Free Space Optics (FSO)

GENERAL INFORMATION

This RFI initiates market research under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10.002(b) (2) (iii). This RFI is a market research tool to determine the availability and adequacy of potential solutions prior to determining the acquisition strategy and issuance of Request for Proposals/Quotations or Request for White Papers. The Government will not reimburse for any information received from potential sources in response to this RFI. This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals or a commitment by the Government. The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for, or award, a competitive or sole source contract. 

1. DESCRIPTION

PM TCE fields and sustains tactical communications systems that enable secure, reliable, and interoperable communications across the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Free Space Optics (FSO) technology provides high-capacity wireless links by transmitting data using light in the optical spectrum through the atmosphere. FSO offers the potential for high throughput, low latency, and low probability of detection/interception in denied or contested environments.

P/S

FSO requires a clear, unobstructed line-of-sight between terminals to function effectively. For the purposes of this RFI, systems of interest include packable expeditionary FSO solutions that can be transported using a two-person lift per major component and are deployable in all potential Marine Corps operational environments, including:

- Littoral and maritime operations.

- Desert, mountain, and arctic environments.

- Jungle and high-humidity conditions.

- Urban and austere terrain.

- Day/night and adverse weather conditions (fog, dust, rain, heat, cold).

The USMC seeks to evaluate emerging FSO systems for potential integration into tactical communications architectures, either as stand-alone transport links or as part of a hybrid transport network with other LOS capabilities.

1. BACKGROUND

PM TCE fields and sustains tactical communications systems that enable secure, reliable, and interoperable communications across the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Free Space Optics (FSO) technology enables high-capacity, low-latency communications by transmitting modulated light signals through the atmosphere without the need for physical fiber or radio frequency spectrum.

For the purposes of this RFI, FSO systems of interest are those designed for expeditionary deployment by Marine Corps forces in all potential operational environments, including contested and austere conditions. Systems should be capable of transport by no more than a two-person lift per major component and packaged for protection during tactical movement.

Operationally relevant FSO systems typically:

Are man-portable or transportable in rugged transit cases suitable for tactical and shipboard handling.

Have a total system weight that can be handled by two or fewer personnel per major component.

Can be set up and struck within 60 minutes by a small team (≤3 personnel).

Operate from standard AC power sources or tactical DC power supplies.

Provide reliable communications over operationally relevant ranges for line-of-sight applications in day, night, and adverse weather conditions.

Include automatic or assisted alignment/tracking features to maintain link integrity in dynamic field conditions.

The USMC seeks to evaluate emerging FSO solutions for potential integration into existing tactical communications architectures to augment current capabilities and provide high-throughput, low-latency connectivity without reliance on traditional RF spectrum.

1. Response Format

Responses should be prepared in accordance with the following guidelines:

• Utilizing either Word (.docx, 2013 or newer) or Adobe (.pdf) software
• Times New Roman 12 (or larger) font, single-spaced, single-sided pages, including tables, on 8.5 by 11 inches paper.
• A font size smaller than 12 may be used in figures and drawings, but type shall be clearly legible. 
• Margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right) shall be at least 1 inch.
• The page limit is 10 pages, and does not include the cover page or attachments
• A cover sheet that includes:
  • Project title;
  • Company name;
  • Product name(s)
  • Primary point of contact, including name, address, phone and e-mail contact information; and
  • Date of submission.
• Completed Attachment 1

1. Technical Information

Responses should contain the following information:

Technical Capabilities

• Operating wavelengths and optical power output
• Data rates and link ranges under clear and degraded weather conditions (fog, rain, dust, snow)
• SWaP characteristics: total system weight, number of transit cases, power requirements, environmental compliance
• Setup/tear-down times and manpower requirements
• Alignment and tracking capabilities (manual, assisted, or automatic)
• Network interfaces, QoS, security features (e.g., FIPS 140-3 validated encryption, RMF compliance)
• Optical beam divergence, modulation format, and error correction methods
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL)

Operational Considerations

• Integration with USMC/Joint/Coalition C4I architectures
• Resilience in degraded visual environments (e.g., smoke, haze, battlefield obscurants)
• Transportability options (man-portable, two-person lift, vehicle-mounted)
• Training and sustainment support requirements

Business and Contracting Information

• Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing
• Available contract vehicles
• Estimated production lead times
• Intellectual property/licensing considerations

1. ADMINISTRATION

Questions and requests for clarifications on this RFI may be submitted to deshawn.gaines@usmc.mil with a courtesy copy to leigh.a.romo.civ@usmc.mil no later than Friday, 11 Sept 2025 at 11:59 pm, local time, Quantico, Virginia. Answers will be provided to all interested parties no later than Friday, 19 Sept 2025.  

1. RFI RESPONSES

Interested parties are requested to provide responses meeting the requirements described in Section 4 and provide a completed copy of Attachment 1 before sending the requested information via Department of Defense (DoD) SAFE (http://safe.apps.mil) to tracy.canty@usmc.mil, william.g.drew1@usmc.mil, deshawn.gaines@usmc.mil no later than the closing date provided in paragraph 1. Information packages and all inquiries shall be encrypted on DoD SAFE using the encryption key “DueDate100320251159PM.” Once the document has been sent, please email a notice WITHOUT ATTACHMENTS to deshawn.gaines@usmc.mil and with a courtesy copy to  leigh.a.romo.civ@usmc.mil indicating a drop has been made.  Please place attention: “Response to RFI# M67854-23-I-2033” in the subject line of your e-mail. After reviewing comments, the Government may set up a teleconference to discuss.

Vendors submitting confidential business information or proprietary information bear the sole responsibility for appropriately marking the information.

1. NOTICE

Vendors are advised, the Government may use non-government personnel to assist in collecting and reviewing market information and in providing technical advice to the HCC team.  Proprietary information submitted in response to this RFI will be protected from unauthorized disclosure as required by Subsection 27 of the Office of Procurement Policy Act, as amended (41 U.S.C. 423) (hereinafter referred to as “the Procurement Integrity Act,” or “the Act”), and as implemented in the FAR.  Supporting personnel are procurement officials within the meaning of the Act and will take all necessary action to preclude unauthorized use or disclosure of vendor’s proprietary data.

By submitting a response, a company will be deemed to understand that, and agree to, the Government allowing its support contractor, with the appropriate Non-Disclosure Agreement in place, to access any information submitted in relation to this RFI.