A -- DARPA Demonstration Spacecraft Control Service (DDSCS)

This is a Request for Information (RFI) by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) regarding implementation of a DARPA Demonstration Spacecraft Control Service (DDSCS). The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information solicited. The Government may consider issuing a formal solicitation at a later date. Information is sought from all potential sources, domestic and foreign, on innovative technological solutions that will enable the Government to provide DDSCS satellite command and control capabilities and to identify interest and qualification for participation in any future program. The primary objective of the DDSCS RFI is to identify options for purchasing, or leasing ground-based satellite command and control capabilities, for use by future DARPA space programs on an as-needed basis. The focus of this RFI is on leveraging existing, demonstrated hardware and software capabilities. This RFI is not focused on the development of new spacecraft control systems or tools. Responses to this RFI should, to the extent possible, address design options, systems architecture and relevant experience regarding: 1. Hardware and software options to command a spacecraft, receive telemetry, and plan operations 2. Facility requirements, including the ability to incorporate into existing facilities, or the ability to avoid requiring dedicated, fixed facilities 3. Capability to rapidly reconfigure satellite control capabilities for new missions 4. Capability to execute multiple, simultaneous missions 5. Capability to interface with both government and commercial satellite communications infrastructure, including capability to support direct, line-of-sight, two-way communications with spacecraft in multiple bands (e.g., C-, S-, X-, UHF, Ka-, and Ku-bands) 6. Capability to accommodate program and physical security requirements (including multiple security levels simultaneously ) 7. Capability to support autonomous and/or lightly supervised operations Responses to this RFI should address previous experience with commercial and military spacecraft ground control systems including hardware and software architectures employed (e.g., customers for which your organization has provided relevant services or constructed satellite control centers). Features of interest include architectural simplicity, responsiveness to new mission requirements, the flexibility to conduct diverse missions, setup and operations costs, and provisions for enhanced autonomy. RFI Submittal Instructions: Responses to this RFI should consist of no more than twenty pages. Material for which proprietary claims are made should be marked appropriately. For all RFI responses, a separate non-proprietary cover page is also requested identifying your company name, technical point of contact information, and a summary of your unique qualifications. RFI Responses should be submitted in digital format (Microsoft Office compatible or Adobe PDF formats preferred) and can be mailed to DARPA/TTO, Attn: DDSCS-RFI, 3701 N Fairfax Dr, Arlington, VA 22203 or emailed directly to [email protected], respectively. RFI responses should be received no later than COB August 31, 2007.