US Military Set to Award Key Satellite Communication Contracts
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States military is poised to award several significant contracts for commercial satellite communications this fall, indicating an increasing reliance on private sector capabilities for battlefield connectivity and global coverage. Among the pivotal agreements are a $500 million contract to support U.S. Marine Corps communications and a new procurement initiative for maneuverable geostationary small satellites. These contracts underscore the Department of Defense’s (DoD) growing integration of commercial satellite services to enhance its operational capabilities.
Marines’ MECS2 Contract Nears Award
The Space Force’s Commercial Satellite Communications Office (CSCO) recently released the final solicitation for bids for the Marine Enterprise Commercial Satellite Services (MECS2) contract. This seven-year agreement aims to provide worldwide satellite coverage for the U.S. Marine Corps. Proposals were due by April 30, and the contract award is anticipated in September. Currently held by Viasat, the contract is being re-competed as the Marines seek to incorporate emerging multi-orbit and multi-band services, taking advantage of advancements in satellite technology. The MECS2 procurement is a crucial element in modernizing military communication infrastructure.
Under MECS2, the Marine Corps intends to acquire transponded bandwidth capacity and comprehensive managed services across various satellite frequency bands, alongside cellular connectivity. This procurement will strengthen its global communications network. The MECS2 contract exemplifies the growing trend toward hybrid networks, blending services from satellites in diverse orbits to optimize performance and resilience.

LIGE Mens Smart Watch with Wireless Calls, Wireless, Monitor, Step Counter, Stopwatch, Multi-Sport Mode, ...
🎉 Exclusive deal [$22.39]

Mens Sporty Hooded Sweatshirt - Navy Blue with Copper Bow Accents, Regular Fit, Machine Washable ...
🎉 Exclusive deal [$0.77]

Mens Lightweight Breathable Basketball Running Gym Shoes - Stability Support, EVA Cushioned Sole, Vi...
🎉 Exclusive deal [$0.79]
‘Maneuverable GEO’ Initiative Gains Momentum
Another procurement garnering significant attention is the maneuverable geostationary Earth orbit (M-GEO) initiative, valued at an estimated $900 million. The Space Force’s CSCO is evaluating the acquisition of a combination of commercial satellite services and dedicated small geostationary satellites. These more compact and agile satellites offer enhanced maneuverability and focused coverage compared to traditional large GEO satellites. The M-GEO program is designed to address evolving military communication needs with flexible and responsive satellite solutions.
A Space Force request for information related to M-GEO stated that “Combined with the necessity to augment aging military satellite resources, the aptitude to deliver these types of smaller, rapid satellite constructions with maneuvering proficiencies capable of providing access to, particularly, scarce military frequency bands is critical for successfully supporting DoD operations and communication needs.” This highlights the strategic importance of the M-GEO initiative for maintaining robust and secure military communications.
The M-GEO contract is projected to be structured as an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) agreement. This structure will enable multiple vendors to compete for specific task orders. According to Colonel Richard Kniseley, the head of the Space Force’s Commercial Space Office, vendor selections are slated for the third quarter of 2025. The IDIQ framework is intended to foster competition and ensure access to a diverse range of innovative satellite solutions.
PLEO Program Expansion Underway
Concurrently, the military’s expanding Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (PLEO) Satellite-Based Services program is experiencing considerable growth. Initially launched in 2023 with a $900 million ceiling, PLEO’s funding has been increased to $13 billion due to surging demand for high-speed satellite internet. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) currently oversees the PLEO contract but is transferring responsibility to CSCO this summer. The significant funding increase reflects the critical role of low Earth orbit satellites in meeting modern military communication requirements.
The PLEO program also operates as an IDIQ contract, with approximately 20 vendors currently competing for task orders. Col. Kniseley indicated that the Space Force intends to initiate a new round of solicitations to bring in additional providers and allow current vendors to introduce new products or services. This expansion aims to broaden the vendor base and enhance the capabilities available under the PLEO program.
“We will actually be conducting a call to onboard new providers, as well as provide existing providers opportunities to revise their offerings,” Kniseley stated. “Significant activity in that area. And furthermore this year, I am very confident that we will also award maneuverable GEO as well.” These initiatives signal the Space Force’s commitment to leveraging commercial innovation to meet its evolving satellite communication needs.