Domestic Datalink Services (DDLS) Market Survey 2
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- 693KA8-26-R-DDLS2
- Agency
-
Headquarters
Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 517111 Wired Telecommunications Carriers
- Place of performance
- Washington, District of Columbia 20591, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Federal Aviation Administration is conducting a market survey to inform acquisition strategy for Domestic Datalink Services (DDLS), which will succeed the current Data Communication Integrated Services (DCIS) contract expiring September 30, 2029, with industry responses due by 4:00 PM EST on September 19, 2026.
The survey addresses Controller to Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) and associated operational network services across all 20 Continental United States Centers, 65 airports with Departure Clearance services, Air Traffic Control Towers, the William J. Hughes Technical Center, and other domestic National Airspace System sites. CPDLC currently operates via the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system using VHF Data Link Mode 2 (VDL-2) protocol. The FAA anticipates establishing one or multiple 10-year contracts and is pursuing full and open competition with no set-asides under NAICS 517111 (Wired Telecommunications Carriers).
The FAA seeks vendor input on acquisition design, operational and technical requirements, performance incentives, transition strategies from DCIS, and service delivery models. The program remains technology-agnostic and will not mandate VDL Mode 2; alternative communications solutions meeting functional, performance, interoperability, security, and availability requirements are acceptable. The FAA will not establish a single integrator role and will not own or make available existing DCNS infrastructure to successor providers. A formal Screening Information Request is anticipated in Q2 FY2029.
An Industry Day is planned for late summer or early fall 2026 with details to be posted on SAM.gov. Questions must be submitted using the provided Q&A Form template to Pearl.A.Winston@FAA.gov and 9-AJO-AJM-DDLS@faa.gov. This market survey is not a solicitation or RFP; participation is voluntary with no evaluation letters or cost reimbursement.
Notice text
3 versions
Update #3 · Latest ·
Domestic Datalink Services (DDLS) FY2026 Market Survey Synopsis
Market Survey Synopsis:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data communications program office extends its appreciation to industry participants for their comprehensive and thoughtful responses to the market survey questions. Details contained in attachment '698KA8 DDLS Market Survey Synopsis 10.19.26"
Amendment 2:
Post of 698KA8-DDLS FY2026 Market Survey Question and Answer Form - FAA Response
Extension of the Market Survey Response date to 4pm EST Wednesday September 16, 2026.
Amendment 1: Extension of the Market Survey Response date to 4pm EST September 19, 2026.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a market survey to explore the development of Controller to Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) services for airports and en route airspace following the expiration of the current Data Communication Integrated Services (DCIS) contract on September 30, 2029. This market survey is not a solicitation or a request for proposal but aims to gather information from industry stakeholders to inform future acquisition strategies.
Background: CPDLC services are currently operational across all 20 Continental United States (CONUS) Centers, with Departure Clearance (DCL) services at 65 airports. These services are facilitated by the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system, which uses the Very High Frequency (VHF) Data Link Mode 2 (VDL-2) protocol for communication between air traffic controllers and FANS-equipped aircraft. The current DCIS contract is nearing its 14th year, and the FAA is considering establishing one or multiple 10-year contracts for future services.
Program Objectives: The FAA seeks to ensure excellent, reliable end-to-end performance of CPDLC, gain timely insights into message statuses, obtain affordable services, introduce new technologies seamlessly, and facilitate a risk-minimized transition from DCIS to DDLS.
Scope: The survey focuses on operational network services and associated monitoring, referred to as Data Communications Network Service (DCNS) under the current contract.
Industry Participation: The FAA invites responses from interested parties with capabilities or interest in providing CPDLC services. Respondents are encouraged to share insights on acquisition design, operations, technical topics, and transition strategies from DCIS to DDLS. Key areas of interest include incentivizing performance, introducing new technologies, ensuring accurate monitoring, addressing technical and operational challenges, and facilitating seamless transitions.
Response Guidelines: Interested parties must submit written responses in English, formatted as searchable PDFs, with "DDLS FY2026 Market Survey Response [Company Name]" in the subject line. Proprietary or confidential information should be clearly marked, and submissions should include contact details. Responses are due by September 9, 2026, and questions about the survey should be submitted by August 18, 2026.
Future Activities: The FAA plans to conduct an Industry Day in late summer or early fall, providing opportunities for one-on-one sessions with interested parties. A Screening Information Request (SIR) for DDLS requirements is anticipated for release in the second quarter of FY2029.
This market survey represents an opportunity for industry stakeholders to contribute to the shaping of future CPDLC services and to engage with the FAA in preparation for upcoming acquisition processes.
Update #2 ·
Domestic Datalink Services (DDLS) FY2026 Market Survey Synopsis
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a market survey to explore the development of Controller to Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) services for airports and en route airspace following the expiration of the current Data Communication Integrated Services (DCIS) contract on September 30, 2029. This market survey is not a solicitation or a request for proposal but aims to gather information from industry stakeholders to inform future acquisition strategies.
Background: CPDLC services are currently operational across all 20 Continental United States (CONUS) Centers, with Departure Clearance (DCL) services at 65 airports. These services are facilitated by the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system, which uses the Very High Frequency (VHF) Data Link Mode 2 (VDL-2) protocol for communication between air traffic controllers and FANS-equipped aircraft. The current DCIS contract is nearing its 14th year, and the FAA is considering establishing one or multiple 10-year contracts for future services.
Program Objectives: The FAA seeks to ensure excellent, reliable end-to-end performance of CPDLC, gain timely insights into message statuses, obtain affordable services, introduce new technologies seamlessly, and facilitate a risk-minimized transition from DCIS to DDLS.
Scope: The survey focuses on operational network services and associated monitoring, referred to as Data Communications Network Service (DCNS) under the current contract.
Industry Participation: The FAA invites responses from interested parties with capabilities or interest in providing CPDLC services. Respondents are encouraged to share insights on acquisition design, operations, technical topics, and transition strategies from DCIS to DDLS. Key areas of interest include incentivizing performance, introducing new technologies, ensuring accurate monitoring, addressing technical and operational challenges, and facilitating seamless transitions.
Response Guidelines: Interested parties must submit written responses in English, formatted as searchable PDFs, with "DDLS FY2026 Market Survey Response [Company Name]" in the subject line. Proprietary or confidential information should be clearly marked, and submissions should include contact details. Responses are due by September 9, 2026, and questions about the survey should be submitted by August 18, 2026.
Future Activities: The FAA plans to conduct an Industry Day in late summer or early fall, providing opportunities for one-on-one sessions with interested parties. A Screening Information Request (SIR) for DDLS requirements is anticipated for release in the second quarter of FY2029.
This market survey represents an opportunity for industry stakeholders to contribute to the shaping of future CPDLC services and to engage with the FAA in preparation for upcoming acquisition processes.
Update #1 ·
Domestic Datalink Services (DDLS) FY2026 Market Survey Synopsis
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a market survey to explore the development of Controller to Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) services for airports and en route airspace following the expiration of the current Data Communication Integrated Services (DCIS) contract on September 30, 2029. This market survey is not a solicitation or a request for proposal but aims to gather information from industry stakeholders to inform future acquisition strategies.
Background: CPDLC services are currently operational across all 20 Continental United States (CONUS) Centers, with Departure Clearance (DCL) services at 65 airports. These services are facilitated by the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system, which uses the Very High Frequency (VHF) Data Link Mode 2 (VDL-2) protocol for communication between air traffic controllers and FANS-equipped aircraft. The current DCIS contract is nearing its 14th year, and the FAA is considering establishing one or multiple 10-year contracts for future services.
Program Objectives: The FAA seeks to ensure excellent, reliable end-to-end performance of CPDLC, gain timely insights into message statuses, obtain affordable services, introduce new technologies seamlessly, and facilitate a risk-minimized transition from DCIS to DDLS.
Scope: The survey focuses on operational network services and associated monitoring, referred to as Data Communications Network Service (DCNS) under the current contract.
Industry Participation: The FAA invites responses from interested parties with capabilities or interest in providing CPDLC services. Respondents are encouraged to share insights on acquisition design, operations, technical topics, and transition strategies from DCIS to DDLS. Key areas of interest include incentivizing performance, introducing new technologies, ensuring accurate monitoring, addressing technical and operational challenges, and facilitating seamless transitions.
Response Guidelines: Interested parties must submit written responses in English, formatted as searchable PDFs, with "DDLS FY2026 Market Survey Response [Company Name]" in the subject line. Proprietary or confidential information should be clearly marked, and submissions should include contact details. Responses are due by August 24, 2026, and questions about the survey should be submitted by August 3, 2026.
Future Activities: The FAA plans to conduct an Industry Day in late summer or early fall, providing opportunities for one-on-one sessions with interested parties. A Screening Information Request (SIR) for DDLS requirements is anticipated for release in the second quarter of FY2029.
This market survey represents an opportunity for industry stakeholders to contribute to the shaping of future CPDLC services and to engage with the FAA in preparation for upcoming acquisition processes.
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| Opportunity | Agency | Set-aside | Responses due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Datalink Services (DDLS) FY 2027 Industry Day December 8-10, 2026 | Headquarters | No set-aside |
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