U.S. Space Force Commences Network Modernization Efforts
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Space Force is embarking on a significant initiative aimed at modernizing the foundational computer networks vital to its operations.
This initiative involves new contracts awarded under a substantial $12.5 billion Air Force-led framework, specifically tailored to revamp outdated military infrastructure.
In a release dated December 31, defense contractor CACI International announced the acquisition of a five-year task order potentially worth up to $212 million.
This task order focuses on enhancing network infrastructure across U.S. Space Force installations and falls under the Base Infrastructure Modernization (BIM) contract.
The Department of the Air Force stated that this initiative will ensure resilient, high-capacity connectivity at all 14 U.S. Space Force bases.
“This modernization endeavor will refine both classified and unclassified network infrastructures,” the Air Force affirmed, incorporating advanced zero-trust security protocols and facilitating cloud-based applications.
The Space Force manages multiple bases throughout the United States, including notable locations such as Patrick Space Force Base in Florida, Buckley Space Force Base in Colorado, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station in Colorado, and Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Additionally, the service operates an overseas facility, Pituffik Space Base in Greenland.
The BIM program represents a 10-year indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract framework. Through this model, the government assembles a cohort of prequalified vendors, awarding work via task orders instead of a single, predetermined contract.
This strategy is designed to provide the military with the agility to compete work as operational requirements evolve.
CACI is among 22 vendors selected in 2024 by the Department of the Air Force for the extensive $12.5 billion BIM IDIQ, which emphasizes the enhancement of network infrastructure across Air Force and Space Force installations globally.
This program is targeting what officials denote as the digital backbone of military bases—networks that facilitate data transfer, support command-and-control systems, and interconnect mission-critical applications.
Many of these systems, constructed years ago, are ill-equipped to manage today’s cybersecurity threats, data volumes, or cloud-dependent operations.
In contrast to traditional government procurement processes that depend on periodic refresh cycles, the BIM program implements an “enterprise IT as a service” model. In this approach, contractors are tasked not only with the installation of new infrastructure but also with its ongoing maintenance and updates.
This initiative is particularly timely, as the Pentagon confronts increasing demands to modernize legacy networks capable of operating in contested environments, where cyber attacks and electronic disruptions are anticipated at the onset of conflicts.
For the Space Force, which oversees data-intensive satellite constellations and ground systems, network performance is crucially linked to operational readiness.
So far, the Air Force has issued BIM task orders to General Dynamics Information Technology and CACI, covering installations for both the Air Force and Space Force.
Source link: Spacenews.com.
