Summary – The Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC), in partnership with Space Systems Command, has awarded a multi-year contract for the development and delivery of Relay Ground Stations focused on bridging communications between legacy and next-generation missile warning satellites and ground systems. This effort supports the modernization of the U.S. missile warning architecture, ensuring faster, more resilient data flow to enhance early warning and joint force readiness.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – On April 24, 2025, the U.S. Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) in partnership with Space Systems Command (SSC) awarded the Relay Ground Station (RGS) General Telecommunications Equipment/Communications (GTE/Comms) indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) multi-award and multi-year contract to selected vendors through a competitive other transaction authority (OTA) agreement. The contract has a five-year period of performance with a total ceiling value of $244.2M.
The vendors selected for this effort include Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and Peraton. Each vendor will support the design, procurement, development, integration, and testing of advanced Relay Ground Station hardware and software. These efforts will ensure the successful relay of Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) data from space to ground, enhancing the speed and reliability of missile warning communications, while also maximizing use of both new and legacy systems to include Space-Based Infrared System (SBIRS), Defense Support Program (DSP), and future Next-Generation OPIR assets.
Relay Ground Stations enable interoperability between legacy and next-generation missile warning and tracking satellites and their respective ground systems thereby maximizing the strength of the overall architecture. They will also enable real-time communication between satellites and ground operators by accelerating the ability to transmit and receive mission data as well as adapt seamlessly to changes in bandwidth and resiliency requirements during operations, enhancing our Nation’s ability to quickly respond to threats worldwide.
RGSs also work synergistically with the Future Operationally Resilient Ground Evolution (FORGE) program, which together are designed to provide a modern, flexible, and scalable ground system for next-generation OPIR capabilities. RGSs play a critical role in the rapid integration of new OPIR satellites, sensors, and mission applications, ensuring the U.S. can continuously adapt to meet emerging threats and warfighter needs.
“As threats become more advanced, modernizing our ground stations ensures faster and more reliable data transfer from both legacy and next-generation constellations, which is essential for early warning and national defense,” said Lt. Col. Jonathan Wilson, materiel leader for the Strategic Missile Warning Ground and Integration Delta. “Our close collaboration across services and industry has been instrumental in developing Next Generation OPIR ground stations. These capabilities enhance the resilience and cost-effectiveness of our missile warning capabilities to support the nation, our partners, and our allies around the world.”
These modernization efforts satisfy Congressional direction as well as Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC)-validated requirements for the development of and upgrades to RGSs. This includes the ability to operate antennas and process OPIR data from legacy systems such as the Space-Based Infrared System, Defense Support Program, and future Next-Generation OPIR assets.
“This new IDIQ contract will allow us complete the work on the Relay Ground Station – Asia site and begin work on future RGSs,” said Lt. Col. Richard Garcia, program manager for the Strategic Missile Warning Ground and Integration Delta. “This award reflects our commitment to delivering ground systems before launch as well as the strength of our partnership with Navy.”
Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Force field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to outpace emerging threats and protect our Nation’s strategic advantage in, from, and to space. SSC manages a $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget for the Department of Defense, working with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academia, and allied nations. For more information, visit ssc.spaceforce.mil and follow @USSF-SSC on LinkedIn.
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