Future Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Space-To-Air Optical Communications Terminal Request for Information
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Space Development Agency (SDA), under the Department of Defense, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Space-to-Air Optical Communications Terminals (OCTs). This RFI seeks detailed industry feedback on mature, rapidly fieldable optical communication terminals for aircraft to enable secure, high-bandwidth space-to-air optical links with the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). The goal is to achieve operational capability for the warfighter as early as 2027. Responses are due by February 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.
Scope of Interest
SDA is interested in products, either in production or late-stage development, that can be installed on an aircraft to support space-to-air optical communication links. Key interest areas include technologies capable of supporting space-to-air optical link testing with SDA-compliant LEO satellites within 12 months. Respondents should provide information covering:
- Design & Performance: Form factor, SDA Standard compatibility (waveforms, data rates, compliance approach), system specifications (aperture, wavelengths, power, beacon, FoR, SWaP), risk mitigation, optimal LEO/MEO reference architecture, visual hardware, notional link budget, and TRL/MRL assessment.
- Testing & Airworthiness: Completed flight demonstrations, environmental and airworthiness testing details, available company test facilities, and modem-level testing for optical standard compatibility.
- Airframe Integration: Intended airframe, preferred installation location, requirements for external navigation data, and platform jitter environment.
Submission Details
- Format: White paper, maximum 10 pages (excluding table of contents and appendix with hardware pictures). Link budgets should be submitted as a separate Excel spreadsheet.
- Deadline: February 27, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.
- Method: Electronically to
ussf.pentagon.sda.mbx.sn-26-0008@mail.mil. - Subject Line: "SDA aircraft OCT RFI [-Vendor Name]".
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Product/Service Code: AC13 - National Defense R&D Services; Department Of Defense Military; Experimental Development
- Published: January 28, 2026
Important Notes
This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and is not a solicitation for proposals. Responses are not offers and cannot form a binding contract. SDA will not provide reimbursement for costs incurred in responding and is under no obligation to provide feedback. Proprietary information must be clearly labeled.