RFI - Deployable Tactical Communications
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- FA489026TacticalComms
- Agency
-
Air Combat Command
Air Force, Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 541715 Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
- PSC
- Not on record
- Place of performance
- Hampton, Virginia, United States
- Points of contact
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Air Combat Command (ACC) Acquisition Management and Integration Center (AMIC) is soliciting information from qualified vendors regarding innovative and readily deployable tactical communications solutions designed to support expeditionary operations in contested, forward-deployed environments. This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for market research purposes to evaluate commercial capabilities and identify market practices, with no obligation to award a contract. The primary technological focus encompasses four key areas: communication infrastructure hardware and software for multi-path transport networks (including SATCOM, line-of-sight radio, 5G/LTE, and HF/UHF systems), networking capabilities such as routing, switching, edge computing, and quality-of-service management in dynamic environments, security solutions utilizing zero trust architectures and encryption protocols, and classified mobile solutions leveraging the Commercial Solutions for Classified framework to provide secure SIPRNET access. The ultimate objective is to develop a system that is more user-friendly and administratively efficient than the current NG WINDAR-S solution while complying with NSA Mobile architecture standards. Responses are due by February 25, 2026, and all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be incurred solely at the respondent's expense.
This RFI does not utilize set-aside designations and does not constitute a commitment to issue a future Request for Proposal, nor does it preclude vendors from participating in any subsequent competitive solicitation. No incumbent contractors or award values are identified in this pre-solicitation notice. The lack of response to this RFI will not prevent vendors from submitting proposals if the government proceeds with a formal procurement action. Interested parties should note that the government will not accept unsolicited proposals in response to this RFI and that all information provided during this market research phase is subject to change. This opportunity is categorized under NAICS 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) and represents an initial information-gathering phase for the Air Force's tactical communications modernization efforts.
Notice text
1. Description: The Air Combat Command (ACC) Acquisition Management and Integration Center (AMIC) is seeking information from qualified vendors regarding innovative and readily deployable tactical communications solutions to support expeditionary operations in contested, forward-deployed environments.
1.1: This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and all information provided is subject to change. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment to issue one in the future. This RFI is primarily to conduct Market Research which will enable the USAF to determine the availability of commercial capabilities and to identify and evaluate market practices.
1.2: This RFI does not obligate the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever, and all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be incurred solely at the respondent’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if issued. The Government will not accept unsolicited proposals in response to this RFI.
1.3: The primary focus for this RFI is on technologies that can readily demonstrate:
- Communication Infrastructure: Hardware and software for establishing multi-path transport networks (SATCOM, LOS radio, 5G/LTE, HF/UHF).
- Networking Capabilities: Capabilities for routing, switching, edge computing, application-level QoS, and managing network traffic in dynamic environments.
- Security Solutions: Zero Trust architectures, encryption, authentication, access control, cyber resiliency, and secure cross-domain data sharing; centralized management and health monitoring of communications equipment fleet is desired.
- Classified Solutions: Mobile solution leveraging Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) framework to provide secure SIPRNET access. The goal is to create a system more user-friendly and administratively efficient than the current NG WINDAR-S solution, while adhering to the architecture defined in the NSA's Mobile Access Capability Package (MACP).
- Antenna Systems: Deployable antenna systems that utilize low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD) techniques.
- Power Solutions: Reliable, portable, and efficient power solutions (SWaP-optimized, battery, generator-compatible).
- Integration Services: Capabilities for integrating with a government-provided network backbone and existing military systems.
2. Requested Information: Interested parties should respond with a maximum of 10 pages, including any diagrams or images, detailing a solution or solutions that show:
- Rapid Deployability: Easily and quickly deployable by a small team, achieving “wheels down to comms up” within minutes.
- Resilience and Reliability: Resilient to jamming and interference, with capabilities for autonomous failover and contested spectrum operations.
- Security: Provide robust security features, such as Zero Trust security principles, cyber resiliency, segmentation, and automated recovery.
- Interoperability: Interoperable with existing USAF infrastructure and demonstrate cross-domain data sharing capabilities.
- Scalability: Scalable to support varying numbers of users and operational demands.
- Low Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP): Minimize SWaP to facilitate deployment and mobility.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly and require minimal training and operator intervention.
- System Maturity: Technical Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or above.
3. Submission Instructions: Responses should be submitted via email, using subject line “RFI Submission - Deployable Tactical Comms – Company Name” to:
Christine Banks at christine.banks.5@us.af.mil
Nicole Black at aimee.black@us.af.mil
Submissions are due no later than February 25, 2026 at 1500 Eastern.
4. Summary: THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY to identify sources that can provide innovative and readily deployable tactical communications solutions to support expeditionary operations in contested, forward-deployed environments. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.
Similar open opportunities
On GovTribe
Work this opportunity
- Track it in your pipeline
- Find teaming partners
- Similar opportunities
- Ask GovTribe AI about this opportunity