Explain how your company will effectively manage all aspects of the contract as a prime contractor without access to the technical data.
- Relevant Past Performance: Provide specific examples of successful past performance on similar government or commercial contracts, highlighting your ability to deliver high-quality services within scope, schedule, and budget.
SOC Format:
- Maximum 15 pages
- 8.5" x 11" paper size
- Font no smaller than 12-point
- Clearly marked as "Proprietary" if applicable
Submission Deadline:
Submit your SOC electronically to both Contracting Officer, Darren Fullo, at darren.fullo@spaceforce.mil and Contract Specialist, Peter Brachhold, at peter.brachhold@spaceforce.mil no later than 07 - Apr - 2025, 2025, 4:00 PM Mountain Time.
Additional Information:
- The small business size standard for this requirement is NAICS 336414.
- Verbal responses will not be accepted.
- The Government will use the submitted SOCs to determine if sufficient interest and capability exist within the marketplace to warrant a competitive procurement. This notice does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) and does not obligate the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract.
- The Government will not reimburse any costs associated with responding to this notice.
Points of Contact:
- Contracting Officer: Darren Fullo, darren.fullo@spaceforce.mil
- Contract Specialist: Peter Brachhold, peter.brachhold@spaceforce.mil
Technical Points of Contact:
- 1ST Lt Tyler Parks, USSF, tyler.parks.6@spaceforce.mil
- Mr. Christopher Motts, christopher.mott.2@spaceforce.mil
