The U.S. Space Force is looking to replace a 7-year-old, $446 million contract that provides support and training for the government’s Satellite Control Network (SCN).
SCN is a ground-based network that provides global coverage for command and control of more than 170 government satellites across the U.S. Department of Defense, civilian agencies and the intelligence community.
Space Force issued a sources sought announcement May 5 to replace SCN’s current support contract, anticipated to end May 21, 2024. The contract, dubbed “ CAMMO” for Consolidated Air Force Satellite Control Network (AFSCN) Modifications, Maintenance, and Operations, was initially awarded to CACI International Inc. (NYSE:CACI) in 2016, and is valued at $446 million dollars.
The new support contract will be called the Satellite Control Network Tracking Station Operations, Remote Site, and Mission Partner Support (STORMS). The selected contractor and subcontractors will assist Space Delta 6 — the organization in charge of satellite command and control for Space Force’s Space Operations Command — by providing operations, mission partner and remote site support, organizational maintenance and training for SCN. The new contract will include a 90-day phase-in period, a 12-month base period, four one-year options periods, and a six-month extension option.
The sources sought announcement is part of the Space Force’s market research for the potential contract and will inform the service’s acquisition approach. Responses to the announcement are due May 23, 2022, and the Space Force anticipates issuing a request for proposals in January 2023, according to the announcement.
SCN conducts an average of 450 satellite contacts per day and provides emergency command and control services for unresponsive spacecraft, provides telemetry for payloads during launch and early operations, and transmits data for new satellites completing early orbit checkout.
The Space Force requested $51.4 million in procurement and $42.2 million in research and development funding from Congress for SCN in FY23.
Connectivity Business Summit, taking place June 14-15 in New York City, will explore the critical strategic and financial issues impacting the global satellite and terrestrial connectivity infrastructure and services industry. Learn more about the event.