RFI_Low-Cost_MANET_RAA-VAK_ FINAL.pdf

Low-Cost Mesh Radio Request for Information (June 2026)

CONTRACT OPPORTUNITY TYPE: Special Notice-RFI

PSC: 5820 NAICS: 334220

CONTRACTING OFFICE: 7701 Tampa Point Blvd, MacDill AFB, Florida 33621

1. SUBJECT: This Request for Information (RFI) from the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Program Executive OƯice (PEO) – Tactical Information Systems (TIS), Remote Advise and Assist – Virtual Accompany Kit (RAA-VAK) Program Management OƯice (PMO) is conducting market research to identify possible sources for a low-cost mesh radio that can operate in contested environments.

2. NOTICE: This RFI is issued for market research only. 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. Responses should include a product description with performance parameters, a statement on current availability, a summary of any prior testing (if applicable), test reports addressing resolution and accuracy (if applicable), and a rough order-of-magnitude (ROM) for production units. Please also include the firm’s name, address, point of contact, phone number, and email address.

3. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

Physical Dimensions - Less than 35 in Weight - Less than 9 ounces Power Source - Must have a rechargeable internal power source Power Source Charging - Must be rechargeable using a non-proprietary charging cable Scalability - Must be capable of operating 12 nodes in a single mesh network Battery Life - Must operate for 8 hours when transmitting 1 text message or location update per hour Free-Text Messaging - Must be capable of sending free-text messages which are created by the user Ruggedization - Must be ruggedized for use in all operating environments Data Encryption - Must encrypt transmitted data using AES-256 encryption Transmission Latency - No greater than 10 seconds

Low-Cost Mesh Radio Request for Information (June 2026)

Pre-defined Messages - Must be capable of sending pre-defined messages which can be modified by the user

4. TIMELINE: Responses are due on or before 01 July 2026

5. DISCLAIMERS: THERE IS NO SOLICITATION PLANNED AT THIS TIME. This RFI does not constitute a request for proposals and is not to be construed as a commitment, implied or otherwise, by the Government that a procurement action will be issued; submission of any information in response to this market research is purely voluntary; and the Government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred as a result of the submission of the requested information or any follow-up information requests.

6. POINTS of CONTACT: Submit responses to this RFI to Stephanie Mathewson, RAA-VAK APM, stephanie.a.mathewson.civ@socom.mil and Steve Gilby, Systems Requirements Engineer, Steven.Gilby.ctr@socom.mil.