Question and Answers - AMXS Wireless Headsets.pdf
PDF 99 KB Posted
- Attached to
- McConnell AFB - FY26 - WIRELESS HEADSET KIT
- Solicitation number
- F2Z2956197AW04
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers document for federal contract opportunity FA462126Q0057, pertaining to the FY26 procurement of wireless headset kits for the 22nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS).
The Government seeks contained wireless headset systems with integrated rechargeable batteries and AES-256 encryption to replace outdated equipment and reduce Foreign Object Damage (FOD) hazards during aircraft maintenance operations. The headsets must support full-duplex communication, maintain clear communications at a minimum of 50 meters with RF penetration through aircraft structures and aerospace ground equipment, and function while personnel wear various Personal Protective Equipment including aprons, face masks, coveralls, and gloves. The system must accommodate maintenance work at elevated locations such as atop aircraft and in man lift baskets, where clip-on or body-worn transceiver configurations would create unacceptable drop hazards. Bluetooth capabilities, if present in the hardware, may be administratively disabled through firmware per AMC Personal Electronic Device policy and 21-101 AMC SUP requirements. Vendors may provide OEM technical compliance statements and manufacturer specifications to demonstrate RF penetration compliance; however, equipment failing to meet operational needs will be deemed technically unacceptable. The governing requirements document is the Statement of Need dated 25 August 2026, which supersedes the 30 July 2026 version, and Technical Standard Order (TSO) compliance is not required as this procurement is strictly for ground maintenance personnel.
View the file
Other files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| SoN - Secure Wireless Headset System - 25 Aug 2026.pdf | ||
| Solicitation - FA462126Q0057 Signed.pdf |
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Q&A – FY26 – 22 AMXS Wireless Headset Kit
FA462126Q0057
Q1. Are you currently using radios that these headsets would need to be paired to? If so, what make and model?
Answer: No. These kits would replace equipment that does not currently have encryption requirements. Our current headsets operate on an outdated encryption that the 22nd Communications Squadron deems unacceptable per Air Force standard.
Q2. Wireless transceiver / battery configuration The 25 August 2026 Statement of Need requires rechargeable wireless headsets with integrated rechargeable batteries. Would the Government consider technically acceptable a configuration consisting of an over-the-head, dual-ear circumoral headset connected by cable to a rechargeable body-worn wireless transceiver, provided that the complete user assembly meets all AES-256 encryption, full-duplex communication, range, environmental, and operational requirements?
Answer: No. The need is for a contained wireless headset system to dramatically reduce the FOD hazards and maintain a true hands-free capability.
We need members to be able to wear the headset while wearing different types of PPE such as aprons, face masks, coveralls, gloves, etc.
When working on top of the plane, wearing additional clip-on equipment introduces drop hazards that could hurt people, damage the plane, and damage the communication equipment. Exiting and entering the man lift basket would be a high possibility of this to occur. Manipulating support equipment during the Aerial Refueling Receptacle maintenance would also cause issues with additional equipment attached to a technician.
Q3. Bluetooth requirement If the proposed wireless transceiver contains Bluetooth-capable hardware, would the Government consider the system compliant if Bluetooth is disabled through firmware/configuration in the delivered system and is not available to the operator during normal use?
Answer: Bluetooth being administratively disabled is acceptable according to AMCs Personal Electronic Device policy & the 21-101 AMC SUP:
AMC PED Policy:
“All PEDs must have any cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth capabilities disabled regardless of location on the aircraft unless specifically authorized by the aircraft ATO or by a Cybersecurity Impact Evaluation Recommendation (CIER).”
21-101 AMC SUP:
“1.7.3.12. (Added-AMC) All eTools utilized in aircraft classified processing areas (CPAs) and classified storage areas (CSAs) must have wireless capability (e.g. Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, etc.), camera, microphone, and recording capabilities administratively disabled. (T-2) The eTool must also be marked to be readily identified as disabled. (T-2)”
Q4. RF penetration requirement For the requirement to maintain clear communications at a minimum of 50 meters with RF penetration through aircraft structures, maintenance vehicles, and aerospace ground equipment, what documentation will the Government accept to demonstrate compliance?
For example, would an OEM technical compliance statement and manufacturer specifications be sufficient, or is specific test data required?
Answer: A statement saying that it works to meet our needs would suffice, but if it does not meet our needs, the item may be deemed technically unacceptable. It is vital that the equipment is able to communicate all around the aircraft, from the flight deck all the way to the end of the Center Line Drogue in its full trailed configuration (80’ aft of the tail).
Q5. Applicable Statement of Need / TSO requirement Please confirm that the Statement of Need dated 25 August 2026 supersedes the earlier Statement of Need dated 30 July 2026, and that Technical Standard Order (TSO) compliance is no longer a requirement under FA462126Q0057.
Answer:
Confirmed, the Statement of Need dated 25 August 2026 is the governing document and TSO is no longer a requirement as this is strictly for ground maintenance personnel.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .