Revolutionizing Space Operations: The $1 Billion Small Business Contract for Rapid Development and Acquisition of Next-Generation Ground Systems

The Space Rapid Capabilities Office, responsible for rapid technology development and acquisition, has awarded a potential seven-year, $1 billion contract to 20 small businesses focused on software development. These companies were selected to support the development of a next-generation ground system utilizing commercial cloud architecture.

The Space Force plans to acquire software systems in smaller, incremental pieces through this contract, allowing for a more agile and iterative approach to development. By utilizing this strategy, the organization aims to quickly integrate systems engineering, integration, and software solutions to enhance its capability for prototype integration across multiple satellite programs.

R2C2 is intended to improve automation and provide a common user experience for operators, enabling Space Force to respond more rapidly to emerging threats in space. The goal is to deliver enhanced capabilities that enable faster movement of space assets when needed.

The selected companies will compete for task orders under the Rapid Resilient Command and Control program (R2C2), which is a small business set-aside contract with a five-year base period and a two-year option. These businesses include Aalyria Technologies, A.i. solutions, Defense Unicorns, and others.