SATRN software and management

Other / Unclassified

This document is a Justification for Brand Name Sole Source / NAVSUP FLCSD Justification & Approval for use of other than full and open competition. It outlines the rationale for procuring services from a single source.

• Agency & Contracting Activity: Naval Postgraduate School (requesting agency), NAVSUP FLC San Diego (contracting activity).
• Action: To award a short-term sole source contract for maintenance and security tasks for the MC3 satellite communications network, operated by NPS. This is to ensure continuity of service while a larger, multi-year contract is pursued.
• Reasoning for Sole Source:
  • The current vendor (SDL) contract expires Jan 31, 2026 and will not be renewed.
  • The MC3 system uses SATRN software, which is only available from a single vendor, and other vendors lack access to the system.
  • Attempting to switch vendors and software is not feasible within the required budget and timeframe to avoid service interruption.
  • There is an unusual and compelling urgency due to the need to maintain seamless operations of orbiting satellites and avoid violating cybersecurity Authority to Operate (ATO).
• Period of Performance: February 1, 2026 - July 31, 2026.
• Estimated Dollar Value: $275,000.00 for FY26.
• Statutory Authority: Cites 41 U.S.C 251 and 10 U.S.C. 3206(c)(5).
• Future Competition: Actions to remove barriers for future competition are being considered, including developing a technical data package or performance specification.

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

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for maintaining the Mobile CubeSat Command and Control (MC3) ground station network. The network supports communications for U.S. government and allied small satellites. The primary goal is to ensure the MC3 system maintains its DoD Authority to Operate (ATO), resolves network issues, and undergoes necessary updates and bug fixes for the SATRN software.

• Network Access: Contractor personnel will be granted access to the MC3 network, including AWS GovCloud, remote ground terminals (RGTs), partner networks, and U.S. government systems for ATO tracking.

• ATO Maintenance: Engage with U.S. government personnel to meet ATO requirements and ensure reliable operations for ground stations communicating with orbiting vehicles.

• International Collaboration: Work with foreign mission partners (e.g., FVEY project) to expand MC3 system reach and connectivity.

• Key Tasks:

  • Program Management (financial, task, schedule updates)
  • MC3 AWS GovCloud Management (instance maintenance, SATRN software updates, procedure documentation, network engineering)
  • MC3 Accreditation (Information Assurance, ATO maintenance and creation, POA&M management, continuous monitoring, auditing, reporting, NRO SNOW and Navy EMASS tool input, artifact creation, vulnerability resolution)
  • Configuration Management (maintaining network and software state, implementing new features, bug fixes, patches)
  • SATRN Software Development (design, development, and testing of modifications)
  • Documentation (quarterly updates to SRS, SDD, test plans, VDD, User Manuals, SATRN ICD, Fortify Scan Reports, network diagrams)

• Contract funds status reports (monthly)

• Monthly status reports

• SATRN work prioritization list and resolution

• SATRN software and associated documentation (version description document, deliverable package)

• Period: February 1, 2026 – July 31, 2026

• Place: Contractor facility; systems are accessible remotely, no travel expected.

• Security: Contractor personnel must possess a TOP SECRET//SI//TK clearance at the time of proposal submission and maintain it throughout the contract. Key personnel must be U.S. Citizens. OPSEC and counter-intelligence training are required. Intelligence Oversight training is mandatory for full-time personnel at NPS.

• Personnel Identification: Contractor employees must clearly identify themselves as contractor personnel and wear appropriate identification.

• Non-Personal Services: Contractor employees will be managed by contractor personnel, not government officials.

• Background Investigation: Minimum of a NACLC or T3/T3R equivalent investigation for non-critical sensitive/IT-II positions. CAC eligibility is required for physical and logical access to DoD facilities and IT systems. Specific investigation types (e.g., SSBI/T5/T5R for IT-I) may apply based on access level. A favorable adjudicated background investigation is required for IT system access.

• Human Subjects: Contractor personnel may not support, advise, or conduct research involving human subjects. Immediate notification to the Contracting Officer is required if tasks involve human subject research.

Notice of Intent to Award

This document is a Notice of Intent (NOI) from the Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center San Diego (FLCSD) to award a firm-fixed-price contract on a sole-source basis. The contract is intended for Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory to provide, manage, and integrate a complete system of computer hardware, software (SATRN), and communication technologies, including the MC3 network, AWS GovCloud, and remote terminals.

• Management and integration of computer hardware, software (SATRN), and communication technologies.

• Access to and management of the MC3 network, including AWS GovCloud, remote ground terminals (RGTs), partner networks, and US government systems for system ATO tracking and maintenance.

• Engagement with US government personnel to ensure ATO maintenance and reliable operations for ground stations communicating with orbiting vehicles.

• Collaboration with foreign mission partners (e.g., Square Dance (FVEY) project) to enhance MC3 system reach and connectivity.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price

• Anticipated Award Date: On or before February 1, 2026

• Applicable NAICS Code: 541512 - Computer Systems Design Services

• This is NOT a request for competitive quotes.

• Interested sources must submit a capability statement demonstrating their ability to provide licenses and proof of being an authorized distributor.

• Capability statements must include management and technical data, and cost information.

• Maximum length: 6 pages (8.5 x 11 inches), 10-point font minimum.

• Submission Deadline: January 12, 2026, 3:00 PM PST.

• Submission Method: E-mail ONLY as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment to Kyle.D.Westover.civ@us.navy.mil.

• Only capability statements received by the due date will be considered.

• Responses that only ask questions will not be considered affirmative responses.

• The government will determine whether to compete based on responses received.

• No telephone requests or offers will be honored.

• This notice is issued under FAR 13.106(1) due to only one responsible source satisfying agency requirements.