Army RFP for $5b satellite system released

The Worldwide Satellite Systems program will bring turnkey commercial satellite systems and associated support services for satellite terminals, including all hardware, software, services and data to operate the terminals.

WWSS program configurations and requirements include operating worldwide and interfacing with the Global Information Grid and military and commercial teleports, according to the RFP.In 2004, the Army began using CSS VSAT terminals in Iraq. The units include Global Positioning System receivers, motorized satellite antennas and notebook computers running special logistics applications. The solicitation is a joint partnership of Project Manager, Defense Communications and Army Transmission Systems and Project Manager Warfighter Information Network-Tactical. Responses are due by March 13. Washington Technology's .

The Army has released a request for proposals for its $5 billion Worldwide Satellite Systems program.

Under the five-year program, WWSS will bring turnkey commercial satellite systems and associated support services for satellite terminals, including all hardware, software, services and data to operate the terminals.

The program will acquire six commercial satellite terminals, and will use a minimum of four or a maximum of six prime contractors, including at least two small businesses that meet the full requirements of the program.

The terminal types include:

  • Combat Support Service Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs)

  • Fixed-station satellite terminals

  • Flyaway VSATs

  • Military-certified satellite terminals

  • Prime mover/trailer-mounted satellite terminals and

  • Deployable satellite Earth terminals.







Dawn S. Onley is a staff writer forsister publication,Government Computer News