Request for Information - Link-16 Ground Station (002).pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE

September 24, 2025

Tracking No. RFI FA8629-25-R-5056

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) – Link-16 Ground Station

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) is conducting market research to identify possible sources capable of providing a portable Link-16 ground station.

3. CAPABILITY GAP

The system requires data communication between Link-16 & SADL-equipped aircraft and ASOC-operators & TACPs and run gateway control and mission software. A second channel on the Link-16 terminal (STT) will be used for VMF operations concurrently.

The system, together with gateway software provides:

1. The Link-16 & SADL Common Operating Picture (COP) to the TACP Weapon System

2. The ability to forward tracks received from TACP to Link-16 & SADL networks and to/from Joint Range Extension Application Protocol-A (JREAP-A) and Joint Range

Extension Application Protocol-C (JREAP-C) connections.

3. The ability to filter and forward tracks from the Link-16 & SADL networks to software for dissemination across echelons.

4. The ability to exchange J-series messages with other systems in other locations via

JREAP-A & JREAP- C Internet Protocol(s) (IP) transmissions over other IP networks.

System Requirements:

Key Performance Parameters (KPPs)

1. KPP: The system shall conduct voice and data communications over (2) two radio channels simultaneously.

Note: 2 channels simultaneously can be considered Link-16 and UHF/VHF/LOS

2. KPP: The system shall forward and translate. The system shall use a host software application that supports the full set of VMF K-Series and supports all variants of VMF K-Series Header assignments. The system shall perform Link 16 communications using a Small Tactical Terminal (STT) Link 16 terminal. The system shall perform VMF communications.

3. KPP: The system shall use time and position information from the GPS receiver for subcomponent operations.

4. KPP: The system shall meet an Operational Availability (Ao) of 0.96 [T] 0.98 [O] assuming an association

Administrative, Logistics and Delay Time (ALDT) of less than 24-hours. Where COTs/NDI/GFE components are employed as part of the system, reliability predictions may be used. Note: Metrics will consider the system mutually exclusive from the vehicle and its associated metrics. Ao: MTBCF/ (MTBCF + R2 + ALDT)

5. KPP: The system radio case dimensions shall be ≤ 24” (W) x 21” (H) x 10” (L) [T]; objective dimensions to be airline carry-on transportable ≤ 22” (W) x 20” (H) x 10” (L) [O].

6. KPP: The system shall include a server and router bays to host data and gateway applications.

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. 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.

c. 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

d. 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.

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

j. 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.

k. 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 10 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 https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM

h. Responses are due electronically by 12:00PM Eastern time on 25 October 2025 via email to:

Edwin O. Hernandez Mendez

AFLCMC/WISK

Contracting Officer, edwin.hernandez_mendez.2@us.af.mil

Dennis Grenier

AFLCMC/WISK

Contracts Specialist, denis.grenier@us.af.mil

1st Lt Zachary Raak

AFLCMC/WISN

Program Manager, zachary.raak.3@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.

Edwin O. Hernandez Mendez

Contracting Officer

AFLCMC/WISK

mailto:edwin.hernandez_mendez.2@us.af.mil mailto:denis.grenier@us.af.mil mailto:zachary.raak.3@us.af.mil