The U.S. Navy has awarded a significant contract worth $244 million to Assurance Technology, a company based in Carlisle, Massachusetts. The agreement is for research into transmitting energy from ground-based systems to objects in space using radio frequencies.
This initiative, known as the Focused Radio Frequency Optimized Signal Transference (FROST) program, aims to advance the Navy's capabilities in space operations by developing new methods for energy transfer over vast distances.
Key Takeaways
- Contract Value: The U.S. Navy awarded Assurance Technology a contract valued at $244 million.
- Program Name: The research falls under the Focused Radio Frequency Optimized Signal Transference (FROST) program.
- Objective: To develop systems capable of transmitting energy from the ground to objects in space via the radio frequency spectrum.
- Award Type: The contract was designated as a small business set-aside, and Assurance Technology was the only company to bid.
Understanding the FROST Program
The core objective of the FROST program is to explore and develop systems for space-to-ground energy and data transmission. According to solicitation documents, the project involves sending energy across the radio frequency (RF) spectrum from Earth to an object in orbit.
Once the energy reaches the space-based object, it is processed. The resulting data is then collected by a network of antennas located at different points around the globe for detailed analysis. This process creates a feedback loop that allows researchers to study and refine the technology.
The ultimate goal of this research is to enhance the U.S. Navy's mission effectiveness and improve its overall space operations. The insights and technologies developed under FROST could have wide-ranging applications for future defense and communication systems.
What is Radio Frequency Energy Transfer?
Radio frequency (RF) energy transfer is a method of wirelessly transmitting power through electromagnetic waves, similar to how radios and Wi-Fi work. In this context, it involves directing a focused beam of RF energy toward a receiver in space, which can then convert that energy into usable power or use it to transmit data back to Earth.
Scope of the $244 Million Contract
The contract awarded to Assurance Technology covers a broad range of responsibilities essential to the FROST program's success. The company will provide extensive engineering, analytical, and technical services to support the development of the energy transmission systems.
A key part of the work involves a comprehensive evaluation of the Navy's current equipment related to space communications and operations. Assurance Technology is tasked with assessing existing hardware and software, identifying areas for improvement, and providing recommendations for upgrades or retirements.
Contract Value: The total value of the contract is $244 million, designated for research and development services over the contract period.
This modernization effort ensures that the new technologies developed under FROST can be integrated effectively with the Navy's existing infrastructure, while also phasing out obsolete systems.
Details of the Award Process
The Department of Defense announced the contract award, highlighting its structure as a small business set-aside. This designation is used by the federal government to reserve certain contracts exclusively for small businesses, promoting competition and providing opportunities for smaller enterprises in the defense sector.
In this particular procurement process, Assurance Technology was the sole bidder for the FROST contract. While single-bidder contracts can occur for various reasons, they often indicate a company's highly specialized expertise in a niche field.
The selection of Assurance Technology underscores its established relationship with the Navy and its specialized capabilities in the required technical domains.
Profile of Assurance Technology
Headquartered in Carlisle, Massachusetts, Assurance Technology has carved out a niche in developing advanced technological systems for government and commercial clients. The company's expertise spans several critical areas:
- Advanced Radio Frequency (RF) systems
- Optical technologies
- Signal processing
- Power systems
The company supports a diverse range of high-profile clients, including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and various branches of the Department of Defense (DOD).
According to data from USASpending, the U.S. Navy is Assurance Technology's largest customer, reflecting a long-standing partnership in developing and maintaining advanced defense systems.
This new $244 million contract further solidifies the company's position as a key partner for the Navy in advancing next-generation space technology. The research conducted under the FROST program is expected to contribute significantly to U.S. strategic capabilities in the space domain for years to come.