Theater Deployable Communications Agile Communications Package - Enhanced (TDC ACP-E)

The Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center at Hanscom Air Force Base is seeking enhanced deployable communications solutions through the Theater Deployable Communications Agile Communications Package - Enhanced (TDC ACP-E) program. This pre-solicitation notice requests information from contractors regarding tactical mesh network solutions that can connect compute and store edge nodes across terrestrial and non-terrestrial platforms globally, extending the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) to provide warfighters with flexible, lightweight, and modular communications capabilities. The government seeks three solution sets for operational evaluation: a mesh-enabled scenario, a non-mesh scenario, and a third solution connecting to an Air Force cloud instance, with key technical requirements including minimum 100 Mbps aggregate throughput across a 10-mile radius and MILSPEC810 certified mesh radios with NSA-approved encryption. The procurement approach involves a "try, decide, buy" rapid-prototyping methodology to establish procurement paths for improved versions beyond FY26. The response deadline for this Request for Information has been extended to November 6, 2025, with responses limited to 10-page Microsoft Word documents submitted via email to specified Air Force contacts.

This opportunity does not include any set-aside designations and no incumbent contractors are specifically identified in the documentation. The government is requesting rough order of magnitude pricing for supporting 12 sites with ACP-E equipment, with each site having 3 Field Adaptable Communications Terminals (FACTs) that can detach and relocate to separate physical locations while maintaining network connectivity. The hardware specifications require transit cases weighing 66 pounds or less and equipment that is worldwide power compatible. The current system inventory includes various PacStar servers, Cisco networking equipment, and multiple software platforms for network management and security. While no specific contract values are disclosed in this pre-solicitation phase, the government emphasizes this is purely market research that does not guarantee future contract solicitation. The operational evaluation will assess overall capability, data flow performance, disconnected operation capabilities, and multiple backhaul connectivity options.