19AQMM26N0223 Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology (DT), Network Technologies Office, Global Tactical Communications Division (DT/EI/NT/GTC) for the Remote Expeditionary Area Communications Hub (REACH) program. The purpose is to conduct market research to identify qualified and experienced vendors capable of providing Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite equipment and services. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute an Invitation for Bid (IFB), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or Request for Proposal (RFP). The government is not obligated to acquire any products or services based on this RFI and will not pay for any information submitted.

• Provide DOS contingency communications for global coverage to embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions.

• Achieve economies of scale through equipment pooling.

• Purchase systems and components commercially off-the-shelf or customized configurations.

• Enable near real-time usage, system monitoring, and outage reporting.

• Provide individual Posts/customer base the ability to purchase airtime.

• Offer 24x7 help desk technical support worldwide.

• Provide a portal for administrative functions (enable/disable, move location).

• Responses are due by 12:00 noon EST on June 22, 2026.

• Submit electronically in Adobe PDF format via email to Nicolas Wilhelm (WilhelmNA@state.gov), James Tyson (TysonJC@state.gov), and Annie Harlow (HarlowAL@state.gov).

• Responses are limited to 14 pages (excluding cover page).

• The RFI includes a draft Statement of Work (SOW) for informational purposes. Comments and recommendations on the SOW are optional.

Vendors are requested to describe their capabilities, services, and experience related to LEO satellite antennas and services, addressing specific questions in the following areas:

• Corporate Experience & Authorization (Manufacturers and Resellers)
• Global Coverage, Contingency & Crisis Communications
• Equipment Portfolio & Technical Characteristics
• Equipment Pooling & Economies of Scale
• System Monitoring, Reporting & Account Management
• Airtime Purchase by Customer / End-User
• Technical Support, Warranty & Field Services
• Security, Compliance & Risk Management
• Delivery, Packaging & Acceptance
• Pricing & Contracting Administration

This RFI seeks to identify qualified and experienced HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB, and small businesses.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet titled 'Template for SOW Comments'. It appears to be a template provided by the government for potential bidders to submit comments or recommendations regarding the Statement of Work (SOW) for the '19AQMM26N0223 - Low Earth Orbit' opportunity.

The template includes columns for:

• An identifier number
• SOW Section and Page Reference
• Comments / Recommendations

Bidders should use this template to organize and submit any feedback, questions, or suggested modifications they have concerning the Statement of Work. This structured format will help the government efficiently review and consider bidder input during the solicitation process.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for the Remote Expeditionary Area Communications Hub (REACH) program, administered by the Bureau of Diplomatic Technology. The program's mission is to provide contingency communications and crisis IT response capabilities to 277 embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions worldwide.

The REACH program seeks to identify sources for managing and allocating communications systems to fulfill its global mission. Key outcomes include:

• Offering DOS contingency communications for global coverage.

• Achieving economies of scale through equipment pooling.

• Enabling the purchase of commercial off-the-shelf or customized systems.

• Providing near real-time usage, system monitoring, and outage reporting.

• Allowing individual Posts/customer bases to purchase airtime.

• Offering 24x7 help desk technical support worldwide.

• Equipment: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) hardware, ancillary hardware (tripods, mounting kits, etc.), and Basic Internet Communications (BIC) Kits.

• Services: Airtime, pooled data plans, suspend/resume options, and network services.

• Logistics: Shipment, deployment, and logistics with defined delivery timelines (Standard, Accelerated, Time-Critical).

• Management Tools: A unified online account management portal for user management, monitoring, reporting, ticketing, and outage alerts.

• Support: 24x7 help desk technical support, tiered escalation, remote troubleshooting, and warranty activation.

• Maintenance: Routine, Emergency, and VIP maintenance services.

• Technology Refresh: The DOS has the right to require technology refreshes to incorporate new design enhancements and updates.

• Deliverables: Terminals, BIC kits, airtime activation, portal access, telemetry reports, training materials, technology refresh quotes, and transition plans.

• Near real-time usage, monitoring, fault/incident/outage reporting.

• Service Activation Plan within 15 calendar days of award.

• Delivery timelines: Standard (15 days), Accelerated (7 days), Time-Critical (48 hours).

• Response times for maintenance services (4 hours for emergency).

• Period of Performance: One base year plus four option years (dates TBD).

• Place of Performance: Worldwide, supporting 277 global Posts.

• Security: Offerors must describe processes for cybersecurity, SCRM, and NIST SP 800-53 alignment.

• Training: Initial training session for the online account management tool within 45 days of award.

• Section 508: Application portals must be Section 508 compliant; hardware is exempt.

• Billing: Must accept payment via Purchase Order, Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), or Credit Card.