Request for Information - Link 16 Ground Station

The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces Directorate, Special Warfare Program Office is conducting market research to identify sources capable of providing a portable Link-16 ground station system. The system must facilitate data communication between Link-16 and SADL-equipped aircraft and Air Support Operations Center operators and Tactical Air Control Party personnel, while operating gateway control and mission software on two concurrent channels including a Small Tactical Terminal for Link-16 communications and a second channel for VMF operations. Key requirements include the ability to provide a common operating picture to the TACP weapon system, forward tracks between Link-16 and SADL networks, support JREAP-A and JREAP-C connections, filter and disseminate tracks across echelons, and exchange J-series messages via IP transmissions over IP networks. The radio case must meet dimensional specifications of 24" x 21" x 10", achieve operational availability between 0.96 and 0.98, and integrate GPS capabilities for subcomponent operations. Vendors must submit electronic responses by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on October 25, 2025, with responses limited to ten pages and including detailed product information, technical specifications, potential improvements, and company data; all respondents must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

This request for information constitutes market research only and does not constitute a binding solicitation or procurement commitment, with the government indicating it will not reimburse expenses associated with response preparation. No set-aside designations have been applied to this opportunity, and no incumbent contractor or award value information is provided in this pre-solicitation notice. The RFI encourages broad industry participation from both U.S. and non-U.S. firms interested in developing or providing this communications equipment. The posted date of September 25, 2025, provides interested parties with approximately two months to prepare and submit their responses prior to the October 25, 2025, deadline. Information submitted in response to this RFI may inform the government's acquisition strategy, statement of work or statement of objectives, and performance specifications for a future formal solicitation.