New RFI_Link-22_Integrated_Radio_System_v4.pdf

Request for Information (RFI) for Link-22 Integrated Radio System

Date: February 17, 2026

1.0 PURPOSE

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Control and Reporting Center (CRC) Program Management Office (PMO) is conducting market research to identify vendors with the capability to integrate, deliver, and sustain a complete, turn-key Link-22 High-Frequency (HF) radio system. This RFI seeks to identify sources capable of providing a comprehensive solution that includes a Link-22 capable radio, antenna system, power system, and precise timing source, all fully integrated into a ruggedized, field-deployable transit case that can interface with the Government's core Link-22 equipment.

2.0 BACKGROUND

Per the DoD Joint Tactical Data Link Migration Plan, the legacy Link-11 tactical data link is being sunset, creating critical capabilities gap for the CRC. The CRC relies heavily on Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) data exchange, and this project will integrate a new Link-22 capability to enhance operational effectiveness and support Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) objectives for both contingency and homeland defense missions.

To mitigate this gap, this project will integrate the Link-22 tactical data link into the CRC weapon system.

The Government will furnish some core Link-22 components, including the System Network Controller (SNC), Signal Processing Controller (SPC), and COMSEC device in a separate transit case. This RFI is focused on gaining information for a needed solution of a Link-22 capable radio, ancillary equipment, timing source, and the design and fabrication of an adaptable transit case solution that houses the radio system and its supporting peripherals and interfaces with the core Link-22 case that contains the SNC, SPC, and COMSEC device.

Respondents are requested to respond with a complete, turn-key solution that meets the performance and integration requirements outlined below. The Government’s intent is to receive information for a fully integrated, performance-based solution that seamlessly integrates with the separate Link-22 Program Office equipment package (containing the SPC, SNC, and COMSEC device) and minimizes technical risk.

3.0 INFORMATION REQUESTED

CRC PMO is seeking detailed information from vendors on their ability to provide a complete, turn-key HF radio solution. Responses should address the following points in detail:

3.1 Scope of Work and Integration Approach

Describe your company's approach to providing a complete, turn-key solution. This shall include information for sourcing and integrating a Link-22 capable HF radio system into a modular transit case with a suitable power supply, power conditioner, UPS, M-code compliant timing source, antenna tuning unit (if applicable), modem (if applicable), and power amplifier (if applicable). The information on such a system must be capable of fully interfacing with the Government’s separate Link-22 equipment package.

Include an estimated cost or rough order of magnitude (ROM).

3.2 Radio & Antenna System Proposal

Information for a specific HF radio model that is either currently Link-22 capable or will be production-ready with full Link-22 capability no later than Q2FY28. The response must include:

• Detail the antenna system that is DoD approved for HF Link-22 operations with your chosen transit case solution housing the HF radio.

• Describe the configuration, including any necessary amplifiers and antenna tuning units (if applicable), that will achieve an effective output power of at least 150 Watts of forward power to the RF cable that connects to the antenna.

• Provide analysis or evidence that the radio and antenna configuration will achieve an effective communication range of at least 225 nautical miles.

3.3 Integration Experience with Candidate Radios

Describe your company's experience in designing and building integrated communication systems utilizing the radio family you are proposing in Section 3.2. Provide examples of past projects where you have integrated these or similar assets, particularly for military or aerospace applications.

3.4 Adaptable Power & UPS Requirements

Describe the comprehensive and adaptable power solution you would choose for your selected radio system. The solution must power the selected HF radio, amplifier (if applicable), antenna tuning unit (if applicable), timing source, modem (if applicable), and accommodate a future 4U UHF radio. Detail the expected input power requirements, the UPS battery life under full load, and explain how your design will ensure clean, stable power.

3.5 Timing and Synchronization Source

Respondents are requested to provide information on a selected timing and synchronization solution.

Please identify a 1U rack-mountable UTC timing source that is fully M-Code compliant. The device must feature flexible power options including both AC and various DC inputs (e.g., 24/28 VDC). Describe the unit's holdover performance, specifying the time accuracy maintained over a 24-hour period using its internal oscillator in the event of GPS signal loss. Also, describe the unit's modularity and scalability, including its use of output module slots to provide the required Network Time Protocol (NTP) and Precision Time Protocol (PTP); T1/E1 telecom signals; IRIG-B; 1PPS; and 1, 5, 10 MHz signals to all necessary user equipment within the Link-22 equipment package, LMMT, or other external device as needed. Finally, detail the plan for integrating the unit and its associated GPS antenna.

3.6 Modular Design & Follow-On Integration

Provide a conceptual design for the transit case solution housing your selected radio system. The design must accommodate the radio, amplifier (if applicable), antenna tuning unit (if applicable), and timing source, while reserving 4U of 19-inch rack space for a future UHF radio. The final configuration must be man-portable, not to exceed a total weight that is compliant with a 4-person lift, and its dimensions must be compatible with a military 463L pallet configuration. Describe the specific features of your design (e.g., adjustable mounts, configurable I/O panels) that ensure equipment integration. Explain how your solution simplifies integration and specifically addresses the required physical and logical interface between your HF radio and the Link-22 PMO's Signal Processing Controllers (SPCs).

3.7 Environmental Ruggedization

Describe how your transit case design will meet environmental requirements for transport and operation, referencing relevant standards (e.g., MIL-STD-810). Specifically address the system's suitability for military air transport requirements and for sustained operations in diverse and extreme global climates, including:

• Arid, high-temperature desert environments.

• High-humidity, saline-rich coastal or tropical regions.

• Sustained sub-freezing conditions.

4.0 REQUESTED RFI RESPONSE

Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI by 18 March 2026. Send responses to Wendy Farley, Contracting Officer, wendy.farley@us.af.mil and Carlos Michel, Contracting Specialist, carlos.michel@us.af.mil. Hard copy submittals are not required. If late information is received, it may not be considered by the USG reviewers, depending on agency time constraints. Please note: the USG is not required to provide feedback to RFI Responders.

RFI responses shall be submitted in 8.5 x 11-inch page format using Microsoft Word or searchable Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format. Responses shall be limited to 15 pages. Existing commercial documentation and product literature may also be submitted and are not included in the 15-page maximum. Responses must be unclassified, and any proprietary information provided must be marked accordingly. To protect such data, each line or paragraph on the pages containing such data must be specifically identified and marked with a legend similar to the following:

“The following contains proprietary information that (name of Responder) requests are not released to persons outside the USG, except for the purposes of review and evaluation.”

5.0 DISCLAIMER

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only as defined in FAR 15.201(e) to obtain information about capabilities and market information. This RFI is not a request for competitive proposals; Responders are advised that the U.S. 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.