WASHINGTON, — The U.S. Space Force plans to award Boeing a sole-source contract worth up to $945.9 million to sustain and modernize military satellite communications systems. The decision follows Boeing’s exclusive ownership of the proprietary technical data and software required to maintain the satellites and their ground control systems.
The Space Systems Command (SSC) published a presolicitation notice on SAM.gov on October 27, 2026, for the Wideband and Narrowband Global SATCOM Sustainment (WNGSS) programme.
The planned indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract includes a five-year base ordering period valued at approximately $480.6 million and a 10-year extension option worth about $465.3 million. The total potential value is $945.9 million if the option is exercised.
Boeing's Proprietary Data Rights Prevent Competition
Boeing is the original equipment manufacturer for the Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) and Ultra High Frequency Follow-On (UFO) satellite constellations and critical components of their ground control systems.
According to the procurement notice, Boeing owns proprietary technical data, software and specialised infrastructure, including design documentation for its 702HP and 702MP satellite platforms, flight software source code, high-fidelity satellite simulators and ground control software.
The Space Force does not have sufficient data license rights to allow another contractor to perform the work. Boeing has repeatedly declined government requests to sell those rights.
Space Systems Command concluded that using another contractor would cause substantial duplication of costs, unacceptable delays and additional risks to operational satellites. Market research identified Boeing as the only company capable of meeting the full requirement without a break in service.
Satellite Sustainment and Modernization Work
The contract will cover life-cycle engineering, sustainment, cybersecurity, modernization and operational support for the WGS and UFO satellite networks.
Boeing will provide 24/7 monitoring, real-time anomaly analysis, fault isolation and recovery, factory engineering support, telemetry trending, orbital analysis, maneuver planning, collision avoidance and end-of-life disposal planning.
The work also includes software maintenance for satellite flight systems, simulators, operational databases and the Global SATCOM Configuration and Control Element ground system.
Boeing will support the integration of new space vehicles and hosted payloads, including WGS-11, WGS-12 and the Protected Tactical SATCOM Prototype payload.
WGS Satellites Support U.S. and Allied Forces
The WGS constellation provides wideband satellite communications for U.S. military forces, allied militaries and NATO. Ten WGS satellites were launched between 2007 and 2019.
Boeing is currently building WGS-11 under a previous contract, while WGS-12 is projected for launch no earlier than 2028.
The Space Force assumed responsibility for WGS and related satellite communications systems from the U.S. Army in 2022. Earlier this fiscal year, it also took control of the Wideband Satellite Communications Operational Management System to centralize satellite planning and payload control.
The planned contract is being pursued under statutory authority permitting sole-source awards when only one responsible contractor can meet the government's requirements. Responses to the procurement notice are due by November 17, 2026.
The $945.9 million figure represents the maximum contract ceiling over its potential 15-year period, rather than a fixed upfront payment.
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