Request for Information (RFI) SG-XX Geosynchronous Space to Space (S2S) Radio Frequency Cross Link

What the buyer is asking for

1. Background: Space Systems Command Space Reconnaissance and Surveillance Branch (SSC/SYZ) is finalizing the SG-XX communication architecture requirements and requests industry information on possible high Technology Readiness Level (TRL) solutions to support the constellation of SG-XX vehicles. SG-XX is a planned super sync geo-based surveillance system comprised of a proliferated constellation of free flyer space vehicles (SVs) with Wide Field of View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) payload(s) capable of wide-area volume search and track. The primary objective of this proliferated constellation will be to scan, track, and detect Resident Space Objects (RSO's) in and around the geosynchronous orbit geo-belt. The data collected must be delivered to the operational community in near real time to support warfighter requirements. The government has performed communication architectures studies and has determined a SG-XX to SG-XX cross link solution will provide the timeliness required to ensure mission data delivery over the entire geo-belt. The SG-XX constellation will operate in an evenly spaced “string of pearls” configuration at a TBD altitude above the geo-belt. The cross link may operate in either half-duplex or full-duplex mode between each satellite. The SG-XX satellite may slew throughout the day to meet the scan requirements and thus the communication subsystem must include antennas that can maintain the link through nominal slew rates. The solution must incorporate the capability to manage the data flow of each communication element across the constellation of SG-XX satellites. This RFI is only seeking information related to a radio frequency (RF) V-Band cross link solutions, please do not submit alternative communications subsystem (e.g. optical, other RF bands, or geo to ground) solutions or capabilities related to SG-XX buses or payload that may not improve the information requested as part of this RFI. This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for information and planning purposes (market research). This RFI does not constitute a solicitation (Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quotations (RFQ) or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Furthermore, the Government is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept any unsolicited proposals. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if any is issued. Any information submitted by respondents to this RFI is strictly voluntary. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. Proprietary information or trade secrets shall be clearly identified. 2. Description: This RFI is for SSC/SYZ. Additional market research may or may not be conducted. Responses from small businesses are encouraged. This RFI is focused on surveying industry capability. All RF cross link designs that meet the requirements are of interest; however, the Government is seeking industry experience with operational or very mature builds nearing final design/environmental qualification that incorporate V-Band radio frequency solutions. Government is seeking recent (?5 years) and relevant demonstrated success with low/moderate cost, build/production (?2 (preferred) year communication payload builds) of subsystem performing the mission described in section 3b and 3c is desired, which may include final build/environmental testing that is underway, modified existing space qualified design, or…