Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Starshield Tokens

Background
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), part of the Department of Homeland Security, intends to issue a firm fixed price sole source award to Space Exploration Technologies Corp for sixty (60) Starshield service tokens. This acquisition is aimed at supporting the Air and Marine Operations (AMO) flight operations, which utilize manned aircraft equipped with Starshield satellite service for beyond line of sight (BLOS) operations.

The satellite service facilitates command and control of aircraft, data reception, and additional voice channels necessary for AMO missions conducted within the contiguous United States and surrounding waters.

Work Details
The contract involves the procurement of sixty (60) Starshield service tokens specifically designed for use on CBP AMO aircraft. These tokens are essential for providing a wide-band data link that supports BLOS operations.

The Starshield satellite service is critical for ensuring low latency and high bandwidth communication, which is necessary for the effective command and control of CBP's manned aircraft during their missions. The requirement emphasizes that all mission data must arrive at a terrestrial point within the contiguous United States, even when operations extend abroad. The unique specifications of CBP AMO's integrated aircraft antennas and terminals necessitate the use of Starshield/Starlink constellation services, as alternative providers cannot guarantee data landing at a CONUS location.

Period of Performance
The period of performance begins upon award and extends through September 29, 2028. Tokens will expire 24 months after delivery.

Place of Performance
The contract will be performed within the 48 contiguous United States, including their coastal waters, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and eastern Pacific regions.

Bidder Requirements
Contractors interested in bidding must demonstrate their capability to meet the requirements outlined in this solicitation by submitting a capabilities statement. There are no specific set-aside statuses or security clearances mentioned; however, bidders must be able to provide the unique Starshield service tokens as specified.