Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fit Radios

The Handheld, Manpack, and Small Form Fit Radios (HMS) program is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed by the Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T) of the U.S. Army. Operating under the Major Capability Acquisition pathway with an Acquisition Category IC designation, the program procures tactical communications equipment including manpack radios, leader radios, and associated components to support Department of Defense communications requirements. The program utilizes a series of multiple-award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicles, including the PEO-C3T Manpack Radios 2016-2026 contract.

Contract awards under this program typically range from $1 million to $265 million with performance periods between 1-7 years. The primary contractors are L3Harris Technologies (operating through its Rochester, NY facility), Rockwell Collins/Collins Aerospace Government Systems, and Thales Defense & Security. Notable subcontractors include R.A. Miller Industries, Bren-Tronics, Fischer Connectors, and Jardon & Howard Technologies. The majority of awards are firm-fixed-price delivery orders issued by the Army PEO C3T, with occasional contracts from the Air Force and Marine Corps. Products procured include Manpack Generation 2 radios, Leader radios, human-machine interfaces, technical manuals, and field service representative support. Most contracts do not utilize set-aside designations, though a small number of ancillary equipment purchases are set aside for small businesses. The program encompasses both low-rate initial production and full-rate production contracts, with significant awards made for testing and risk reduction activities.