Request for Information 26R5008 - FFT.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE

March 12, 2026

Tracking No. RFI FA8629-26-R-5008

MEMORANDUM FOR: All Qualified Vendors with SAM.gov Access

FROM: AFLCMC/WISK

Special Warfare Contracting Office

1895 Fifth Street Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7200

SUBJECT: Request for Information (RFI) – Friendly Force Tracker (FFT)

1. NOTICE

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

2. BACKGROUND AND SCOPE

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special Warfare (SW) Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) and Contracting Office (AFLCMC/WISK) are conducting market research to identify possible sources that can manufacture/acquire a small form factor Low Probability of Identification (LPI) / Low Probability of Detection (LPD) Friendly Force Tracker (FFT). Tracker should be capable of operating across a range of new and/or emerging waveforms operating in and out of previously unused bands, which have not been highlighted by overuse, or exploited by the pacing threat.

USAF dismounted operators deploy at or near the forward edge to conduct operations; operations include tactical control of airborne strike assets, special tactics, and assault zone operations. These may require staging at forward operating sites up to 250 nautical miles (NM) from main operating bases and command and control (C2) nodes to support Combat Air Forces. Forward operating sites may face enemy attempts to locate friendly forces through electromagnetic emissions from line of sight (LOS)/Over the Horizon (OTH) communications, and global positioning systems jamming. Adapting communications capability to counter near peer detection and jamming capabilities is essential to ensure uncontested access and the ability to freely maneuver throughout the range of military operations around the globe. This capability will allow dismounted operators to maneuver through denied and degraded frequency environments.

3. DEFINITIONS

Key Performance Parameter (KPP): capability crucial to the operational utility or operational suitability of a solution.

Key System Attribute (KSA): capability that is important to achieve for operational utility or operational suitability.

Threshold: Threshold performance value required to be met initially by the system.

Objective: Objective performance value desired to be met by the system.

System Requirements:

Key Performance Parameters (KPPs)

1. Physical Dimensions

a. Threshold: Not exceeding 5.5" x 3.5" x 2"

b. Objective: Not exceeding 4.5" x 2.5" x 1"

2. Weight

a. Threshold: No more than 9 ounces.

b. Objective: No more than 7 ounces.

3. Power Source

a. Threshold: Must have a rechargeable internal power source.

b. Objective: Must have a rechargeable internal power source that is removable.

4. Power Source Charging

a. Threshold: Must be rechargeable using a non-proprietary charging cable.

b. Objective: Must be rechargeable using a USB-C charging cable.

5. Digital Screen

a. Threshold: Capable of presenting 150-character messages to the user.

b. Objective: Capable of presenting 250-character messages to the user.

6. Keyboard

a. Threshold: Must have a digital or physical keyboard.

b. Objective: Same as threshold.

7. Antenna Connector

a. Threshold: Must have a removable antenna which connects using a non-proprietary connector.

8. Battery Life

a. Threshold: Must operate for 7 days when transmitting 1 message or location update per hour.

b. Objective: Must operate for 7 days when transmitting 6 messages or location updates per hour.

9. Standalone Operation

a. Threshold: Must operate as a standalone device.

10. Data Accessibility

a. Threshold: All FFT data must be accessible over Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) using a web interface.

11. Free-Text Messaging

a. Threshold: Must be capable of sending free-text messages which are created by the user.

12. Transmit Power

a. Threshold: Transmit power no greater than 1 watt.

13. Transmission System/Frequency

a. Threshold: Transmit over the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) sim-less system.

b. Objective: Transmit over a large spectrum spread.

14. Ruggedization

a. Threshold: Must be ruggedized for use in all operating environments.

15. Data Encryption

a. Threshold: Must encrypt transmitted data using AES-256 encryption.

16. Requirement: M-Code Compliance

a. Description: Defines the requirement for the FFT to be M-Code compliant.

i. Threshold: Must be M-Code compliant.

ii. Objective: Same as threshold.

Key System Attributes (KSA)

17. Transmission Latency

a. Threshold: No greater than 10 seconds.

b. Objective: No greater than 5 seconds.

18. Selectable Transmit Power

a. Threshold: User selectable in 0.25 watt increments from 0.25 watts to 1 watt.

b. Objective: User selectable in 0.1 watt increments from 0.1 watts to 1 watt.

19. Data Accessibility (Classified Networks)

a. Threshold: All FFT data must be accessible via a common interface over Classified Networks.

20. Joint Personal Edge Compute Device (JPECD) Integration

a. Threshold: Must be capable of integrating with currently fielded JPECDs.

21. Pre-defined Messages

a. Threshold: Must be capable of sending pre-defined messages which can be modified by the user.

b. Objective: Same as threshold

4. INSTRUCTION TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS

Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS/RFI are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications to provide the system described above. Responses shall also include the following information:

a. Respondent Data:

Company/Institute Name Address Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address) CAGE Code Web Page URL

Pursuant to NAICS Code 334220, Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing, state whether the company is:

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Economically Disadvantaged Women- Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified 8(a) Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified SBA Certification Date: SBA Graduation Date:

State whether the company is domestically or foreign-owned (if foreign, indicate the country of ownership).

State whether the respondent is interested in being a prime or subcontractor for this requirement.

b. Provide a rough cost estimate (i.e. rough order of magnitude (ROM)) based on an optimum or varied pricing quantities (this is for Government budget planning purposes and will not be considered a bid or binding in any manner).

1) If development and/or integration is required to meet the system requirements, the Government also needs an estimate of the development cost based on complexity (for planning purposes only) to include PHS&T, such as warranties, portable storage, special tooling required, and training.

c. Describe the capability of your product or products and provide product information and specifications. Additionally, describe the capability of your product(s) to meet the desired performance requirements listed below. If you are proposing development to integrate existing or new subsystems, clearly describe your approach.

d. Responses may include but are not limited to:

1) Pictures

2) Training videos

3) Architecture views

4) Drawings

5) Associations or connectivity with other end items/systems

6) Test results to support meeting threshold and objective requirements

7) Ability to deliver within 12 to 18 months after receipt of order

e. Indicate whether the company is currently performing this type of work/whether the capability can be obtained under an existing Government contract. Provide the contract number(s) and Government points of contact accordingly.

f. Indicate whether the company currently provides this type of work as a commercial solution. In this instance, “commercial item” means an item that is of a type customarily used by the general public or non-Governmental entities for purposes other than Governmental purposes.

Please indicate if this item has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public; or has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public. Indicate whether all materials used are in compliance with the Buy American Act or Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 2533a), as applicable.

g. Please include product warranty terms as applicable, along with any warranty limitations. If product warranty terms are not applicable, please include N/A.

h. Include any spare parts that would potentially be included.

i. Provide the details of NET, training, including process and cost.

j. Describe any possible product improvements that could be made or are planned for the future for the solution.

k. Describe any risks associated with the fulfillment of this projected requirement. This can include technical or schedule risks associated with development, key performance parameters, etc.

l. Please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, and FAR 52.219-33, Non-Manufacturer Rule, would be achieved in the event the Government sets this requirement aside for small business. Include specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. If subcontracts are to be used, provide the anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses, including foreign, will be used. If this effort is not set-aside for small business, small business utilization will be considered. Large and small businesses should provide a reasonable expectation for small business utilization as a percent of total contract value as well as supporting rationale for the recommended percentage.

5. RESPONSES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

a. The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a company's response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc. to further the Government's understanding of a proposed solution, as well as a company's understanding of the Government's requirements.

b. Responses shall not exceed 15 pages (including cover page). Include technical and descriptive text and photographs/illustrations to provide sufficient detail. The submitted documentation becomes the property of the United States Government and will not be returned.

c. Respondents shall clearly mark proprietary data with the appropriate markings. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. Any material that is not marked will be considered publicly-releasable.

d. Government-contracted contractor support personnel may handle proprietary data submitted in response to this RFI. These support personnel will have signed the same Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as Government personnel.

e. If you are currently providing your proposed capability on an existing government contract, please identify the contract and a government POC.

f. Broad industry participation for this RFI is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond.

g. Please note that prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management

(SAM) database to be awarded a DOD contract; the NAICS code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM website at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM

h. Responses are due electronically by 12:00PM Eastern time on 8 April 2026 via email to:

Jamie Sclafani

AFLCMC/WISK

Contracting Officer jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil

Cesar Palacios-Maya

AFLCMC/WISN

Program Manager cesar.palacios-maya.1.ctr@us.af.mil

i. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to the Contracting Officer identified above, with the other individuals identified above copied as a courtesy.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only to identify potential sources for the solution. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as creating such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.

https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM mailto:jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil mailto:cesar.palacios-maya.1.ctr@us.af.mil mailto:cesar.palacios-maya.1.ctr@us.af.mil