Flexible Acquisition Strategy For Next-Gen Space Situational Awareness
The Space Force is planning to buy its new RG-XX neighborhood watch satellites on a rolling basis, using a pool process under which multiple qualified vendors will be issued individual task orders. The program is designed to replace the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) constellation and will feature refuelable satellites. According to Col. Byron McClain, program executive officer for Space Combat Power at Space Systems Command, the flexibility of the new approach is necessary due to uncertainty about the number of satellites needed. The Space Force hopes to choose qualifying vendors for the pool by early March and issue the first task orders shortly thereafter, as first reported by Defense Daily.