CAPACITY ON A UHF-CAPABLE ON-ORBIT MEO SATELLITE

PROCUREMENT OVERVIEW:
The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is seeking capacity on a UHF-capable on-orbit Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellite. The core need is to enhance communication capabilities through satellite technology, which is critical for various defense operations. The project aims to procure satellite capacity that meets specific operational requirements, ensuring reliable and secure communication channels for military applications.

ISSUING ORGANIZATION:
The issuing organization is the Air Force Research Laboratory, part of the Department of the Air Force, located in New Mexico, USA. The primary contact for this opportunity is Paola Sanchez-Medina, who can be reached at [email protected].

KEY DATES:

• Posted Date: August 5, 2026
• Proposal Due Date: August 10, 2026
• Anticipated Award Date: Not specified
• Performance Period: Not specified

CONTRACT DETAILS:
The contract type is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. There is no estimated contract value or budget range indicated, nor are there any option years specified.

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS:
Bidders must meet the following mandatory requirements to be considered eligible:

• Required certifications and registrations: Registration in SAM.gov is mandatory.
• Required security clearances: Specific security clearance requirements are not detailed but are likely necessary given the nature of the project.
• Set-aside restrictions: No specific set-aside restrictions mentioned.
• Geographic restrictions: The place of performance is implied to be on-orbit, but no specific geographic restrictions are noted.
• Minimum years of experience or past performance requirements: Not specified.
• Bonding or insurance requirements: Not mentioned.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES:
Bidders should possess expertise in satellite communication technologies, specifically those capable of operating in the UHF band. Familiarity with MEO satellite operations and relevant communication protocols is essential. Knowledge of defense communication standards and practices may also be beneficial.

DELIVERABLES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
Key deliverables and performance standards are not explicitly outlined in the provided information. However, bidders should anticipate requirements related to the operational readiness and reliability of the satellite communication capacity.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:
The evaluation criteria for proposals have not been detailed in the available information. Bidders should prepare to demonstrate their technical approach, past performance, and pricing strategies, as these are typically critical factors in government procurement evaluations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
While not mandatory, bidders with the following qualifications may have a competitive advantage:

• Preferred certifications in relevant aerospace or defense standards.
• Experience with similar satellite communication projects or technologies.
• Proven track record of successful past performance in related contracts.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the opportunity for potential bidders to assess their fit and prepare their proposals accordingly.