Deep Space Advanced Radar (DARC) Interim Contractor Support (ICS) Contract

Quick Summary

The United States Space Force (USSF) / Space Systems Command (SSC) is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for the Deep Space Advanced Radar (DARC) Interim Contractor Support (ICS) Contract. This RFI seeks industry recommendations and best practices for contract, subcontract, and partner management to establish a single ICS contract model. The model will support tailored work efforts in software development, deployment, security, operations, integration, and lifecycle sustainment for the DARC program. Responses are due by April 30, 2026.

Scope of Interest

SSC is looking for innovative approaches to manage technical contracts and programs, specifically for the DARC program, which involves a pseudo-monostatic ground-based radar system critical for Space Domain Awareness (SDA). The scope includes work efforts from unclassified to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).

Background

The DARC program is a key component of the nation's resilient space enterprise, aiming to enhance Space Domain Awareness (SDA) capabilities. The system will consist of three geographically dispersed sites for worldwide GEO belt coverage, with Sites 2 and 3 planned for acquisition via the Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) pathway.

Requested Information & Objectives

The Government is interested in industry best practices for contract and program management, focusing on models that can adapt to changes to the Performance Work Statement (PWS) and maximize mission and program management performance. Access to the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) PWS is required to respond. Offerors must email the listed POCs with their CAGE code and proof of compliant NIST SP 800-171 assessment to receive the CUI documents.

Responses must address two primary objectives:

• Objective #1: Execution
  • Propose a novel model for a principal integrator to effectively oversee and manage two distinct lines of effort:
    • Continuation of backlog burndown, security, operations, and integration of DARC software and tools.
    • Support for sustainment of operationally accepted and baselined software.
  • Detail how the integrator would incentivize, cooperate, and team with industry partners (including subcontractors).
  • Identify all associated risks, negative impacts, and potential obstacles (e.g., cost/financial, legal, IP, security).
  • Address preferred contract strategies for the overall integration effort and the prime-USG contract type.
• Objective #2: Transition
  • Provide notional PWS outlines for both the integration and sustainment phases of transitioning from ICS to Contractor Logistics Support (CLS).
  • Clearly delineate work/tasks at Level 1 (on-site) and Level 2 (depot).

Additionally, responses should:

• Recommend how Integrated Product Support elements for sustainment will cooperate/integrate with development.
• Identify efficiencies gained (cost, mission, contract, program management) and specify beneficiaries (Government, Industry, or both).
• Identify efficiencies degraded/lost and specify who is affected.
• Suggest trade-offs among efficiencies.
• Avoid models based on shared resources across lines of effort.

Submission Requirements

• Format: White paper document only (no presentations or non-electronic submissions).
• Due Date: April 30, 2026, at 1200 MDT.
• Content: Must address both Objectives 1 and 2.
• Page Limit: Maximum 16 pages total, including:
  • Section 1 (Administrative): Max 1 page (contact info, business type, NAICS 518210, facility security clearance).
  • Section 2 (Objective 1): Max 7 pages.
  • Section 3 (Objective 2): Max 7 pages.
• Submission Method: Unclassified responses via email or file transfer applications on NIPRNet to the listed POCs. File transfer submissions require concurrent email notification with access details.
• Marking: All materials must be properly marked, especially proprietary information.
• Note: Submissions become Government property. Support contractors will have access unless notified otherwise.

Contract & Timeline

• Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
• NAICS: 518210 (Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services)
• Set-Aside: TBD (Not specified at this RFI stage)
• Response Due: April 30, 2026, 1200 MDT
• Questions Due: April 20, 2026, 1400 MDT
• Published: March 27, 2026
• Place of Performance: Multiple Locations (OCONUS)

Points of Contact

• Primary: Victoria Lloyd, victoria.lloyd@spaceforce.mil
• Secondary: Duayne Martinez, duayne.martinez.3.ctr@spaceforce.mil

This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to issue an RFP or award a contract.