How to bid on Project 505 Optical Ground Station for SDA from the Dept of the Air Force

What the Air Force is buying and why it matters

The Department of the Air Force is seeking information from industry regarding the development, technical maturation, lifecycle support, and sustainment of an Optical Ground Station (OGS) for Space Domain Awareness (SDA). This initiative, known as Project 505, aims to enhance the nation's ability to monitor and understand activities in space.

Vendors with expertise in semiconductor and related device manufacturing capabilities, as well as those who can contribute to the technical advancement and ongoing support of such a ground station, should consider responding to this Request for Information (RFI).

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 13, 2026. The deadline for submitting your input is August 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET. At this time, the agency will stop accepting responses.

It is important to submit your information before the deadline. This RFI is for information gathering purposes only and is not a request for proposals or bids.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for firms specializing in technology, particularly those involved in semiconductor and related device manufacturing. Companies with capabilities in optical systems, ground station development, space domain awareness technologies, and lifecycle support for complex technical systems will find this RFI relevant.

The agency is interested in understanding current industry capabilities and approaches to developing and sustaining advanced optical ground stations.

How to respond to this RFI

To access the full details of this opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

When responding to an RFI, focus on providing clear, concise, and relevant information about your company's capabilities. Highlight your experience with similar projects or technologies, especially those related to optical systems, ground stations, or space domain awareness.

Clearly articulate how your firm's expertise in semiconductor and related device manufacturing can contribute to the technical maturation, lifecycle support, and sustainment of the Project 505 Optical Ground Station. Ensure your response directly addresses the agency's stated interests and provides actionable insights.