Contracts · Data rights
Space Force plans sole-source Boeing satcom contract, citing insufficient data rights
The estimated ceiling is about $945.9 million with options. Space Systems Command says Boeing has repeatedly declined requests to sell the data rights needed to compete the work.
Space Systems Command plans to award Boeing a sole-source contract to sustain military satellite communications systems, citing insufficient government rights to the technical data needed for competition.1
Space Systems Command intends to award a sole-source IDIQ contract to The Boeing Company
Wideband and Narrowband Global SATCOM Sustainment (WNGSS) IDIQ Contract
intends to award a sole-source Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to The Boeing Company
The notice says the Government does not possess sufficient data license rights for the technical data packages, flight software source code or SATSIM simulators to permit a competitive acquisition.
Source: Space Systems Command, SAM.gov presolicitation notice 26-18
Sources
The command says it lacks sufficient license rights to technical data packages, flight software source code and satellite simulators. Its Oct. 27, 2026, presolicitation notice says Boeing repeatedly declined requests to sell the necessary rights, but gives no Boeing explanation for those decisions. The notice says the data was developed at private expense and includes design documentation for Boeing's 702HP and 702MP satellite platforms, simulators and ground control software.1
The planned indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract has an estimated ceiling of approximately $945.9 million if all options are exercised. The five-year base ordering period has an estimated ceiling of $480.6 million. The ten-year optional ordering period has an estimated ceiling of $465.3 million. Both figures are estimated ceilings, not obligated funds; responses to the notice are due Nov. 17.1
The work covers the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) and Ultra High Frequency Follow-On constellations, including round-the-clock anomaly analysis, fault isolation and recovery, and end-of-life disposal. It also includes sustaining engineering and software maintenance for the Global SATCOM Configuration and Control Element ground system.1
The command's rationale ties competition for ongoing satellite support to access to technical data. It says another contractor working without that data would introduce substantial duplication of government cost and unacceptable delays and risk to satellites in orbit.1
Sources (1)
- SAM.gov opportunity record sam.gov