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In a SAM.gov solicitation released Wednesday, the Space Force said the NITE-STAR contract will support Space Systems Command’s Operational Test and Training Infrastructure and System Delta 81 by enabling the design, integration and sustainment of space and ground-based systems used in realistic operational environments.
Proposals are due April 17. Submissions must be made through the Department of War’s Secure Access File Exchange system.
What Is the NITE-STAR Program?
NITE-STAR, short for NSTTC Innovative Technology & Engineering – Space Test and Range, is structured as a multiple-award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. It is intended to support a distributed test and training architecture to help prepare space operators for contested scenarios.
The contract will cover a five-year ordering period with an additional five-year option. Task and delivery orders will utilize various contract types, including firm-fixed price, cost plus fixed-fee and cost plus incentive fee, though the government may employ any structure authorized by Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 16.
What Work Will Contractors Perform?
Task orders issued under the contract will span several areas, including:
- Development and integration of space-based systems such as satellites, payloads and sensors
- Deployment of ground systems, including command and control architectures, radars and tracking infrastructure
- Creation of digital environments, including hardware- and software-in-the-loop simulations and digital twins
- Sustainment and life cycle management of operational systems
- Enterprise-level enhancements to improve interoperability, automation and cybersecurity
The work will support testing, evaluation and training across live, virtual and constructive environments.
How Will the Contract Support Space Warfighter Readiness?
The NITE-STAR effort aligns with System Delta 81’s mission to build an integrated test and training infrastructure that enables the validation of tactics and capabilities in operationally realistic conditions.
By combining physical systems with digital simulation environments, the program is intended to help operators assess performance, refine strategies and prepare for advanced threats.
What Are the Key Requirements for Contractors?
The statement of work outlines several baseline requirements for participating contractors, including:
- End-to-end program management across cost, schedule and performance
- Adoption of DevSecOps and modular open systems approaches
- Ability to operate in classified environments, including access to top secret/sensitive compartmented information facilities
- Compliance with cybersecurity standards such as National Institute of Standards and Technology frameworks and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2
- Collaboration with government and non-government partners, including federally funded research and development centers, such as The Aerospace Corp. and MITRE, and university-affiliated research centers.
