WATER
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 Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) intends to issue a sole source solicitation (N00173-26-R-0002) to Intelsat General Communications LLC for non-commercial research and development (R&D) services. This requirement supports RF atmospheric exploration utilizing Government-owned 30-meter (PAM2) and 11-meter (PAM3) antennas located at the Paumalu (PAM) site on Oahu, Hawaii. The anticipated closing date for the solicitation is May 1, 2026.
Scope of Work
This effort involves providing research, development, operations, maintenance, and systems engineering expertise in support of NRL’s space technology research. Key activities include:
- Transmission and reception of RF energy.
- Assessment of atmospheric effects on RF propagation.
- Development and characterization of RF signals for specialized applications.
- Operation of high-sensitivity receiver systems and precision antenna pointing.
- Integration of custom-designed and modified commercial-off-the-shelf equipment.
- Detection, characterization, and analysis of space anomalies. The services will support NRL research activities at the PAM and Opana facilities and other current and future NRL-owned antenna systems located on Oahu, Hawaii.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sole Source Presolicitation (Non-commercial R&D)
- Set-Aside: Not a small business set-aside.
- Solicitation Number: N00173-26-R-0002
- Anticipated Solicitation Release: Within the next 30 days.
- Anticipated Closing Date: May 1, 2026
- Published Date: March 17, 2026
- Place of Performance: Oahu, Hawaii
Justification
This requirement is being processed on a sole source basis under FAR 6.302-1 (Only One Responsible Source). Intelsat is identified as the only known source capable of meeting the Government's needs due to the highly specialized nature of the work, the necessity for continuity of operations, and the critical requirement for access to contractor-controlled facilities and infrastructure where NRL's antennas are located.
Additional Notes
The contractor must obtain and maintain a site access agreement with Intelsat General Corporation and ensure a fully cleared workforce with TS/SCI eligibility. Proof of site access shall be provided to NRL. Subcontract opportunities have not been identified at this time. Responses should reference the notice number; classified material is not to be submitted.