Exception to Fair Opportunity - Warrior Plan 1 (SBS005506)
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 the Space Systems Command (SSC) COMSATCOM Office (CSCO), has published an Exception to Fair Opportunity for Warrior Plan 1 (SBS005506). This justification supports the award of a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Task Order to SpaceX for Starshield services under the existing SSC PLEO IDIQ contract. This action is critical to satisfy Joint Force operational requirements for proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) commercial satellite services, aligning with an FY25 Program Decision Memorandum (PDM).
Scope of Action
This task order procures SpaceX Starshield services, including:
- Approximately [REDACTED] service lines for fixed, land/mobile, and maritime missions with pooled data capacity of at least 44 Petabytes (PB).
- A separate pool of [REDACTED] SpaceX Starshield aviation service lines with unlimited data usage for airborne operations.
- A no-cost centralized management platform offering security attributes, hierarchical role-based account management, and administrative/technical help desk support.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Task Order
- Parent Contract: Space Systems Command (SSC) PLEO IDIQ contract
- Period of Performance: Base year (approx. May 2026 - May 2027) with one 12-month option period. Optional CLINs may be funded separately.
- Estimated Cost: Total estimated price for the full period (base + option + optional CLINs) is [REDACTED]. Estimated base year price without options is [REDACTED].
- Place of Performance: Hawthorne, CA 90250, United States.
Justification Rationale
The exception is based on FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B), citing that "Only one awardee is capable of providing the supplies or services required at the level of quality required because the supplies or services ordered are unique or highly specialized." The rationale highlights SpaceX Starshield's unique features, global coverage, DOW-centric design, integration with existing platforms, and market research indicating no other provider can meet the full scope of requirements.
Additional Notes
This is the first task order under the broader "Warrior Plans" initiative, which aims to acquire broadband PLEO COMSATCOM for the Joint Force, with four total Warrior Plans anticipated under the PDM. The Government will continue to monitor the PLEO marketplace to remove sole source requirements where possible in the future. Pricing was determined fair and reasonable based on published commercial pricing, market-based comparison, and customized costs.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact COMSO Contracting (SSC/CMK) at ssc.pleo.contractinggateway@spaceforce.mil.