RFI - Man-Portable Direction Finding 25R5053.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE

26 August 2025

Tracking No. FA8629-25-R-5053

FROM: AFLCMC/WISK

Special Warfare Contracting Office 1895 Fifth Street Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7200

SUBJECT: Request for Information (RFI): Man-Portable Direction Finding (DF) System For Special Warfare

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 Man-Portable Direction Finding (DF) System. AFLCMC/WISN will accept commercial or developmental solutions for this requirement.

3. CAPABILITY GAP

Guardian Angel (GA) requires a man-portable DF capability, to rapidly locate Isolated Personnels (IP) emitting radio frequency (RF) signals. This requirement provides GA teams with a capability analogous to aircraft Terminal Area Guidance (TAG) systems, enabling precise IP location based on RF signal triangulation.

System Requirements:

T=Threshold O=Objective

KPP* / KSA**: THRESHOLDS (T) / OBJECTIVES (O):

Direction Finding Accuracy* ≤ 5 degrees RMS (T), ≤ 2 degrees RMS (O)

Frequency Range* 500 KHz - 6 GHz (T=O)

Signal Detection Range* Detect CSEL signals at a minimum range of 250 meters(T), 16 kilometers

Operating Time* > 8 hours continuous operation on a single battery charge (T), > 16 hours (O)

Size and Weight* Man-portable for dismounted operations ≤ 12lbs and H 3.7” x W 7.4” x D 8.8” (T), ≤3lbs H 6” x W 3” x D 2”(O)

Environmental Considerations*

Withstand operational use in extreme temperatures, humidity, and precipitation.

Protected against low pressure water stream from any angle (IPX-5) (T), Protected against water immersion for 30 mins at a depth of 1 meter (IPX-7) (O)

User-Friendly Interface** Intuitive operation is paramount in high-stress rescue scenarios. A simple interface minimizes cognitive load and allows operators to focus on the mission.

Minimal training requirements also reduce the burden on GA personnel.

Ruggedized Design** The system must withstand harsh operational environments. Resistance to shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures.

Interoperability** Seamless integration with existing GA equipment, especially ATAK and navigation systems, is critical for situational awareness, data sharing, and coordinated recovery efforts.

Data Logging** Recording DF data (signals, locations, timestamps) enables post-mission analysis for debriefings, training improvements, and potential intelligence gathering. ATAK integration streamlines information sharing.

Interrogation Capability** Ability to actively interrogate beacons and signals for identification.

Signal Identification** The ability to program and recognize known signal profiles enhances situational awareness by differentiating between friendly, hostile, and irrelevant transmissions.

Pre-programmed library of common beacon and signal characteristics.

Fast Frequency Hopping Signal Analysis**

Ability to track and DF signals utilizing fast frequency hopping techniques

N-Channel DF Capability** Ability to simultaneously receive and process signals from multiple channels.

Geolocation Accuracy** Provide geolocation accuracy within 10 meters (T), 1 meters (O)

Cybersecurity** Incorporate robust cybersecurity measures to prevent unauthorized access and data compromise.

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

DataCompany/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 above. 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 2 units within 6 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 or not 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 26 September 2025 via email to:

Jamie Sclafani

AFLCMC/WISK

Contracting Officer jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil

William (Matt) Peters

AFLCMC/WISN

Program Manager william.peters.19@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:william.peters.19@us.af.mil