SpEC GPS Gen4 Ground Prototype (Project 26-18)

Executive Summary

Space Systems Command is preparing a SpEC prototype project to design and prototype components, software and hardware for a resilient, MOSA-based GPS ground command and control segment for future GPS satellites. Additional program documents were released October 5, 2026. No submission deadline is set yet. NSTXL membership is required.

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The Government has already held a Project TALX and a teaming event and released CUI program documents. Teams that request the documents and settle their role now will have the most time to prepare.

Solicitation at a Glance

• Agency: U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC)
• Opportunity: GPS Gen4 Ground
• Project Number: SpEC Project 26-18
• Consortium: Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC), managed by NSTXL
• Funding: not yet published
• Technology Maturity: Prototype components, functions, software and hardware
• Due Date: Not yet released. Additional program documents posted October 5, 2026; Project TALX held September 22, 2026.

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What Is GPS Gen4 Ground?

GPS Gen4 Ground is a coming soon prototype project through the Space Enterprise Consortium. It covers designing, developing and prototyping critical components, functions, software and hardware for a new GPS ground command and control segment.

What Problem Is Space Systems Command Trying to Solve?

Space Systems Command needs a resilient ground command and control segment to launch and operate future Government GPS satellites, built on a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) so parts can be upgraded and replaced over time.

Priority Capability Areas: What Space Systems Command Is Looking For

• Command and control software: software for a resilient GPS ground command and control segment
• Hardware: prototype ground segment hardware
• Critical functions: components and functions needed to launch and operate future GPS satellites
• Open architecture: solutions built on a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA)

Funding and Award Terms

• Instrument: prototype project through SpEC; terms will be set in the solicitation
• Amounts: not yet published
• Documents: additional program documents are notional and subject to change

Eligibility Requirements and Participation

• NSTXL membership: All respondents must have an active NSTXL membership to submit a solution to any SpEC opportunity. NSTXL asks applicants to allow one business day for a new application (membership@nstxl.org).
• CUI documents: the additional program documents are CUI and must be requested through the CUI Documents Request Form; allow 24 to 48 hours

How to Apply

• Confirm NSTXL membership: apply or check status through membership@nstxl.org
• Request the coming soon notice: use the key document request form on the GPS Gen4 Ground page
• Request the CUI program documents: use the CUI Documents Request Form and allow 24 to 48 hours
• Decide prime or partner: ground segment work at this scale often suits teaming
• Watch for the solicitation: the submission format and deadline will come with the release

What Happens After You Submit?

• Release: SSC will release the prototype project solicitation through SpEC
• Award: selected performers receive prototype awards under SpEC
• Operations: the segment supports the launch and operation of future GPS satellites

Is This Opportunity a Good Fit for Your Company?

It fits space ground systems and mission software companies, satellite command and control and cybersecurity teams, and MOSA and open architecture specialists. Smaller firms may fit best as subcontractors on a larger team.

How BW&CO Can Help

BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For SpEC prototype projects like GPS Gen4 Ground, we help you:

• Check the fit: match your software or hardware to the ground segment scope
• Get set up on NSTXL: membership and CUI document requests done early
• Decide prime or partner: find the right team position
• Write the solution: a clear MOSA-based technical approach and prototype plan
• Prepare for release: be ready to respond quickly when SSC posts the solicitation

Plan Your GPS Gen4 Ground Submission

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GPS Gen4 Ground open now?

Not yet. The coming soon notice was posted September 4, 2026, and additional program documents were posted October 5, 2026.

Who is the customer?

U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC).

What is it for?

A resilient GPS ground command and control segment to support the launch and operation of future Government GPS satellites.

What is MOSA?

The Modular Open Systems Approach, an open architecture that lets components be upgraded or replaced over time.

How much funding is available?

The public notice does not list funding amounts.

Do I need to be an NSTXL member?

Yes. All respondents must have an active NSTXL membership to submit a solution to any SpEC opportunity.

How do I get the program documents?

They are CUI. Request them through the CUI Documents Request Form on the NSTXL page and allow 24 to 48 hours.

Were there any industry events?

Yes. A Project TALX on September 22, 2026 and an Innovator NETWORX teaming event on September 23, 2026.

Can BW&CO help with a GPS Gen4 Ground submission?

Yes. We help teams confirm fit, decide prime or partner, and prepare a strong submission. Book a call with our team.

Source: GPS Gen4 Ground, Project 26-18, on NSTXL