The US Army Tactical Network Modernization Office released a commercial satellite communication service information request on Wednesday. The RFI issued by the Command, Control, and Communications Tactical Department of the Project Execution Office will enable the Army Tactical Network team to better understand existing industry best practices, commercialize technological advancements and innovative business models for managing satellites, and may replace the operational design of its logistics network (known as the Sustainment Warfare Network). Colonel Shane Taylor, the project manager of the Army Tactical Network (PM TN), said in a press release, "We hope our industry partners can provide us with innovative methods to meet our logistics transportation capability needs. This includes both the material solution for the final product and the corresponding leasing cost model, enabling the army to maximize its capabilities while balancing long-term sustainability

The press release states that commercially managed satellite communication will be an improvement on standard satellite communication capabilities, as the Army must currently purchase all hardware, software, maintenance and upkeep requirements, and other related capabilities through independent and separate contracts. As a satellite communication service, PEO C3T will acquire all capabilities through a single contract and pay for each leased Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) ground satellite terminal.

Colonel Natasha Colman, the person in charge of unified network capabilities and integrated products, said, "We hope to provide appropriate STN satellite communication capabilities at an appropriate price while keeping up with the latest technological developments and preventing obsolescence. Then, we will compare our respective services and offerings to better support them. Regardless of the outcome, taking the time to review all options in advance will enable us to provide the best solution for the military, "she added.

Paul Mehney, the communication director of PEOC3t, stated that the project office hopes that the industry can demonstrate their satellite communication capabilities as a service for engineers and operational evaluations. Meini said that the office will consider the ability of these companies to provide and maintain terminals, obtain host country agreements for bandwidth usage, provide help desks to solve network access issues, and provide technical support for users and VSAT systems.

Mehney also stated that efforts to modernize logistics networks are consistent with the goals of increasing capacity, resilience, and integration in Capability Set 23, which will deliver the next iteration of new network tools in fiscal year 2023.