Space Systems Command (SSC): The Front Door Is Open for Business

The Space Systems Command (SSC) Front Door is now the go-to portal for businesses looking to work with the US Space Force. As the Space Force budget is requested as high as $39 billion, including all FY26 requests and reconciliation funding, IT companies have a bigger role to play than ever. Through the SSC Front Door initiative, vendors and partners can easily submit their solutions, connect their capabilities to mission needs, and get timely feedback, ensuring the increased funding is put to good use in an easy- to-use online portal.

Key Features and Evolution of Front Door:

  • Centralized Access: One portal for all industry inquiries, reducing the complexity of navigating multiple offices and requirements
  • Tech Mapping: Automated matching of commercial solutions to real mission needs
  • Feedback Loop: Companies receive timely updates on their submissions and inquiries

Launched in 2023, the SSC Front Door initially relied on staff liaisons to guide vendors. By 2024, it became fully automated, allowing online solution submissions and direct access to mission needs. In September 2025, it was rebranded to reflect its expanded role as the entry point for all Space Force acquisition and research organizations.

Strategic Importance

The initiative aims to foster partnerships, leverage commercial innovation (especially in areas like space domain awareness, resilient communications, cybersecurity and AI), and provide clarity for businesses engaging with the Space Force.

Other DoD Initiatives

Unlike the DoD efforts, such as the DIU Digital OnRamp Initiative, which aims to make it easier for private companies to connect with opportunities across defense domains, the SSC Front Door is built specifically for the Space Force. It works like an “intelligent concierge” helping companies find the right contacts and opportunities that fit their capabilities and interests.

Future Enhancements

SSC is planning to ramp up its tech scouting and work more closely with innovation hubs like SpaceWERX and AFWERX (the dedicated innovation arms of the U.S. Space Force and the Department of the Air Force). These efforts aim to make the Space Force more agile and responsive to emerging threats.

Implications for IT Companies

Success favors the prepared. When pursuing opportunities with the Space Force:

  • Use the portal to submit solutions, connect with relevant offices and participate in industry events. Participation in Industry Days and Reverse Industry Days can help build relationships and showcase capabilities.
  • The portal features a Mission Area where Space Force agencies post their missions and allow users to submit their ideas and solutions. This is a good way to get early insights into what the Space Force needs, especially in areas like cybersecurity, AI/ML, cloud and data analytics.
  • Companies that offer flexible solutions, like secure communications, autonomous systems, are well positioned to take advantage of new opportunities with the Space Force.
  • Be ready for protocols and compliance needs around zero trust architecture, software bills of materials (SBOMs), continuous monitoring and audit logs when you’re developing software solutions for the Space Force.
  • Front Door helps close the “Valley of Death” gap by linking promising technologies with the right partners and funding to move them forward.
  • Front Door also makes it easier for companies to work with the Space Force by supporting flexible procurement options like Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs) and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), so you don’t have to address the traditional FAR-based contracting barriers.
  • Companies looking to work with the Space Force need to comply with strict cybersecurity requirements like CMMC 2.0, especially when it comes to guarding against foreign influence and making sure their data stays secure and trustworthy.

The SSC Front Door marks a major change in how the Space Force works with industry, making it much simpler for innovators to contribute to national security space missions. If you’re offering solutions that could help protect and advance U.S. interests in space, this is the perfect time to knock.

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About the Author:
Toan Le is a Senior Market Insights Analyst on the DLT Market Insights team covering DOD and IC domain-centric trends across the Public Sector.