2025-0348 Provision of SATCOM Technical Support Services

Deadline Date:Friday 2 January 2026Requirement:Provision of SATCOM Technical Support ServicesLocation:Kester, BEFull Time On-Site:YesTime On-Site:100%Period of Performance:2026 Base: As soon as possible but not later than 2 February 2026 – 31 December 20262027 Option: 01 January 2027 – 31 December 20272028 Option: 01 January 2028 – 31 December 2028Required Security Clearance:NATO SECRET1 PROJECT SPECIFICS 1.1 Background The NCI Agency has been established with a view to meeting the collective requirements of some or all NATO nations in the fields of capability delivery and service provision related to Consultation, Command & Control as well as Communications, Information and Cyber Defence functions, thereby also facilitating the integration of Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Target Acquisition functions and their associated information exchangeThe NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCI Agency) is dedicated to acquiring, deploying, and defending communication systems for NATO’s political decision-makers and Commands. It operates on the frontlines against cyber-attacks, collaborating closely with governments and industry to prevent future debilitating attacks. The NCI Agency plays a crucial role in maintaining NATO’s technological edge and ensuring the collective defence and crisis management capabilities of the Alliance. In pursuit of our mission, we require specialized advisory services to enhance our interim workforce capacity.1.2 Introduction NIMSC SATCOM Business Unit provides NATO and its Partners with scalable, protected, secure, reliable, and integrated SATCOM Services with focus on NATO Operations, Crisis Response, Missions, Exercises and Business Continuity. NIMSC SATCOM has Life-Cycle responsibility for SATCOM Capabilities and Services. NIMSC SATCOM offers Capabilities and Services that are designed, integrated and tested to operate based on Satellite Communication Technologies, accessible from any location on the Globe. NIMSC SATCOM operates the NATO Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Ground Stations in Kester (BEL), Lughezzano (ITA), Atalanti (GRC), Izmir (TUR), Eggemoen (NOR), Costa Da Caparica (PRT) and supports NISRF Sigonella, Catania (Italy).1.2.1 Problem Statement Current State: Our satellite ground stations are experiencing technical challenges due to workforce gap that requires immediate and specialized support.Impact: These issues could cause significant disruptions to our satellite communications operations, impacting overall mission effectiveness.End State: By addressing these challenges, we aim to achieve stable and efficient satellite ground station operations with minimal downtime.1.3 Vision and Expected Outcomes The goal is increase SATCOM support services, by seeking support from SATCOM technicians in order to ensure continuous and effective support for our satellite ground stations. The desired outcomes include1. - Enhanced reliability and performance of satellite communication systems2. - Timely resolution of technical issues to minimize operational disruptions.3. - Improved overall efficiency and effectiveness of ground station operations.2 DESCRIPTION OF DELIVERABLES (KEY RESPONSIBILITIES.) We are seeking support for our Satellite Communication Support team. The Service Provider will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of satellite communication systems. The service provider shall offer support services including the following activities: with excellent technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to providing top-level customer service2.1 Installation and Setup: The complete Installation and the configure configuration of all elements of a satellite communication system.Baseband elements: SATCOM modems, routers, switches, media converters, matrix switches, line amplifiers and other active and passive elements.Low and high power RF elements: UP/Down Converters, Intermediate and high power amplifiers, LNA's, RF over Fiber converters and other active and passive RF elements.Antenna elements: Motor DC/AC, power/servo drives, gearbox, Antenna control system elements, Dehydrator.Monitor and Control system: workstations, servers, gateways, Digital signal processors, network elements and analogue/digital interface elements.Software: Windows, Linux, Network IOS, proprietary system monitor and control application software, software system configurations.2.2 The Updates/changes of hardware and software configuration: On all satellite station elements as required or ordered / requested.Satellite link setup network, baseband and RF configuration.Software / configuration update and patches on all systems as required.2.3 The installation of Power/data cable and fibre optic cable, maintaining, labelling and updating as-built documents. 2.4 To support the local Power technician in install and setup: Power generation and distribution systems.Heating and cooling systems.Ancillary systems. (Fuel, water supply domestic and fire protection.)2.4.1 Maintenance and Repair: Conduct regular maintenance inspections of all active/passive SATCOM, Power, HVAC, security and ancillary elements/systems following the guidelines and instructions of the specific system preventive maintenance procedure to ensure the systems are functioning correctly.Frequency: Daily, weekly, monthly, 3 monthly, 6 monthly and yearly inspections.2.4.2 Conduct regular preventive maintenance tasks: Cleaning of all active and passive elements/systems SATCOM, Power, HVAC, security, ancillary and system room/locations following the guidelines and instructions of the specific system preventive maintenance procedure.Greasing of mechanical parts following the guidelines and instructions of the specific system preventive maintenance procedure.Measure and adjust where required of active/passive electronic elements/systems following the guidelines and instructions in the specific system preventive maintenance procedure.Assist power technician in preventive maintenance tasks as required.Frequency: Daily, weekly, monthly, 3 monthly, 6 monthly and yearly preventive maintenance tasks.2.4.3 Diagnose and repair any issues with SATCOM, Power, HVAC, security and ancillary system following the guidelines and instructions of the specific system corrective maintenance procedure. 2.4.4 Replace faulty components and update software of SATCOM, Power, HVAC, security, ancillary system following the guidelines and instructions of the specific system corrective maintenance procedure. 2.5 Service Delivery Support 2.5.1 Stakeholder Management: Communicate with team members and customers to understand their needs and provide updates and solutions.2.5.2 Service Support: Provide technical support and troubleshooting assistance for local and remote users/customers.2.5.3 Configuration management: Maintain accurate records of services provided and customer interactions in TT-Comms, ITSM and Logbook.Support Model: The service needs to be delivered under the lead by the site Station Commander and integrated with the current on-site support team on a 24/7 basis.2.6 Others 2.6.1 The contractor will participate in the daily reporting and planning activities (daily stand‑ups) as well as the required participation in workshops, events and conferences related to the supported services, as requested by the service delivery manager.3 SERVICE KPIs AND DELIVERABLES Objective KPI01: Maintain accurate records of services providedStandard: 100% accuracy in recordsPerformance Threshold: 98% accuracy in recordsPenalty (if under performance threshold): 1%Method of Report: Regular audits, record reviewsObjective KPI02: Conduct regular maintenance inspectionsStandard: 100% of inspections completed as per schedulePerformance Threshold: 95% of inspections completed on timePenalty (if under performance threshold): 1%Method of Report: Maintenance logs, inspection reportsObjective KPI03: Perform preventive maintenance tasksStandard: 100% of tasks completed as per schedulePerformance Threshold: 98% of tasks completed without issuesPenalty (if under performance threshold): 1%Method of Report: Maintenance logs, task checklistsObjective KPI04: Diagnose and repair issues promptlyStandard: 100% of issues diagnosed and repaired within 48 working hoursPerformance Threshold: 95% of issues resolved within 48 working hoursPenalty (if under performance threshold): 1%Method of Report: Incident reports, repair logsObjective KPI05: Install and configure all elements of a satellite communication systemStandard: 100% of elements installed and configured correctlyPerformance Threshold: 95% of elements installed and configured correctly on the first attemptPenalty (if under performance threshold): 1%Method of Report: Regular audits and inspections, checklists, and system testsObjective KPI06: Perform hardware and software configuration updates/changesStandard: 100% of updates/changes completed as requiredPerformance Threshold: 98% of updates/changes completed without errorsPenalty (if under performance threshold): 1%Method of Report: Change management logs, system performance monitoringObjective KPI07: Install and maintain power/data and fibre optic cablesStandard: 100% of cables installed and maintained as per standardsPerformance Threshold: 97% of cables installed and maintained without issuesPenalty (if under performance threshold): 1%Method of Report: Visual inspections, cable testing, and documentation reviews4