What acquisition strategy does the SDA prioritize for new vendors?

The SDA utilizes Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements and rapid prototyping cycles to accelerate the delivery of space capabilities, favoring vendors that can demonstrate hardware-in-the-loop maturity quickly.

What security clearances are essential for SDA contract work?

Most SDA programs involve classified mission data and sensitive space-based architectures, making a Top Secret facility clearance and cleared personnel essential for prime contractors.

Does the SDA favor small businesses for space technology?

The SDA actively seeks small businesses capable of providing specialized components for the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, particularly in areas like software-defined radio, cybersecurity, and modular satellite subsystems.

DEPT OF DEFENSE · Sub-Agency

SPACE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (SDA)

3 opportunities associated with SPACE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (SDA). Spanning 1 contracting office.

Parent: DEPT OF DEFENSE3 solicitations1 offices

Solicitations

Federal records indexed

Offices

Child contracting offices

Parent Agency

DEPT

DEPT OF DEFENSE

Top Office

SPACE DEVELOPMENT

3 opps

About

Mission and contracting profile of SPACE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (SDA).

The Space Development Agency (SDA) focuses on the rapid fielding of the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, a multi-layered satellite network designed for low-latency communication and missile warning. Vendors compete to provide advanced satellite buses, optical inter-satellite links, ground segment software, and launch integration services that support rapid, iterative deployment cycles.

Parent agency: DEPT OF DEFENSE.

The sub-agency operates through 1 contracting office. Each office manages its own acquisition pipeline and may issue independent solicitations.

Opportunity activity heatmap (2024-present)

Monthly posted opportunity volume from 2024 onward. Darker = more indexed records.

Count-based2024-2026

2024

2025

2026

This view uses monthly opportunity counts from the public dataset. Monthly obligation dollars are not available on these pages.

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SPACE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (SDA) contracting FAQ

Common questions about SPACE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (SDA), its offices, and how to monitor buying activity under the parent federal hierarchy.