USMMA Satellite phone service short term
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 Transportation, Maritime Administration (MARAD), specifically the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), has awarded a short-term, sole-source contract to Connecta Satellite Solutions for satellite phone services for its midshipmen. This award is for a one-year period to ensure continuity of service while a competitive follow-on contract is prepared.
Scope of Work
This contract provides 435 Iridium 9555 satellite phones and associated services for USMMA midshipmen during their sea year. The service is critical for meeting congressional requirements for graduation and licensing, ensuring uninterrupted communication for midshipmen deployed worldwide.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price, Sole-Source Award
- Awarded To: Connecta Satellite Solutions
- Duration: 12 months (March 1, 2026 - February 28, 2027)
- Award Date: February 25, 2026
- Set-Aside: Not Applicable (Sole-Source Justification)
- Place of Performance: Kings Point, NY (USMMA)
Evaluation & Justification
The award was made on a sole-source basis to Connecta Satellite Solutions under the authority of 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(1) and FAR 6.103-1. The justification cites Connecta as the only responsible source capable of providing uninterrupted service due to the unique compatibility of their Iridium 9555 devices with USMMA's existing equipment and software. Switching providers was deemed to risk service interruption and incur prohibitive costs given midshipmen's global deployment.
Additional Notes
This short-term contract is a bridge solution. Market research, including a Request for Information (RFI), was conducted, but industry changes (e.g., Starlink, Wi-Fi services) necessitated more time to define exact follow-on requirements and conduct a full and open competition. Several companies expressed interest during the RFI, indicating potential for future competitive requirements.