Space Alliance To Adopt Unified Industry Access Point, Mimicking Space Force Strategy
The Space Force has established a centralized commercial partner engagement office, known as the Front Door program, within Space Systems Command. This initiative serves as a single point of contact for private sector vendors seeking to collaborate with the government, providing authoritative information about vendors and analyzing supply chains for potential threats and vulnerabilities [1][3].
The Front Door program operates with a focus on fostering two-way transparency between the Space Force and industry partners, enabling collaboration opportunities and more secure acquisition processes. It collects and maintains data on vendors to identify vulnerabilities and threat vectors within the supply chain that could compromise national security or mission assurance [1][4].
One of the key aspects of the Front Door program is its supply chain analysis, which reveals instances where multiple vendors rely on the same supplier, potentially creating dependencies. This program is part of a larger effort to understand and strengthen the supply chain, involving the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of the Air Force [1].
In line with broader efforts to secure critical technology and infrastructure, the Front Door's threat-based, comprehensive approach is designed to address diverse supply chain risks [1][4]. The Space Force is also ramping up visibility into vendors' supply chains on the satellite side, considering it less so than on launch but essential for resilience.
NATO is actively following the Space Force's lead by developing its own Front Door system as part of its Commercial Space Strategy. Officials from both organizations are in discussions to link their Front Door systems, allowing companies from NATO member nations to be included in the Space Force's database of suppliers. This linkage aims to enhance international cooperation and create a unified access point for allied commercial space vendors, streamlining opportunities and threat assessments across allied nations [1][3].
The Space Force is ready to assist NATO in building a similar system. The biggest challenge for the Front Door is convincing other elements of the Space Force and DOD to share information and make it the central repository of authoritative data about space vendors. The Front Door's supply chain analysis capabilities are limited and it seeks to grow them using commercial tools [1].
The process of collecting all information and getting everyone to contribute is likened to "pulling teeth." The Front Door can leverage resources from the intelligence community to vet potential suppliers. To further facilitate connections, the Front Door will hold conventional and reverse Industry Days for connecting with potential partners and sharing information about upcoming opportunities.
The Space Force Front Door Director, Victor Vigliotti, plans to visit NATO in the next month or so to further discuss collaboration efforts. The issue extends beyond supply chain security to market transparency and understanding what's available. The Front Door serves as a source of authoritative data about potential vendors, providing a more streamlined and secure approach for both the Space Force and NATO in engaging with the commercial sector.
References:
[1] Space Force Launches Centralized Front Door for Industry Partners, Nextgov, 2022. [2] Space Force's Front Door program aims to bring transparency to space acquisitions, SpaceNews, 2022. [3] Space Force's Front Door: A New Approach to Commercial Space Partnerships, Breaking Defense, 2022. [4] Space Force's Front Door Program: A Comprehensive Approach to Supply Chain Security, Defense One, 2022.
- The Space Force's Front Door program, operating within Space Systems Command, is a single point of contact for private sector vendors, engaging in collaboration with the government while ensuring security and transparency.
- The Front Door program analyzes supply chains, identifying vulnerabilities and threat vectors that could compromise national security or mission assurance, with a focus on space vendors and satellites.
- NATO is emulating the Space Force's Front Door system as part of its Commercial Space Strategy, aiming to create a unified access point for allied commercial space vendors and streamline opportunities across member nations.
- The Space Force is ready to aid NATO in constructing a similar system, however, the challenge lies in convincing other elements of the Space Force and DOD to share information and make the Front Door the central repository of authoritative data about space vendors.
