Request for Information (RFI) - Next Generation Audio Kit

Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted

Solicitation number
FA8629-26-R-5014
Agency
Responses due
Set-aside
No set-aside

Opportunity facts

PSC
Not on record
Place of performance
Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, United States

Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .

About this opportunity

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Special Warfare Program Office at Wright Patterson Air Force Base is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify sources for a Next Generation Audio Kit for personnel recovery operations, with responses due by May 29, 2026. This is a sources-sought notice for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to procure; the Government will not reimburse response preparation costs.

The required capability addresses communication and situational awareness gaps during personnel recovery operations across fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft, and ground forces. The system must be a small, lightweight, portable, rugged, and configurable body-worn audio suite integrating existing Guardian Angel radios (AN/PRC-163/117G/167) with 100% compatibility. Each kit includes headsets, push-to-talk switches, cabling, and accessories. While separate land and maritime headsets are acceptable, a single headset meeting both environmental requirements is preferred.

Key Performance Parameters include headsets providing at least 20 dB mean attenuation (threshold) or 30 dB (objective) per ANSI S3.19-1974; multi-channel capability monitoring two simultaneous radio channels (threshold) or four channels (objective); MIL-STD-810G durability; saltwater submersion ratings of 2 meters for 30 minutes to 2 hours (land) and 10 meters for 1 hour to 10 hours (maritime); IP67-rated cabling; and short-range communication features operating 10–15 meters without radio transmission. Responses must not exceed 15 pages and should include company data, small business certifications, product specifications with test results, cost estimates, warranty and spare parts information, training details, risk assessments, and evidence of Government contract performance or commercial availability. Submit electronically to Jamie Sclafani (Contracting Officer) and Grace Chard (Program Manager). Prospective contractors must be registered in SAM.

Notice text

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 enhance communication and situational awareness for personnel during personnel recovery operations.  

Currently, personnel face challenges in maintaining reliable, interoperable communication across various platforms (fixed-wing, rotary-wing, ground forces) and environments. Existing audio components (headsets, push-to-talks, and cabling) lack full functionality, hindering situational awareness, personnel accountability, and effective communication. This capability gap necessitates a small, lightweight portable, rugged, and configurable body-worn system that integrates existing dismounted radios, providing a robust communication suite for real-time information sharing and enhanced operator safety. Two different headsets, one for land and one for maritime, will be accepted but having one headset that fulfills both environmental requirements is ideal. 

PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND INFORMATION ON HOW TO RESPOND TO THIS RFI.

Files

Similar open opportunities

Opportunity Agency Set-aside Responses due
Next Generation Operational Control System (NGOCS) Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States · NAICS 541512 AFLCMC Wright Patterson AFB No set-aside
Request for Information (RFI) – Short Range / Short Endurance Reconnaissance DC2 Integration Small Unmanned Aerial System Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States · NAICS 336411 AFLCMC Wright Patterson AFB No set-aside
Request for Information - Kinetic Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, United States · NAICS 334511 AFLCMC Wright Patterson AFB No set-aside
RFI - Contractor Support Approaches for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems NAICS 336411 AFLCMC Wright Patterson AFB No set-aside
Integrated GOTS/NDI Systems and COTS Modular Enablers & Building Blocks Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio 45433, United States Air Force Research Laboratory No set-aside

On GovTribe

Work this opportunity

  • Track it in your pipeline
  • Find teaming partners
  • Similar opportunities
  • Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity