RFI - ICBM NC3 Market Research v2.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE INSTALLATION CONTRACTING CENTER

767 ENTERPRISE SOURCING FLIGHT

03 August 2026

MEMORANDUM FOR AFGSC SENTINEL NC3 MARKET RESEARCH PROSPECTIVE

CONTRACTORS

FROM 767 ENTERPRISE SOURCING FLIGHT, CONTRACTING OFFICER

SUBJECT: Request for Information – Sentinel NC3 Market Research

1. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to determine if Digital HF (DHF) technology is mature enough to be integrated in support of the Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) weapon Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3) in the 2031-2033 timeframe.

We are soliciting industry feedback on current and near-term (2031-2040) DHF technologies available for fielding as described above.

2. BACKGROUND

a. Sentinel is the replacement system for Minuteman III (MMIII). The program is in a post- Nunn/McCurdy breach approaching a Milestone B decision NLT Dec 2026. Initial Sentinel fielding is slated for 2033. Northrop Grumman is the Prime Contractor designing Sentinel for the AFNWC Sentinel Program Office.

b. As the Air Force prepares to migrate from MMIII (analog environment) to Sentinel (digital environment) we need to examine how the NC3 systems will adapt to the Sentinel environment, which could include new systems. AFGSC is seeking a solution on terrestrial NC3.

c. This market research seeks to understand how Sentinel missile operations could benefit from incorporating DHF systems into its NC3 architecture.

d. Proposed systems will be required to operate in all environments (pre, trans, and post).

e. High Frequency (HF) radio (between 3 and 30 MHz) can be used to transmit digital data, such as text, images, and emails, instead of traditional voice. Using digital to analog converters, along with software, connected to a HF radio, the software translates digital inputs into specific audio tones the radio transmits. One benefit is HF digital modes can “hear” signals buried deep in atmospheric noise which humans normally miss.

3. RFI

a. Based on your company’s experience, is DHF technology mature enough to support a Sentinel NC3 Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of 2033? Is there a preferred methodology your company would utilize to support deploying a DHF system in support of Sentinel NC3?

b. Do you see any limiting factors which would inhibit the use of DHF in Sentinel NC3?

c. What challenges, risks, or limitations should the Government consider when implementing DHF in the Sentinel NC3?

d. How would you use your DHF technology to complement Sentinel NC3 communications in the 2031-2040 timeframe?

e. If your system is capable, is that system’s maturity at a minimum of a TRL 6?

f. Will your system support cyber-secure communications including classified data (e.g., NSA High Assurance Communications Security (COMSEC))?

g. If this applies to your organization, please provide a capabilities statement discussing the details of your company’s DHF system.

h. Responses should be delivered to the following individuals no later than (NLT) 10 Aug 2026

1300 CDT:

Name Title/Organization Email Capt Grant Wilson Contracting Officer/767 ESF grant.wilson.1@us.af.mil Mr. Joe Carmichael Requirements Analyst/AFGSC A10 joe.carmichael.2.ctr@us.af.mil Mr. Edward Mendones Defense Mission Expert, 3/AFGSC A10 edward.mendones.2.ctr@us.af.mil

4. If you have any questions or require further information on this RFI, please contact Capt Grant Wilson at grant.wilson.1@us.af.mil.

GRANT WILSON, Capt, USAF Contracting Officer