Space-to-Space (S2S) Communication Broad Agency Announcement (BAA)
This BAA funds technology project contracts for space-to-space communications and space networking, especially development and demonstration for proliferated low Earth orbit systems, for eligible contractors and partners.
⚑ Federal contract BAA; not a grant. · Call 1.1 is a two-phase white paper process. · CUI white papers must be submitted via DOD SAFE after security POC initiates drop-off. · No set-aside used.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 90 strong | technical depth: central; funds applied research |
| IPPRA | 45 partial | peripheral portfolio topic: national_security_defense; social/behavioral work is none; funds applied research; capped at 45 (limited social-science role) |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 45 partial | funds applied research; prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
***ATTENTION*** (02 Oct 25) Contractors who will be submitting Call 1.1 white papers marked as CUI shall do so via DOD SAFE. Contractors shall send an email to the security POC (listed below) asking them to initiate the DOD SAFE "Request a Drop-Off" action with the subject line “S2S Comm BAA Call 1.1 DOD SAFE Drop-Off Request – (company name)”. Security POC: Mr. Steven Mafla SSC/SZW Email: steven.mafla.ctr@spaceforce.mil ***ATTENTION*** (16 Sep 25) We are aware of the Microsoft Document issue and are working with the helpdesk to address it. We've uploaded PDF versions of Attachment A and C. Attachment B is an Excel file with multiple tabs and the PDF conversion didn't work. We'll update this announcement as we know more, thank you. Mission Space Combat Power (SCP) is the Space Systems Command (SSC) Program Executive Office (PEO) focused on developing and delivering combat power capabilities in and through space while also providing National security deterrence capabilities countering those identified threats to prevail in a space conflict. This includes acquiring, developing, and fielding resilient space capabilities to protect national interests, enable critical infrastructures, and support the warfighter. Space Combat Power was established to stay ahead of emerging threats by partnering with the defense and commercial industry, academia and allied partners to deliver cutting edge technology in support of full and continuous characterization of space, when necessary, prevailing in a multi-domain conflict extending to space. Dedicated acquisition personnel lead the way to enable and deliver next-generation space enterprise solutions through rapid, innovative, and affordable technology leveraging the full spectrum of partnerships. Perpetual and prolific space characterization is a foundational requirement for continued, sustainable use of space. The need is even more urgent in today’s contested and congested space domain where satellites are proliferating, adversaries are demonstrating aggressive behaviors, and additional threats are emerging. These new threats necessitate dominant and resilient combat power that can gain and maintain space superiority. To that end, SSC/SCP is seeking state-of-the-art technology advancements in proliferated low Earth orbit (pLEO) for Space-to-Space Communications by soliciting technology project contracts through this BAA. Purpose To address near-term pLEO technology challenges, the Government, through this solicitation, is seeking advancement in the following two (2) overarching areas: Space-to-space communications and Space Networking FY26 BAA Calls: Call 1.1: Link-182 Space-to-Space Comms System Development and Demonstration, two-phase, white papers due 6 Oct 2025
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: No Set aside used. Notice type: Solicitation. Organization: DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE / FA8819 SDA AND COMBAT POWER SZK-LA.
Apply
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Department of Defense (BAA-style) conventions SEE A DOD EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Department of Defense (BAA-style)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.