NASA seeks to develop and demonstrate a commercially viable, end-to-end Ka-band relay service that is backward compatible with the legacy TDRSS system for a minimum of 15 years, aiming to reduce continuity risks in the 2029-2031 timeframe. This is a phased R&D acquisition with multiple initial Firm-Fixed-Price awards, leading to on-orbit flight demonstrations by June 2028. The agency anticipates a subsequent Phase 4 for service transition, with a one-year base period around October 2028 plus a one-year option. The draft solicitation industry day is anticipated to occur in Colorado Springs, CO. The effort is full and open competition, but access to ITAR-controlled solicitation data is restricted to contractors with valid export clearance.