Space Force adopts Commercial Solutions Opening strategy for Satellite Communications Augmentation Resource program

The U.S. Air Force and Space acquisition leadership are moving to expand commercial participation in satellite communications, launching a strategy that uses multiple commercial solutions openings to evaluate and buy existing industry capabilities for mission needs. The effort is being driven by the Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Battle Management, Command, Control, Communications and Space Intelligence, with support from the Satellite Communications Augmentation Resource (SCAR) program office.

SCAR is adopting a phased, risk-informed plan intended to increase competition, draw in a broader set of companies, and speed the assessment of commercial offerings that can bolster the government’s current satellite command-and-control infrastructure for the Department of War.

The approach centers on two lines of effort. The first will focus on evaluating and procuring commercially available satellite communications solutions that can support Satellite Control Network augmentation. The second will lease commercially operated satellite communications services and infrastructure to add operational capability and capacity to existing architectures.

Through upcoming solicitations, SCAR plans to seek information and proposals across several technical areas. Priorities include antenna and radio systems—such as parabolic antennas, phased array–fed reflectors, phased arrays, and other commercial architectures—alongside commercially operated capabilities, infrastructure and support services suitable for leasing, and the sustainment and life-cycle support needed to ensure service availability and performance.

Program officials emphasize they are not pursuing a single antenna design or technology path, but will assess commercial solutions that meet operational requirements regardless of how they are implemented. By using the commercial solutions opening process, the acquisition team aims to engage both established defense contractors and non-traditional commercial firms to widen the pool of mature capabilities available for rapid evaluation and procurement.

Industry is encouraged to watch official solicitation channels for forthcoming announcements and participation opportunities. A current solicitation is already posted.

The overarching objective is to augment the Satellite Control Network, which provides tracking, telemetry and commanding in support of Department of War, National Security Space and other U.S. government satellite operations.