Missile Field Cellular Communications
ID: FA8219-25-MFCCType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8219 AFNWC PZBGHILL AFB, UT, 84056-5837, USA

NAICS

Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (517112)

PSC

IT and Telecom - Network: Satellite Communications and Telecom Access Services (DG11)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Air Force, is seeking information from qualified firms regarding the implementation of a 5G cellular communications network for the Sentinel Weapon System, focusing on missile field operations at Malmstrom, Minot, and FE Warren Air Force Bases. The objective is to enhance operational command and control (OC2) capabilities for mobile security and maintenance personnel, ensuring robust communication for voice, data, and imagery at the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) level. This initiative is critical for maintaining effective communication infrastructure within U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile fields, reflecting the government's proactive approach to exploring modern telecommunications solutions. Interested parties must submit their responses by May 16, 2025, with a limit of ten pages, and can direct inquiries to Ken Tilby at kenneth.tilby@us.af.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The Request for Information (RFI) dated April 11, 2025, seeks input on the implementation of 5G cellular communications for the Sentinel Weapon System's missile field operations, including command and control of security and maintenance personnel. The RFI emphasizes market research rather than a proposal solicitation, clarifying that it does not obligate the government to any contracts or reimbursements. Key inquiries focus on the design and maintenance of both public and private 5G networks across designated missile field regions (Malmstrom, Minot, FE Warren), requiring capabilities for handling controlled unclassified information (CUI). Respondents must address existing coverage, resource requirements, compliance with various cybersecurity specifications, and provide a timeline for achieving operational capabilities. Responses are due by May 16, 2025, and are limited to ten pages. All submissions will become the government’s property and should include various company identification details and permissions related to proprietary data sharing. The overarching goal of this RFI is to assess the industry’s capacity to enhance communication infrastructure crucial for U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile fields.
    The Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather insights on the implementation of 5G cellular network architecture for the Sentinel Weapon System, specifically to enhance operational command and control (OC2) for missile field communications. This RFI focuses on mobile security and maintenance personnel across Malmstrom, Minot, and FE Warren missile fields, requiring systems that manage voice, data, and imagery at the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Level. Respondents are requested to detail their capabilities to design, deploy, and maintain both public and private 5G networks, as well as provide comprehensive coverage assessments for a combined area of 42,000 square miles, potentially incorporating existing infrastructure. Additionally, submissions must align with stringent cybersecurity standards and outline necessary timelines for implementation. All responses must be submitted by May 16, 2025, emphasizing that this is purely an information-seeking initiative, with no contractual obligations or requests for proposals involved. The information remains confidential and will be used solely for governmental market research regarding 5G capabilities for U.S. intercontinental ballistic missile fields.
    The U.S. Air Force issued a Request for Information (RFI) to explore commercial options for implementing a 5G cellular network for the Sentinel Weapon System. This initiative aims to enhance operational command and control of missile field mobile security and maintenance personnel by ensuring robust communication capabilities for voice, data, and imagery at the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Level. The RFI seeks input on the design, deployment, and maintenance of both public and private 5G networks in three specific geographic areas: Malmstrom, Minot, and FE Warren Missile Fields. Interested parties are encouraged to provide detailed technical responses, including timelines and resource requirements for establishing these networks. Responses are due by May 16, 2025, and must be unclassified. The document emphasizes that this is strictly for information gathering, with no commitment to contract issuance, while also outlining necessary compliance with cybersecurity standards. Overall, the RFI reflects the government’s proactive approach to assess market capabilities for modern communication technologies in support of national defense operations.
    The Request for Information (RFI) issued on April 11, 2025, seeks to gather information on the implementation of 5G cellular networks for the U.S. Government's Sentinel Weapon System, particularly for missile field communications at Malmstrom, Minot, and FE Warren missile fields. The RFI outlines the need for a robust communications system that supports operational command and control (OC2) at the Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) level, specifically capable of transmitting voice, data, and imagery. Respondents are invited to demonstrate their ability to design and deploy both public and private 5G networks, address coverage gaps across approximately 42,000 square miles, and adhere to specific cybersecurity standards. The document stipulates that this RFI serves informational purposes only, with no commitment from the Government to pursue proposals or reimburse expenses incurred during the response process. Interested parties must submit their responses by May 2, 2025, within a 10-page limit, and include company information along with a permission statement for the release of RFI responses to designated government contractors. Overall, this RFI underlines the Government’s commitment to exploring advanced telecommunications solutions for critical military operations.
    The Missile Field Cellular Communications Request for Information (RFI) addresses the need for alternative solutions to current communications requirements on the Sentinel Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract. The existing contract is with Northrop Grumman (FA8219-20-C-0006), indicating that there is an incumbent contractor performing similar work. The government is exploring potential breakout opportunities to enhance or replace the existing capabilities. The core focus is on assessing different proposals that could meet the critical communication needs within missile field operations, demonstrating a proactive approach to explore various solutions and foster competition in fulfilling government requirements.
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