Ground Multi-band Terminal (GMT) Replacement “Gen-2”

Due Date: Oct 22, 2021, 04:00 pm MDT Government Organization: U.S. Space Force Description: On SeSept 27the, U.S. Space Force posted sources sought notice for a Ground Multi-Band Terminal (GMT) Replacement – “Gen-2”. The current AN/TSC-179 GMT is a tactical satellite terminal providing satellite communication capabilities for current and future Air Force and joint-service Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) networks.

Category: Opportunity

DoD Communities Of Interest: C4I

Subject : Ground Multi-band Terminal (GMT) Replacement “Gen-2”

Due Date: Oct 22, 2021 04:00 pm MDT

Government Organization: U.S. Space Force

Description :

On September 27, the U.S. Space Force posted a sources sought notice for a Ground Multi-Band Terminal (GMT) Replacement – “Gen-2”. Responses are due by 4:00 p.m. Mountain time.

The current AN/TSC-179 GMT is a tactical satellite terminal providing satellite communication capabilities for current and future Air Force and joint-service Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) networks. The GMT is an interoperable, deployable, dual-hub satellite communications (SATCOM) terminal capable of operating on four Super High Frequency (SHF) bands on both military (X-, Ka-) and commercial (C-, Ku-) satellites. The system includes a 2.4 meter Small Aperture Antenna (SAA), or “Hub 1”, as well as a 3.9 meter Quad-band Large Aperture Antenna (QLAA), or “Hub 2”.

As a result of the Deactivation Memo signed by HQ USSF S3/6S in August 2020, end-of-life (EOL) was formally established for the GMT and QLAA effective end of FY26. Growing obsolescence issues on an aging system, the Department of Defense Chief Information Officer (DoD CIO) mandate gap of current design, and prohibitively high technical refresh costs will ultimately not permit continued sustainment of the GMT or QLAA beyond end of FY26. USAF MAJCOMs are procuring their own replacement terminal solution, but the GMT Program Office is responsible for acquiring terminals for three USSF units as tailored to their individual mission requirements.

The USSF, SSC, Military Satellite Communications Operations Support and Sustainment Division (SSC/ECPM) is now seeking sources to offer replacement terminal solutions, utilizing a Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) Certified and Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) terminal. It is anticipated that 15 small aperture and 15 large aperture systems will be procured. The requirement for a replacement terminal or “Gen-2” GMT solution is needed for procurement and fielding NLT end of FY25 to ensure there is no gap in capability before system EOL. The Government intends to award a contract for the procurement and sustainment of two SATCOM terminal systems, one for each of the two listed sizes of antenna.

14. Requirements:

  • The small aperture antenna is expected to be approximately 2.4 meters in diameter.
  • The large aperture antenna is expected to be approximately 3.8 meters to 4.0 meters in diameter.
  • The attached “GMT Key Requirements” document defines the system performance parameters and attributes that must be met for each terminal.
  • The attached “GMT Military Standards Requirements” spreadsheet defines the military standards that the system must meet.
  • The terminal and antenna must both be COTS.
  • The terminal and antenna must currently be certified for operation on the WGS satellite communications system.
  • The system must include spare line replaceable units (LRUs) to address LRUs that are most likely to fail, preventing system operation. Ideally this should be determined via analysis of real world operational/failure data.
  • Operations and maintenance manuals for the antenna and terminal must exist and have data rights available; technical orders and training materials/manuals are preferred, but will be generated from available manuals if required.
  • Any known obsolescence or EOL issues must be provided.
  • A description of how Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) efforts are accomplished and the currently projected EOL for the system must be provided.
  • The system must be stored and transported in ruggedized transport cases that meet the defined military standards. Weight information on the heaviest transport case must be provided.
  • Information on ability to ship system via commercial air shipping.
  • Information on operating requirements relating to terrain conditions/slope.
  • Information on external user patch panels, interfaces, and protocols.
  • Information on safety features to ensure the safety of the operators and others in the vicinity of the terminal or its antennas.
  • Information on interfaces available for positive control of the terminal.
  • Information on how supply chain risk management is performed, usage of trusted sources, and usage of the DoD Trusted Foundry Program for system components.
  • Information on interface and distance for remote Control, Monitor, and Alarm operation.
  • Information on warranty options and pricing must be provided.
  • Information on Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), Mean Time Between Critical Failures (MTBCF), and Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) for the system must be provided.
  • Information on current usage by military services, the quantities that were procured, any potential National Stock Numbers (NSNs), any potential service-specific technical documents, and Cybersecurity documentation must be provided.
  • Available paint color options must be provided and those options must adhere to SAE-AMS-STD-595.
  • Information on potential training for operations and maintenance of the system must be provided

Website : https://sam.gov/opp/94318193ae4945a09deeb9db201c809d/view

Questions or assistance, contact:
North Carolina Defense Technology Transition Office (DEFTECH)

 

Dennis Lewis
lewisd@ncmbc.us
703-217-3127

Bob Burton
burtonr@ncmbc.us
910-824-9609

North Carolina Defense Technology Transition Office | PO Box 1748, Fayetteville, NC 2B303