Single-Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System-VHF

The Single-Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System-VHF (SINCGARS) is a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) managed under the Major Capability Acquisition pathway. Operating as an Acquisition Category IC program, SINCGARS provides tactical VHF radio communications capabilities for ground and airborne platforms across the Department of Defense. The program encompasses the procurement, maintenance, and ongoing development of radio systems, associated installation kits, and support equipment.

Contract awards under SINCGARS range from small purchase orders for cables and installation kits ($3,000-$150,000) to major system procurement contracts exceeding $450 million. Primary contractors include L3Harris Technologies (formerly Harris Corporation), Thales Defense & Security, and Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, with typical contract performance periods of 12-36 months. The majority of awards are firm-fixed-price delivery orders, though some engineering services and field support are contracted under time-and-materials terms. The U.S. Army serves as the primary funding agency, particularly through the Program Executive Office Command Control Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T) and Army Materiel Command. While most contracts have no set-aside designation, some smaller components and installation kits are sourced through total small business set-asides. Key deliverables include RT-1478 and RT-1523 series radios, vehicle installation kits, airborne radio systems, circuit card assemblies, wiring harnesses, and worldwide field service representative support.