Request for Information (RFI) – Friendly Force Tracker (FFT)
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- FA8629-26-R-5008
- Agency
-
AFLCMC Wright Patterson AFB
Lifecycle Management Center, Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 334220 Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- PSC
- Not on record
- Place of performance
- Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Special Warfare Program Office, is conducting market research to identify sources capable of manufacturing or acquiring a small form factor Friendly Force Tracker (FFT)—a Low Probability of Identification/Low Probability of Detection communications device designed for dismounted operators conducting forward operations. The FFT must operate across new and emerging waveforms in previously unused frequency bands while countering near-peer detection and jamming capabilities in denied and degraded environments. Key performance parameters include physical dimensions not exceeding 5.5" x 3.5" x 2" (with an objective of 4.5" x 2.5" x 1"), a maximum weight of 9 ounces (objective: 7 ounces), AES-256 encryption, USB-C rechargeable power, and a 7-day battery life with variable transmission rates. The device must support M-Code compliance, integrate with Joint Personal Edge Compute Devices, and maintain transmission latency of 10 seconds maximum (5 seconds objective). Responses are due electronically by April 8, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern time to the AFLCMC Contracting Officer and Program Manager, with this RFI being for informational and market research purposes only and not constituting a formal solicitation.
This Pre-Solicitation Notice carries no small business set-aside designation. Prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database with NAICS code 334220 (Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing) and should include rough order of magnitude cost estimates for both units and any required development activities in their responses. Responses are limited to 15 pages and must include company information, small business certifications, product specifications, test results, delivery timeframe (12-18 months estimated), warranty terms, spare parts availability, training details, and compliance documentation for potential small business set-asides under FAR 52.219-14 and FAR 52.219-33. No specific budget range or award value has been disclosed in this market research phase. The government will use submitted information to develop its acquisition strategy, statement of work, and performance specifications for future procurement actions.
Notice text
2 versions
Update #2 · Latest ·
This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.
The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special Warfare (SW) Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) and Contracting Office (AFLCMC/WISK) are conducting market research to identify possible sources that can manufacture/acquire a small form factor Low Probability of Identification (LPI) / Low Probability of Detection (LPD) Friendly Force Tracker (FFT). Tracker should be capable of operating across a range of new and/or emerging waveforms operating in and out of previously unused bands, which have not been highlighted by overuse, or exploited by the pacing threat.
USAF dismounted operators deploy at or near the forward edge to conduct operations, operations include tactical control of airborne strike assets, special tactics, and assault zone operations. These may require staging at forward operating sites up to 250 nautical miles (NM) from main operating bases and command and control (C2) nodes to support Combat Air Forces. Forward operating sites may face enemy attempts to locate friendly forces through electromagnetic emissions from line of sight (LOS)/Over the Horizon (OTH) communications, and global positioning systems jamming. Adapting communications capability to counter near peer detection and jamming capabilities is essential to ensure uncontested access and the ability to freely maneuver throughout the range of military operations around the globe. This capability will allow dismounted operators to maneuver through denied and degraded frequency environments.
This is a Request for Information (RFI) only to identify potential sources for the solution. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as creating such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.
Please see attachment for further details and instructions on how to respond to this Request for Information. Additionally, the response deadline has been extended to Noon 15 April 2026.
Update #1 ·
This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.
The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special Warfare (SW) Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) and Contracting Office (AFLCMC/WISK) are conducting market research to identify possible sources that can manufacture/acquire a small form factor Low Probability of Identification (LPI) / Low Probability of Detection (LPD) Friendly Force Tracker (FFT). Tracker should be capable of operating across a range of new and/or emerging waveforms operating in and out of previously unused bands, which have not been highlighted by overuse, or exploited by the pacing threat.
USAF dismounted operators deploy at or near the forward edge to conduct operations, operations include tactical control of airborne strike assets, special tactics, and assault zone operations. These may require staging at forward operating sites up to 250 nautical miles (NM) from main operating bases and command and control (C2) nodes to support Combat Air Forces. Forward operating sites may face enemy attempts to locate friendly forces through electromagnetic emissions from line of sight (LOS)/Over the Horizon (OTH) communications, and global positioning systems jamming. Adapting communications capability to counter near peer detection and jamming capabilities is essential to ensure uncontested access and the ability to freely maneuver throughout the range of military operations around the globe. This capability will allow dismounted operators to maneuver through denied and degraded frequency environments.
This is a Request for Information (RFI) only to identify potential sources for the solution. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as creating such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.
Please see attachment for further details and instructions on how to respond to this Request for Information.
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Request for Information 26R5008 - FFT.pdf |
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