MIDS SF1 RFI_20260129.pdf

CUI

Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought for the Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) Weapons Data Link (WDL) Small Form Factor Weapons Attritable Radio Multi-Mode (SWARMM) Family 1

(SF1) Radio

1.0 DESCRIPTION

Program Overview

The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWAR) in support of the Multifunctional Information Distribution (MIDS) Program Office (MPO) is conducting market research to identify industry’s technological capabilities to provide National Security Agency (NSA) certified MIDS WDL SF1 radios. Of interest are low cost MIDS WDL SF1 terminals that are in production, have been or are currently being developed by industry under Independent Research and Development (IRAD) efforts, or are approved to be developed in Government Programs of Record for rapid acquisition and fielding. The Government is interested in responses for products that can be delivered in production quantities of no less than fifty (50) terminals a month. Delivery of MIDS WDL SF1 terminals at the earliest possible date is desired. If there are dependencies upon Government funding such as Government Furnished Property (GFP), Government Furnished Information (GFI) and/or Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) to support delivery of MIDS WDL SF1 terminals or further funding is required to deliver a WDL SF1 terminal that meets all the requirements herein, the respondents are requested to identify them. If there are dependencies upon Government sponsorship to support certification activities, requests for sponsorship, such as Information Repository (IR) access, they may be considered independently from requests to provide Government funding.

Additionally, the Government is seeking Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) sustainment and development support to the MIDS WDL SF1 terminal. This includes future development of new technologies, waveforms, Engineering Releases (ERs), Block Cycles (BCs) and Block Upgrades (BUs). Respondents shall demonstrate an understanding of all the technologies currently in the MIDS WDL SF1 terminal and future technologies throughout their white paper.

The Government is considering a multiple award development contract strategy with competitively awarded production orders for MIDS WDL SF1 terminals, as well as, future development efforts.

The Government is interested in industry’s ability to design, manufacture and provide sustainment and updates for the MIDS WDL SF1 terminal, future Small Form Factors (SFF), as well as continue the development of future ERs, BCs and BUs.

If a contract is awarded for the acquisition of these MIDS WDL SF1 terminals, the Government

Controlled by: NAVWAR Controlled by: PMA/PMW-101 Category: CTI Distribution: D POC: Brie Justiniani, (714) 749-0416 anticipates award in early FY27 with assets to be delivered beginning in FY28. Final airworthiness and certification documentation will be required at contract award in order to meet integration and certification timelines. The Government will perform an operational assessment in the form of demonstrations to measure effectiveness of meeting Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and suitability requirements to include reliability, sustainability, maintainability, diagnostics and operations/maintainer training. A successful operational assessment is a requirement for any contract award, should a Request for Proposal (RFP) be released for this effort. The Government will use responses to this RFI/Sources Sought to refine and/or seek relief to KPPs. The KPPs may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Multi waveform support,

• Internal growth capability,

• Software control of modes/capability configuration/reconfiguration,

• Cryptographic enhancements,

• National Security Agency (NSA) certification,

• Airworthiness certification

• Spectrum certification

• Operational availability

• Production throughput

The expected total quantity of MIDS WDL SF1 terminals to be procured has not yet been determined due to Service budget and force priorities, however, it is anticipated to be in excess of 3,000 MIDS WDL SF1 terminals. The Government is contemplating multiple contract awards under this effort at an estimated dollar range for each of approximately $900 Million. The applicable NAICS code for this requirement is 334290 (Other communications Equipment manufacturing) with a size standard of 750 Employees. This effort is considered a follow-on to the existing MIDS TRS contract N0003923D4000 with L3 Harris Telemetry and RF Products.

2.0 RFI/SOURCES SOUGHT LIMITATIONS

THIS IS A RFI/SOURCES SOUGHT ONLY. THIS IS NOT A NOTICE OF SOLICITATION

ISSUANCE. This RFI/Sources Sought is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This RFI/Sources Sought is also being issued for the purpose of determining Large and Small Business capabilities. Both Large and Small Business firms having the capabilities to perform the tasking described in this RFI/Sources Sought are encouraged to respond. This RFI/Sources Sought does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) via the PIEE Vendor Portal (https://piee.eb.mil) and SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of the potential respondents to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this potential requirement. The information provided in this RFI/Sources Sought is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. Further, the release of the RFI/Sources Sought should not be construed as a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Respondents are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative cost incurred in response to this RFI/Sources Sought. All costs associated with responding to this RFI/Sources Sought will be solely at the respondent’s expense.

https://piee.eb.mil/

Failure to respond to this RFI/Sources Sought will not preclude participation in any future RFP, if issued.

3.0 DESCRIPTION OF NEED

Requirements Overview. The Government is conducting market research to determine available sources for MIDS WDL SF1 terminals that will be Low Band and High Band capable. The delivered SF1 radios must be fully compliant with the SF1 Top Level Requirements (TLR) version 1.5. Additionally, the Government requires relevant certifications and accreditations (C&A) for the MIDS WDL SF1 to include but not limited to the following:

• NSA Type Certification

• Critical Program Information and Anti-Tamper Review Requirements (DoDI 5000.02),

• Equipment spectrum certification,

• Airworthiness compliance requirements

Hazards of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordinance (HERO) analysis and test results

The Government expects to review the test data and analyses upon which the Contractor based the airworthiness compliance.

3.1.1 Manufacturing. The MIDS WDL SF1 lot buys are to reach production quantities of up to one hundred (100) terminals a month. Delivery of MIDS WDL SF1 terminals at the earliest possible date is desired.

3.1.2 Sustainment. The MIDS WDL SF1 will require future upgrades with various waveforms, , legacy, etc. Delivery of future upgrades, Integrated Builds (IBs) and Investigations are required as Systems Engineering and Integration (SE&I) support immediately following contract award.

4.0 REQUESTED INFORMATION

The RFI/Sources sought seeks information specific to a respondent’s ability to meet the requirements contained in the attached MIDS WDL SF1 Production Statement of Work

(SOW).

Interested respondents are invited to submit technical information describing their MIDS WDL SF1 and the associated ancillaries that most closely meet the requirements in Section 3.0.

Respondents are requested to provide information on product availability, product capabilities, product maturity (i.e., prototype, Engineering Development Model (EDM), production unit), quantities available for delivery beginning in FY25, and any other relevant factors that the respondent wishes to include. If applicable, respondents should identify whether their MIDS WDL SF1 could be modified to meet the Government’s needs as described in section 3.0. The extent of those modifications should be clearly explained in the respondent’s white paper. Although it is desired that all capabilities can be initially provided, it is understood that incremental delivery of capabilities may be unavoidable due to technical, financial, and other considerations. Respondents are invited to submit incremental approaches with high-level schedules, if necessary, and to provide capability growth roadmaps or technology refresh plans to meet the end requirements of the MIDS WDL SF1.

Respondents are requested to identify and provide a reliability analysis of the MIDS ADL SF1 in terms of channel hardware MTBF. Respondents are requested to provide all assumptions used in the reliability analysis. Respondents are requested to provide evidence of demonstrated MIDS WDL SF1 MTBF, to include reliability test plans and test reports and reliability data collected from field operations. For data collected from the field, respondents are requested to identify the environments in which the MIDS WDL SF1 were operated and the inputs to the MIDS WDL SF1 MTBF calculations, such as number of MIDS WDL SF1 fielded, MIDS WDL SF1 operating hours, and quantities of MIDS WDL SF1 failures. If evidence of demonstrated MIDS WDL SF1 reliability is not available, respondents are requested to provide a reliability test plan and reliability test schedule for conducting a reliability verification test.

Respondents are requested to provide photos and drawings of the MIDS WDL SF1 exterior, hardware and software ICDs, installer’s guides or similar documents, and system specifications. These documents will be used to assess the capabilities and risks of the described MIDS WDL SF1.

Respondents are requested to address the status of C&As required for installation and operation on Navy/Air Force platforms. This includes but is not limited to:

• Airworthiness certification, and

• Certification/authorization from the NSA to operate at the intended security level.

As airworthiness may be a self-certification, respondents are requested to provide lists of documentations available to support successful airworthiness certification. In addition, respondents are requested to provide the status of any complete or in-progress airworthiness certifications.

Respondents are requested to provide the following risk assessments, if applicable, to their product:

1) Schedule risk associated with C&As of the MIDS WDL SF1;

2) Performance risk of the MIDS WDL SF1 in meeting military platform environmental requirements under both operating and non-operating conditions,

3) Performance risk of electromagnetic compatibility of the MIDS WDL SF1 with other existing platform systems and the operational electromagnetic environment (EME); and

4) Supply chain risks associated with the components required for the production of the

MIDS WDL SF1.

Respondents may provide an assessment of additional risks or identify potential risks for which the Government should be cognizant.

The Government’s objective is to have the ability to modify and maintain the MIDS WDL

SF1 variants for the least total ownership cost over the anticipated 15+ year life of the capabilities. As such, respondents are requested to describe the data rights applicable to their solution, potential limitations to those data rights, and the extent those data rights can fulfill the Government’s objectives.

For any resultant contract from a future solicitation related to this RFI/Sources Sought, the Government desires Unlimited Rights for all noncommercial Technical Data (TD), Computer Software/Computer Software Documentation (CS/CSD) (including source code), or if such noncommercial TD/CS/CSD contains elements generated previously with Offeror’s own capital, the Government desires a minimum of Government Purpose Rights (GPR) (as defined by DFARS 252.227-7013 and 252.227-7014). Technical Data and software are defined at DFAR 252.227-7013 and DFARS 252.227-7014.

If an RFI/Sources Sought respondent proposes fulfilling capability gaps with solutions that incorporate commercial TD/CS/CSD, the Government desires to obtain a license to the commercial TD/CS/CSD that would grant the Government the equivalent of GPR.

Therefore, RFI/Sources Sought responses which include solutions incorporating commercial computer software (including open source software), shall include as part of the response any and all Commercial or Open Source License Agreements applicable to the offered capability.

Such licenses will not be included in the 25-page limit.

Respondents are encouraged to describe any corporate experience with the following:

• Development of military communications hardware/software with embedded Type 1 programmable encryption capability,

• Waveform development and/or porting/re-hosting,

• Interoperability testing,

• Integration and test,

• NSA certification and operational force accreditation,

• Manufacturing of communication and networking equipment, and

• Logistical support to DoD Service components.

Respondents are requested to describe their process for maintaining waveforms deployed in the MIDS WDL SF1. Respondents are requested to identify the business model and process to implement the changes and deliver them to the Government. For example: Does the Government pay a fixed price to upgrade each MIDS WDL SF1 or does the Government pay a fixed price for bulk license agreements to upgrade all owned MIDS WDL SF1, or does the Government pay on a reimbursable basis to the respondent (or a third party) to implement and distribute the modified waveform?

Respondents are requested to describe how the users will operate and maintain the WDL SF1 when installed in a platform. If the use of external interfaces, computers, servers, networking hardware, or proprietary devices is required, the respondents are requested to describe the approach in detail. The Government is interested in the respondent’s approach for WDL SF1 maintenance including the use of Built-In Test (BIT), external support equipment required, and the approach to fault detection and identification, troubleshooting, repair, and testing. In addition, the respondents are requested to describe the product’s life-cycle support approach for both hardware and software, including proposed warranty periods, hardware and software capability upgrades, hardware and software reliability, training approach, training capability at industry sites, troubleshooting tools and approach, hardware modularity, telephone support, Contiguous United States (CONUS)/Outside the Contiguous United States (OCONUS) hardware repair support, and long-term sustainment.

Respondents are encouraged to include a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate of the delivered price of the MIDS WDL SF1 (excluding platform integration or installation) for contract delivery requirements of 500, 800, and 1000 units beginning in FY27. Alternatively, the respondent may provide a cost estimate based upon annual delivery rates of 500, 800 and 1000 units.

Interested respondents shall provide the following administrative information:

• Name, mailing address, phone number, fax number, and e-mail of designated point of contact.

• Business type (large business, small business, small disadvantaged business, 8(a)-certified small disadvantaged business, HUBZone small business, woman-owned small business, very small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business) based upon North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). The NAICS code associated with this effort is 334290.

• “Small business concern” means a concern, including its affiliates that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on Government contracts, and qualified as a small business under the criteria and size standards in 13 CFR part 121. A small business concern for the purposes of this procurement is defined as a business, including its affiliates, no more than 750 employees.

Additional standards and conditions apply. Please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation FAR 19 for additional detailed information on Small Business Size Standards. The FAR is available at http://www.acquisition.gov/far/.

• The facility security clearance of the respondent.

5.0 REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

MIDS WDL SF1 Index and Data Lists

The below referenced documents can be accessed via the MIDSVue workroom system:

https://midsvue.topvue.com/topvue.

References:

(1) MIDS WDL SF1 Index and Data List

In order to obtain access to the MIDSVue website, all interested respondents shall:

1) Have a current and properly scoped DD 2345 on file with the Defense Logistics Information Services (DLIS). If the company does not have a current and properly scoped DD 2345 on file and cannot provide a Joint Certification Program (JCP) number, please visit DLIS at http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/ for more information on how to complete and submit the DD 2345.

http://www.arnet.gov/far/current/html/FARTOCP19.html http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ https://midsvue.topvue.com/topvue http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/

2) Provide the name, email address and phone number for each requested user, and the company's JCP number and Cage Code to Mr. Damon Griffin at damon.r.griffin.civ@us.navy.mil and Mrs. Brie Justiniani at brianne.t.justiniani.civ@us.navy.mil.

• Request a MIDSVue account (if you do not already have a MIDSVue account)

Request access by contacting MIDSVUE_ADMIN.fct@navy.mil to receive a access form.

• Access MIDSVue Site at https://midsvue.topvue.com/topvue. Fill out the Requested information. For “Government POC” use Ms. Brie Justiniani for “Justification” use the following statement: “Access is required to view the MIDS WDL SF1 Request for Information (RFI)/Sources Sought Effort.”

• Wait for “account approval email” - Account will be approved within 48 hours. If access is not granted within 48 hours, the company shall notify Mr. Damon Griffin at damon.r.griffin.civ@us.navy.mil.

• In “account approval email”, click on link to activate account.

Supplemental Classified Specification

After MIDSVue registration is complete, a supplemental classified specification is available for review by qualified respondents. This supplement will only be made available by providing a need to know certification, your facility clearance, and mailing address to the point of contact, Mr.

Damon Griffin, Contract Specialist (NAVWAR), E-mail: damon.r.griffin.civ@us.navy.mil NOTE: Contractor can retain all material until close of RFI/Sources Sought date.

6.0 RESPONSES

Proprietary Data

Proprietary information, if any, MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. All data received in response to this announcement marked or designated as corporate or proprietary information will be fully protected from release outside of the Government. For more information please contact, Mr.

Damon Griffin, Contract Specialist (NAVWAR), E-mail: damon.r.griffin.civ@us.navy.mil.

Response Submittal

Responses to this RFI/Sources Sought must be in Microsoft Office 2010 or earlier, or in Adobe PDF format. Responses are due no later than 20 February 2026 at 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), and shall not exceed 25 pages (12-point font minimum). File names should only contain letters and numbers without special characters. Please be advised that all submissions will not be returned.

Unclassified Responses to this RFI/Sources Sought shall be submitted to the SAM.gov website.

Classified responses are not anticipated in response to this RFI/Sources Sought.

3.0 QUESTIONS

mailto:damon.r.griffin.civ@us.navy.mil mailto:MIDSVUE_ADMIN.fct@navy.mil https://midsvue.topvue.com/topvue mailto:damon.r.griffin.civ@us.navy.mil mailto:damon.r.griffin.civ@us.navy.mil mailto:damon.r.griffin.civ@us.navy.mil

Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail only to Mr. Damon Griffin, Contract Specialist (NAVWAR), E-mail: damon.r.griffin.civ@us.navy.mil. All questions shall be submitted no later than 12 February at 12:00 PM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT). Verbal questions will not be accepted. Questions will be answered via posting answers to the NAVWAR E-Commerce Central Website; accordingly, questions shall not contain proprietary or classified information unless coordinated in advance (Please contact Mr. Damon Griffin if you have questions prior to submitting).

8.0 INDUSTRY EXCHANGES

Government representatives may or may not choose to meet with potential responders in order to perform additional Market Research. Such exchanges, should they occur, would be solely for the purpose of obtaining further clarification of industry’s potential capabilities and lessons learned, particularly with respect to any development and certification risks.

mailto:damon.r.griffin.civ@us.navy.mil