NOAA Selects Parsons as System Integrator for Traffic Coordination System for Space
Parsons (PSN) awarded a $15.5 million contract by NOAA for system integration and cloud management services for the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS). The contract aims to enhance space situational awareness and space traffic coordination for global spaceflight safety.
The recent contract awarded to Parsons Corporation for the development of NOAA's Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS) represents a significant investment in space situational awareness and traffic coordination, areas of increasing importance given the growing congestion in Earth's orbit. From an industry perspective, this contract could potentially open doors for Parsons to further entrench itself in the rapidly expanding space sector. The emphasis on leveraging commercial innovation and agile development methodologies indicates a shift towards modern, flexible systems capable of adapting to the evolving demands of space traffic management.
Furthermore, the contract's structure, with an extension option, suggests a performance-based approach, incentivizing Parsons to deliver results that could lead to further governmental trust and contracts. The integration of third-party software components also hints at a collaborative industry approach, which could stimulate innovation and partnerships within the aerospace sector. The potential benefits for Parsons include not just immediate financial gains but also long-term strategic positioning in a niche but increasingly critical market segment.
The contract's focus on cloud management services for TraCSS underscores the critical role of cloud technology in supporting complex data systems like SSA and STC. Cloud computing's scalability and flexibility are essential for handling the massive amounts of data involved in tracking thousands of satellites and pieces of debris. The partnership with AWS to establish secure cloud computing infrastructure highlights the trend of government agencies relying on commercial cloud solutions to meet stringent security and operational requirements.
For the cloud services market, this contract might serve as a case study showcasing the capabilities of cloud technology in handling high-stakes, mission-critical operations. As cloud providers continue to vie for government contracts, demonstrating success in areas such as cybersecurity protection and system administration could have a ripple effect, influencing future government cloud adoption strategies and possibly accelerating the public sector's migration to cloud-based solutions.
With the growing threat landscape in space and cyberspace, the integration of cybersecurity measures into TraCSS is not just a regulatory requirement but a strategic necessity. Parsons' responsibility for cybersecurity protection within the contract indicates a recognition of the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, especially in a sector as sensitive as space operations. The effective management of cybersecurity risks in this context is not only about protecting data but also about ensuring the functionality and safety of critical infrastructure.
Parsons' experience in the national security sector may provide them with a competitive edge in understanding the unique challenges associated with space domain awareness. This contract could serve as a precedent for how cybersecurity considerations are integrated into future space-related projects, which could influence industry standards and expectations. Moreover, the success of Parsons in this domain could pave the way for the company to become a leading cybersecurity provider for space systems, a niche market with substantial growth prospects.
03/18/2024 - 06:25 AM
Company to develop software backbone, integrate commercial components for NOAA’s spaceflight safety platform
CHANTILLY, Va., March 18, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announces the award of a $15.5 million one-year base value contract to Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) of Chantilly, Virginia, for system integration and cloud management services for the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS). NOAA’s Office of Space Commerce (OSC) is developing TraCSS as a modern, cloud-based IT system that will provide space situational awareness (SSA) and space traffic coordination (STC) services to private and civil space operators. Such services are essential for global spaceflight safety and the long-term sustainability of the space environment for commercial, civil, national security, and international uses.
As the system integrator, Parsons will develop the software backbone for the operational TraCSS platform, including the SSA data repository (TraCSS-OASIS) and the application layer (TraCSS-SKYLINE). The company will integrate containerized, third-party software components from commercial companies into TraCSS. Following an agile development approach, the company will build the basic infrastructure for the TraCSS system that will allow continuous improvement and evolution to react to changing TraCSS mission needs. The company’s role also encompasses management of cloud services, cybersecurity protection, and system administration for TraCSS operations.
“The Commerce Department continues to make major strides in the execution of our space situational awareness program,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. “This contract award demonstrates our commitment to leverage best-of-breed, commercial innovation to achieve our ambitious timelines and objectives for TraCSS.”
“NOAA has decades of experience fielding operational, public safety systems that issue hazard alerts to protect lives and property,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “We are applying that experience to the development of TraCSS.”
“We look forward to leveraging Parsons’ expertise across the national security sector and our operational experience in space domain awareness supporting flight safety of all active satellites on orbit to support the Office of Space Commerce as it takes over this crucial mission from the Department of Defense. By strengthening the collaboration between industry, the government, and other TraCSS mission partners, we will establish a world-class system that safeguards vital space assets in a challenging, contested, and competitive environment,” said Carey Smith, chair, president and chief executive officer for Parsons.
The contract has a one-year base value of $15,534,379 , with one option to extend for another year for a maximum potential value of $26,883,047.
The award to Parsons represents OSC’s second major acquisition for the infrastructure components of the operational TraCSS system. The first was a task order awarded to AWS in August 2023 to establish the secure cloud computing infrastructure to host TraCSS. In October 2023, OSC issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the third major TraCSS acquisition — the provision of a presentation layer that will provide the user interface to display and access SSA data and services. NOAA is currently conducting market research for the TraCSS presentation layer.
In advance of the operational TraCSS, OSC has also initiated several pathfinder projects, including the ongoing Consolidated Pathfinder, focusing on how commercial SSA capabilities can be tested and integrated by the government. OSC also entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with SpaceX to assess their software for automating collision avoidance in satellite constellations.
On March 5, 2024, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves issued an Authority to Proceed memorandum for Phase 1 of the TraCSS program. OSC plans to achieve Phase 1.0 of TraCSS initial operations by the end of Fiscal Year 2024.
For additional information about TraCSS, visit www.space.commerce.gov/tracss
NOAA’s Office of Space Commerce is the principal unit for the coordination of commercial space-related issues, programs and initiatives within the Department of Commerce. Its mission is to foster the conditions for the economic growth and technological advancement of the U.S. commercial space industry. Per Space Policy Directive-3, OSC is taking over responsibility from the Department of Defense for the provision of basic SSA data and STC services to commercial and civil space operators.
About Parsons: Parsons (NYSE: PSN) is a leading disruptive technology provider in the national security and global infrastructure markets, with capabilities across cyber and intelligence, space and missile defense, transportation, environmental remediation, urban development, and critical infrastructure protection. Please visit parsons.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to learn how we're making an impact.
Media Contact:Angie.Benfield@parsons.com
Investor Relations Contact:Dave.Spille@Parsons.com
NOAA Media Contact: scott.smullen@noaa.gov
What contract was awarded to Parsons by NOAA?
Parsons was awarded a $15.5 million one-year base value contract by NOAA for system integration and cloud management services for the Traffic Coordination System for Space (TraCSS).
What services will Parsons provide for TraCSS?
Parsons will develop the software backbone for the operational TraCSS platform, integrate containerized, third-party software components from commercial companies, and manage cloud services, cybersecurity protection, and system administration for TraCSS operations.
What is the maximum potential value of the contract awarded to Parsons ?
The contract awarded to Parsons has a one-year base value of $15,534,379, with one option to extend for another year for a maximum potential value of $26,883,047.
What are some of the pathfinder projects initiated by OSC in relation to TraCSS?
OSC has initiated pathfinder projects such as the Consolidated Pathfinder and entered into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with SpaceX to assess their software for automating collision avoidance in satellite constellations.
When does OSC plan to achieve Phase 1.0 of TraCSS initial operations?
OSC plans to achieve Phase 1.0 of TraCSS initial operations by the end of Fiscal Year 2024.
