Airborne Direction Finding Systems

The Department of the Navy Information Warfare Systems Command is conducting market research via Request for Information to identify sources capable of providing an airborne Direction Finding system for MC-130J and AC-130J aircraft, with responses due by September 8, 2026.

The procurement supports the Training and Readiness Accelerator (TReX) program and the Joint Threat Warning System (JTWS) for United States Special Operations Command. No set-aside applies. Place of performance includes initial integration and testing at a government location on a test aircraft, with production-phase installation likely at Sierra Nevada Corporation's facility as the primary aircraft integration contractor. Wright Patterson AFB and Warner Robbins AFB serve as airworthiness adjudicators for certification.

Vendors must address antenna performance across HF, VHF, UHF, and SHF frequency bands, with VHF and UHF as primary ranges of interest. Five candidate antenna locations are identified, including a centerline cavity (19 inches round, 2 inches thick) with potential 2–3 inch external extension pending aircraft program management office approval; pod-based antenna solutions have low probability of approval, making fuselage-mounted antennas preferred. The system must integrate with existing onboard systems including an EO/IR suite, signals jamming, SIGINT/ISR capabilities, and TAKX situational awareness software (a TAK variant). Responses must cover complete Size, Weight, Power, and Cooling characteristics; environmental testing compliance to relevant MIL-STDs; system interfaces including Ethernet and RF ports; current Technology and Manufacturing Readiness Levels; Modular Open Systems Approach compliance; supply chain risk management for COTS/GOTS/modified items; rough order of magnitude costs for antenna, processor, and software at quantities of 10, 50, and 100 units including training and one-year warranty; and production capabilities with lead times and scalability.

Should the effort proceed to award, the Government requires five systems within six months of contract award followed by at least one year for integration. The Government does not intend to make an award based on this RFI and retains the option to use Other Transaction Authority under 10 U.S.C. 4022 or Commercial Solutions Opening under 10 U.S.C. 3458 for subsequent procurement.