This RFI seeks to obtain commercial UHF-capable MEO satellite bandwidth for a near-term experimental campaign to characterize spectrum and waveforms, demonstrate interoperability with existing GEO systems, and inform a pathway to augment or replace the GEO UHF constellation.

This RFI seeks commercially owned, UHF-capable MEO satellite bandwidth for a near-term experimental campaign to characterize spectrum and waveform operations, demonstrate interoperability with existing GEO systems, and inform a pathway to augment or replace the GEO UHF constellation. The government strongly desires innovative approaches for on-orbit service as soon as possible, with an Initial Launch Capability by 2030 considered potentially useful but not required. No specific budget amount is mentioned. The location for performance of services is not specified. The RFI was amended on July 23, 2026, to correct frequency bands and replace the original attachment with an updated version.

This RFI seeks access to commercially owned UHF-capable MEO satellite bandwidth for a near-term experimental campaign to characterize spectrum and waveform operations, demonstrate interoperability with existing GEO systems, and inform a pathway to augment or replace GEO UHF capabilities. The government strongly desires on-orbit service as soon as possible, with an Initial Launch Capability by 2030 considered potentially useful but earlier solutions preferred. No specific budget amounts are mentioned. The location for performance of services is not specified. The campaign focuses on using existing space vehicle and payload capabilities for an initial prototype step toward providing UHF services from MEO.