Unified Messaging Services (UMS)
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 Department of the Air Force, specifically Mission Delta 2 (MD 2) and 2nd Sustainment Squadron (2 STS), is conducting a Sources Sought to gather industry recommendations for a Unified Messaging Service (UMS). This service will provide translation, data normalization, data fusion, and data transmission for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) mission systems. This is for informational and planning purposes only and is not a solicitation. Responses are due March 6, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
The Government seeks input on how to develop and implement a scalable and extensible UMS. The service will support rapid and continuous release of software capabilities through an agile approach. Key areas of interest include:
- Architectural Design: High-throughput, low-latency messaging system deployable across multiple locations (on-premise, cloud - Azure, Google, AWS, Oracle) and classification levels (U, S, TS).
- Data Integration: Experience and methodology for integrating diverse data formats (binary, XML, JSON) and communication protocols (TCP/IP, REST, Kafka, SFTP).
- Security & Scalability: Strategy for a secure, scalable machine-to-machine (M2M) framework connecting thousands of endpoints, including identity management, authentication, and health monitoring.
- Reliable Delivery: Ensuring timely message delivery in contested, Disconnected, Intermittent, and Limited (DIL) bandwidth environments, with approaches for store-and-forward, data prioritization, and connection management.
- System Flexibility: Design to accommodate new sensor types, data formats, and processing requirements over the system's lifecycle without significant redesign.
- User Interface: Design for multiple user communities (operators, testers, administrators) with intuitive workflows.
- Comprehensive Security Framework: Multi-level role-based access control (RBAC), foreign disclosure, and immutable audit trails, integrating with a zero-trust framework.
- AI/ML Integration: Potential for AI/ML models within the UMS architecture.
Information Requested
Respondents should detail their approaches to the above areas, including:
- Key milestone events and timeline from contract award to operational acceptance.
- Anticipated full-time staff required.
- Company experience in large-scale, real-time data processing and messaging systems for DoD/IC, specifically C2, sensor fusion, SDA, Missile Warning/Defense (MW/MD), and Integrated Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment (ITWAA) systems.
- Software development and project management methodology.
- Recommended contract type and reasoning.
- Required Government Furnished Equipment, Documentation, or Support.
Submission Details
- Response Due: March 6, 2026, by 6:59 AM MST.
- Format: Not to exceed 8 pages (one-inch margins, 12-point Times New Roman font).
- Submission: Electronically.
- Small Business: Responses from all businesses, including small and small disadvantaged businesses, are highly encouraged. Teaming/partnering is encouraged.
- Export Control: Requirement involves data subject to export control. Interested parties must be registered in the DoD Central Contractor Registry with a CAGE code.
- Note: Information may be released to Space Systems Command (SSC) support contractors unless explicitly objected to.
Contact Information
- Primary: Bradley Kettlewell (bradley.kettlewell.1@spaceforce.mil)
- Secondary: Victoria Lloyd (victoria.lloyd@spaceforce.mil)