Space Hub Integrated End Cryptographic Unit Leading Edge Development (SHIELD) Notice of Contract Award

Space Systems Command, on behalf of the Program Executive Officer for Military Communications and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing at Los Angeles Air Force Base, CA, has awarded a new contract on a sole source basis for the Space Hub Integrated End Cryptographic Unit Leading Edge Development (SHIELD) program under the authority of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302?1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services will Satisfy Agency Requirements (10 USC 2304(c)(1)), to L3 Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (L3Harris), Cage Code 11447, located at 1 Federal Street, Camden, NJ 08103. This contract is to develop, test, and deliver to the government, End Cryptographic Units (ECUs) for the Protected Tactical Satellite Communication (SATCOM) family of systems.

The contract includes a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) line item for the development, test, and delivery of SHIELD ECUs, and two Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) options for support services. Market research conducted by the Government included the posting of a Sources Sought Request for Information (RFI) on 28 January 2025 and a comprehensive analysis of the responses received.

Analysis of the market research indicated that award of SHIELD to L3 Technologies, Inc. is justified in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 2304(d)(1)(B), as implemented by FAR 6.302-1(a)(2)(ii) because it is likely that award to any other source would result in substantial duplication of cost to the Government that is not expected to be recovered through competition and unacceptable delays in fulfilling the agency’s requirements.

A notice of intent to sole source to L3 Technologies, Inc. was posted to SAM.gov on 25 April 2025. This announcement provides for Notice of Contract Award and release of the redacted Justification and Approval (J&A) document.