Ground Based Radar Digitization (GBRD)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to industry questions regarding the GBRD (Ground-Based Radar) requirement, seeking industry input on various aspects of the potential acquisition.

• New Requirement: GBRD is confirmed as a new requirement, with no incumbent or existing contract number.
• Award Anticipation: The government is seeking industry input on recommendations for the number of awards and period of performance.
• Contract Types: Industry is asked to clarify the expected mix of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), and FAR-based contracts, including specific FAR contract types.
• Funding: Funding for GBRD is contingent upon program priorities, budget allocations, and specific programmatic requirements.
• Budget: The GBRD budget will align with USSF Space Domain Awareness, Missile Warning, and Missile Defense strategic priorities.
• Goals: The primary goals are to improve Space Domain Awareness of Ground-Based Radars (GBRs), continue Missile Warning/Missile Track/Missile Defense, decrease sustainment costs through an open architecture, and utilize commercial off-the-shelf solutions.
• Site Surveys: No pre-contract site surveys will be permitted due to ongoing mission operations; relevant site-specific information will be in the Bidder's Library.
• Digital Receiver: The digital receiver is currently at TRL-7 and expected to reach TRL-9 by October 2025. Additional information will be provided in the Bidder's Library.
• PARCS System: The PARCS system is a fully active radar system.
• GFE/GFP/GFI: All available documentation will be provided in the Bidder's Library.
• Real Property: No major facility work is anticipated, but minor efforts like cable trays or HVAC may be required.

This Q&A document provides critical clarifications that bidders should consider when formulating their responses to the RFI. It helps define the scope, contract vehicles, and technical expectations for the GBRD requirement.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a presentation for the Ground Based Radar Digitization (GBRD) Program. It outlines the program's objectives, background, and the weapon system portfolio. The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking industry input on modernizing legacy Ground Based Radars (GBR) to enhance battlespace situational awareness, reduce sustainment costs, and address obsolescence.

• Program Objective: To digitize legacy radar systems for improved situational awareness, reduced costs, and obsolescence mitigation.
• Key Interests: Solutions leveraging open systems, non-proprietary architectures, Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technology, and incorporating existing digital receiver technology.
• Background: The modernization supports the National Defense Strategy by enhancing missile warning, missile defense, missile tracking, and space domain awareness capabilities. It aims to digitize six radar sites, enhance radar performance, and transition to a government-owned, modular open system architecture.
• Industry Input Sought: The USSF is seeking input on technical capabilities (digitization, modular architectures, cybersecurity, digital receivers), sustainment strategies (reducing lifecycle costs, addressing DMSMS), contracting approaches (MTA, OTA, innovative mechanisms), and industry collaboration opportunities (partnerships, leveraging COTS).
• Industry Day Agenda: The presentation includes an agenda for an industry day event held on August 8-11, 2025, in Colorado Springs, CO, featuring program overviews, industry engagements, and networking opportunities.
• Contact Information: Provides contact details for the Contracting Office (email, address, phone).