Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) for USSOCOM J6
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 United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) J6 is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify industry capabilities for a comprehensive, global, end-to-end Commercial Satellite Communications (COMSATCOM) solution. This RFI aims to gather information on existing capabilities to support global Special Operations Forces (SOF) with robust, flexible, and resilient COMSATCOM infrastructure. Responses are due March 25th, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP). USSOCOM seeks to identify sources capable of providing a solution encompassing global satellite space segment, commercial media port services, terrestrial backhaul connectivity, and comprehensive operational and management support. The objective is to ensure continuous connectivity for command-and-control (C2), intelligence dissemination, and operational support for SOF globally.
Key Areas of Interest
Respondents should detail their capabilities in:
- End-to-End Solution Management: Experience as a Prime Contractor, project management, configuration management, quality assurance, and rapid service activation.
- Global Space Segment: Access to global satellite capacity across various frequency bands (Ku, Ka, X, L-band, Mil-Ka), specific capabilities for 6x 25k Legacy UHF channels, service portability, and experience with Airborne ISR (AISR) and Communications on the Move (COTM) platforms, including EMI/RFI mitigation.
- Media Port & Gateway Services: Ownership or contractual access to global media ports, physical security, power redundancy, network diversity, geographically separated redundant ports, and touch maintenance support.
- Terrestrial Backhaul Network: Architecture of terrestrial core network, global Points of Presence (PoPs), GEO/MEO/LEO SaaS interconnections, geographic diversity/redundancy, and network management/monitoring.
- Operations and Maintenance Support: Ability to provide cleared personnel (TS/SCI), 24/7 Network Operations Center (NOC) and helpdesk, integration of satellite network monitoring data, and specialized support for iDirect/ViaSat/TDMA/SCPC technologies.
- Security: Company security program, personnel vetting, experience with DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) and Authority to Operate (ATO), and capability for secure communications (SIPRNET, STE/VoSIP). SIPRNET access will not be sponsored or facilitated and is required for day-one readiness.
- Subscription Services: Capability to provide and integrate services from GEO/MEO/LEO SaaS providers.
- Transition: Experience with transitioning global satellite and terrestrial communications networks, with a notional approach to a 90-day timeline.
Submission Requirements
Responses must be submitted as a white paper, not exceeding fifteen (15) pages, single-spaced, 12-point type, with 1-inch margins. The email submission limit is 5 MB. Responses should focus on existing capabilities.
Important Clarifications
- Facility Location: A facility within a 25-mile radius of MacDill AFB is critical for Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercises, in-person collaboration, and rapid response. A plan to acquire a facility is not considered equivalent to a currently operational one.
- Consortium/JV Past Performance: Past performance is evaluated for established Joint Ventures or prime/subcontractor teams with a demonstrated history of working together. Notional teams are outside the scope of this market research.
- Personnel Requirements: Requirements assess current maturity and demonstrated experience, not to limit competition.
Deadlines & Contacts
- Response Due Date: March 25th, 2026, by 12:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time.
- Set-Aside: None specified; companies, large or small, are encouraged to respond.
- Primary Contact: Roberto Mendez (roberto.m.mendez.ctr@socom.mil)
- Secondary Contact: Penny Rice (penny.rice@socom.mil)