Space Development Agency (SDA), which is part of the US Space Force, continues procurement of satellites for missile threat monitoring system despite internal problems and high level of scrutiny after removal of former director.
Satellite purchases and contract correction:
- SDA purchases 54 satellites for new TRANCHE segment 3 Tracking Layer, which will form the basis of the global Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture network (Pwsa).
- Separately, the agency conducts a repeat tender for 10 satellites, after an internal US Air Force investigation found irregularities in the initial contract procedure.
- Despite increased costs and delays, satellites remain mission critical, therefore, their procurement will be continued.
Procurement scandal and investigation:
- In September 2024 Viasat filed a protest against the contract for 424 millions of dollars to York Space Systems and Terran Orbital for production 20 Tranche satellites 2 Transport Layer (T2TL) Gamma.
- A US Air Force investigation found, that the SDA violated the Fair Procurement Act.
- Former SDA director Derek Turner was removed after that, as was discovered, that he facilitated the cooperation of Terran Orbital with another company to strengthen the bid.
- The Terran Orbital contract was cancelled, and 10 satellites, which she had to build, will be purchased again under the supervision of independent officials.
Tranche 3 Tracking Layer and strategy “Iron Dome for America”:
- Tranche 3 The Tracking Layer will consist of more than 100 satellites, placed in six orbital planes.
- The network will provide continuous monitoring of missile threats with a focus on polar regions and mid-latitudes.
- The system is a key element of the strategy “Iron Dome for America”, which provides global space defense against missile attacks.
Pentagon review of SDA:
- The Office of the Secretary of Defense launched an independent review of SDA operations amid growing concerns about procurement processes.
- The analysis will include:
- Organizational effectiveness and ability of SDA to implement space defense projects.
- Evaluation of use “Other Transaction Authority” (OTA) - a simplified procurement method, which limits the legal possibilities of contesting contracts.
WITH 2021 year, most SDA contracts were concluded through OTA agreements, which speed up the process, but have a lower level of legal protection for competitors.