UMTE Transmitter Project RFI (Revised 01 Oct 2026).docx

SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS (SSS)/ REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Unmanned Threat Emitter (UMTE) 01 October 2026

1. SYNOPSIS

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), WNRC Directorate, Hill Air Force Base (HAFB), Utah is conducting market research seeking vendor interest for Unmanned Threat Emitter (UMTE).

This is a Request For Information (RFI) only. This RFI is issued solely for market research purposes. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Air Force (AF) is not seeking proposals, nor will it accept unsolicited proposals at this time.

Respondents are advised that the United States Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor the Government’s point of entry (www.sam.gov) for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

2. PURPOSE

a. In direct alignment with validated operational requirements, the Government is conducting market research to identify potential industry sources capable of executing a Form, Fit, Function, and Interface (F3I) technical refresh of legacy transmitter assemblies and associated RF transmission path components within the Unmanned Threat Emitter (UMTE) enterprise to mitigate critical obsolescence and maintain long-term system operational availability.

b. The legacy UMTE enterprise is currently facing systemic sustainment hurdles that directly impact mission readiness. Systems are experiencing acute Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS). Legacy vacuum-tube transmitter sub-components (including discrete magnetrons and continuous-wave klystrons) have exceeded OEM end-of-life, making procurement and depot-level repairs increasingly untenable. Without a modern technical refresh, legacy transmitter assemblies face severe supply chain depletion and unsustainable lifecycle maintenance costs.

c. System Applicability: This technical refresh applies across the legacy UMTE enterprise, excluding TK-10 and TK-12 configurations.

d. Desired End-State: The objective of this RFI is to explore mature COTS or NDI technologies (such as solid-state power amplifier [SSPA] architectures or modular transmitter drawers) that can replace legacy, obsolete transmitter sub-components. The desired end-state is to mitigate DMSMS, restore organic depot-level repair viability, and enhance long-term equipment reliability while operating strictly within existing host shelter Size, Weight, Power, and Cooling (SWaP-C) constraints.

3. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The Government anticipates a period of performance comprising one (1) twelve-month base ordering period followed by four (4) one-year optional ordering periods, plus an optional six-month extension of services under FAR 52.217-8, for a total potential duration of five (5) years and six (6) months. Performance commencement is anticipated in first quarter Fiscal Year 2027 (target October 2026).

4. ANTICIPATED CONTRACT STRATEGY

a. Purpose & Authority, This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for market research, information, and planning purposes. Respondents are advised that the Department of War (DoW) is evaluating the use of an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 4022 (for Prototype Projects) or 10 U.S.C. § 4021 (for Research) to execute any subsequent project or program resulting from this market research.

b. Notice of Follow-on Production, In accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022(f), respondents are hereby notified that any prototype project successfully completed under a resulting OTA may transition to a follow-on production contract or transaction without the use of competitive procedures, provided the initial prototype project was competitively awarded and successfully completed.

c. Non-Traditional Defense Contractor (NDC) Focus, To leverage the unique flexibilities of the OTA framework, the Government encourages responses from Non-Traditional Defense Contractors (NDCs) (as defined in 10 U.S.C. § 3457), small businesses, or traditional defense contractors partnering with NDCs or offering a minimum one-third cost-share.

d. Disclaimer & Proprietary Data, This notice does not constitute a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Request for Prototype Proposals (RPP). The Government is under no obligation to award an agreement based on this RFI. Respondents must clearly mark any proprietary, restricted, or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in their responses to ensure appropriate handling.

5. SCOPE/REQUIREMENTS

Interested vendors are requested to provide a white paper or capability statement addressing the following areas, with the goal of meeting or exceeding the key performance parameters listed below:

· Operating Frequency: 6.5 GHz to 15.5 GHz

· Power Amplifier (PA) Power Out: 250 W and 53.98 dBm

· Effective Radiated Power (ERP): A threshold of 85 dBm, with an objective of >88 dBm.

· Pulse Width (PW): 0.3 to 100 µSec.

· Pulse Repetition Interval (PRI): Minimum of 2.0 µSec.

· Power: Compatible with the existing 20kW nominal output power source.

Host Platform Interface Baseline (For Reference Only):

· Legacy Antenna Gain: 36.2 dBi to 43.7 dBi (legacy host reflector baseline)

· Nominal Waveguide Run Loss: 1.15 dB

Please address the following in your response:

· Technical Approach: Describe the proposed system architecture (e.g., TWT, GaN, or other solid-state solution) to execute a common modular solid-state transmitter assembly refresh across legacy host configurations. Include details on frequency coverage, waveform compatibility, output power capabilities, and modulation schemes.

· SWaP-C Impact: Provide estimated Size, Weight, Power, and Cooling metrics for the proposed solution. Highlight expected SWaP-C reductions and confirm compatibility with the existing pedestal footprints.

· Interoperability & Open Architecture: Detail how the solution aligns with a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). Describe how the system will integrate with the existing pedestal/servo systems, RECU, baseband equipment, cryptographic devices, and legacy antenna infrastructures. A new, wide-band antenna and waveguide may be required.

· Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Identify the current TRL of the core technology and the proposed system. Provide an estimated timeline and roadmap to achieve TRL 8/9 for operational deployment

· Sustainment & Obsolescence Management: Explain the strategy for mitigating future DMSMS issues, supporting open-hardware initiatives, and maintaining the system over a 15-year lifecycle.

· Cost and Schedule Estimates (ROM): Provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for the proposed solution. This ROM should be for budgetary and planning purposes only. Please break down the estimate to the best of your abilities in the following categories:

· Unit Cost: ROM for the proposed transmitter system, assuming an initial purchase of 23-25 units.

· Non-Recurring Integration (NRI): Anticipated NRI costs strictly associated with mounting bracket design, cabling harnesses, interface adapters, and first-article validation testing.

· Installation and Integration: Estimated costs for on-site installation and checkout

· Schedule: Provide a high-level notional schedule for the design, production and delivery of the first units.

6. ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI), as defined and discussed in FAR 9.5, Organizational and Consultant Conflicts of Interest, is a concern in all acquisitions across the Department of Defense. Early involvement with our industry partners is a key element of the OCI process, and it is critical for the Government to be able to identify any potential OCI issues as early as possible for acquisition. This would allow ample time to address and evaluate any potential OCI issues, if required, prior to contract award with minimal impact to critical acquisition schedules.

Interested Offerors are requested to evaluate any potential OCI issues regarding this requirement for modernized UMTE transmitters, and the contractor is encouraged to identify any OCI issues, as stated in FAR 9.5 to the Contracting Officer (CO). This will assist the CO in determining if the contractor will need to submit an OCI Mitigation Plan for any solicitation that might result from this notice.

7. ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION REQUESTED

The Contractor's RFI response shall be:

· Page Limit: 10 pages or less (cover page is not included in page count)

· Format: Submissions must be provided in PDF

· Font: One (1)-inch margins; Times New Roman 12 font

· Classifications: All responses must be UNCLASSIFIED. If proprietary data is included, it must be clearly marked

Provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners.

· Company Name

· Address

· Point of Contact

· CAGE Code

· Phone Number

· E-mail Address

· Web Page Address

· Unique Entity Identifier (SAM.gov UEI)

· Specify whether your company is a U.S. or foreign-owned firm

· North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS Code 334511 — Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing; Small Business Size Standard: 1,350 employees)

Note: All interested contractors must be registered in SAM to be eligible for award of Government contracts. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based upon responses hereto for any subsequent action.

Due Date: Responses should be submitted electronically to the Contracting Officer, Heather Ball, heather.ball@us.af.mil by 21 October 2026, 1700, MST. Late responses may not be reviewed.

8. SUBMISSIONS/QUESTIONS

If submitting company proprietary information or competition sensitive information, please make sure it is CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information to the maximum extent possible. All segregated proprietary information will be protected by the Government.

1. What is your experience in providing the capability to accomplish the objective/requirements listed above? Include contract numbers, a brief description of the work performed, period of performance, agency/organization supported, and individual points of contact (Contracting Officers or Program Managers).

2. How would the prime contractor account for government furnished property (GFP) in the possession of the prime, and all sub-contractors, in accordance with the Financial Improvement and Audit Readiness (FIAR) program?

3. Does your company currently have any teaming agreements in place that will allow for successfully meeting the Government's requirements? In addition, please identify the roles associated with the teaming arrangement.

4. Discuss any documents or data you will require to complete the objectives listed above, and briefly explain their purpose.

5. What are the top five risks you see in accomplishing this effort?

6. Provide a description of similar services offered to the Government and to commercial customers for the past three years.

7. How long would it take you to submit a proposal?

8. Provide other relevant topics, concerns, or information not addressed in this posting.

9. DISCLAIMER

THIS IS AN RFI ONLY. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The AF has not made a commitment to procure any of the items or services discussed above, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Any questions should be directed to the Contracting Officer and/or the Contract Specialist, as identified above.