Sources Sought: For Ionospheric Ground Sensors (IGS) Sustaining and Engineering Support Request for Information (RFI)
ID: FA8815-26-R-0001Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8815 SUSTAINMENT SN SSC/PKLPETERSON SFB, CO, 80914, USA

NAICS

Engineering Services (541330)

PSC

SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: ENGINEERING/TECHNICAL (R425)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/90e7ca847b5240fe9bc7d9506d8b3cee/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking information from commercial entities capable of providing sustaining and engineering support for the Ionospheric Ground Sensors (IGS) program. This procurement aims to identify companies that can deliver maintenance, specialized engineering support, installation, and sustainment for the Next Generation Ionosonde (NEXION) and Ionospheric Scintillation Total Electron Content (TEC) Observer (ISTO) systems, which are critical for characterizing the space weather environment and supporting various defense operations. The selected contractors will be responsible for tasks such as site surveys, spectrum analysis, cybersecurity compliance, and system troubleshooting, with a focus on ensuring the operational readiness of IGS installations globally. Interested parties are encouraged to respond by January 12, 2026, and should direct inquiries to Chaz Wisuri at chaz.wisuri@spaceforce.mil or Ryan Hart at ryan.hart.23@spaceforce.mil.

    Files
    Title
    Posted
    IGS Overview Brief for Sources Sought RFI 10 Dec 25.pptx
    The document outlines the mission, purpose, and technical specifications of the Next Generation Ionosonde (NEXION) and Ionospheric Scintillation Total Electron Content (TEC) Observer (ISTO) as part of the Ionospheric Ground Sensors (IGS) program. IGS installs and maintains these sensors globally to characterize the space weather environment, providing data to the Space Weather Analysis and Forecast System (SWAFS)/Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Environmental Toolkit – 4 Defense (SET-4D) for modeling and forecasting ionospheric conditions. This data mitigates impacts on HF/UHF communications, radar, collection activities, and GPS services. NEXION is an unclassified, COTS unmanned vertical incidence radar that collects bottom-side ionospheric measurements, sweeping through high-frequency radio bands to produce electron density profiles. It provides global coverage from 60-1500km with specific data latency thresholds. ISTO is an unclassified, unmanned, remotely operated receive-only sensor, utilizing COTS hardware and GOTS software to measure ionospheric scintillation (S4 parameter) and TEC using GPS and UHF receivers. It is a configuration-controlled version of AFRL's SCINDA system. The document details system parameters, operations, data flow, and hardware for both NEXION and ISTO, including physical footprints and power requirements for ISTO.
    IGS Sources Sought RFI 12.10.25.pdf
    The United States Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) has issued a Sources Sought/Request for Information (RFI) for Ionospheric Ground Sensors (IGS) Sustaining and Engineering Support. The RFI seeks to identify commercial companies capable of providing maintenance, specialized engineering support, installation, and sustainment for IGS, which includes Next Generation Ionosonde (NEXION) and Ionospheric Scintillation Total Electron Content (TEC) Observer (ISTO) systems globally. Key tasks involve site surveys, spectrum analysis, installation, cybersecurity compliance, periodic and unscheduled maintenance, troubleshooting, and system hardware/software engineering. The government is particularly interested in capabilities to sustain, install, field, and test NEXION and ISTO sites, as well as experience with similar space weather systems. Responses are encouraged from all businesses, especially small and small disadvantaged businesses, and must be submitted by January 12, 2026, to Mr. Chaz Wisuri.
    Similar Opportunities
    Request for Information (RFI) Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Geosynchronous Wide Field of View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) Sensor
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for a Geosynchronous Wide Field of View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) Sensor, aimed at enhancing space domain awareness capabilities. This RFI seeks industry input on sensors capable of detecting resident space objects at visual magnitudes of 14.5 and above, with a particular interest in those that can achieve detection at 16+ visual magnitude, while performing wide-area volume searches efficiently. The initiative is critical for developing a constellation of free-flyer Space Vehicles equipped with EO payloads to support geo-based surveillance operations. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses, which should include technical and programmatic information, by January 9, 2025, to the primary contact, Tobias Richards, at tobias.richards.1@spaceforce.mil, or by phone at 310-653-9416.
    REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: AFLCMC/WING IMAGING AND TARGETING SUPPORT FISCAL YEAR 2027
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/WIN), is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on next-generation airborne Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) capabilities for its Wing Imaging and Targeting Support (I&TS) program for Fiscal Year 2027. The RFI aims to identify promising technologies and projects that can enhance the Air Force's GEOINT sensors and sensemaking capabilities, focusing on three specific mission areas outlined in the 2024 US Air Force Chief of Staff One Force Design document. Interested parties are invited to submit white papers and tri-charts, particularly in the realm of quantum sensing technologies, with projects expected to have a budget of less than $2.5 million annually and a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4-6, aiming for TRL 6 or higher. Submissions are due by January 19, 2026, at 1600 EST, and a virtual Industry Day will be held on December 15, 2025; for inquiries, contact the Program Manager at AFLCMC.WING.ITS@us.af.mil.
    GEOINT/Infrastructure Field Support System Maintenance
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is conducting market research to identify potential sources for the GEOINT/Infrastructure Field Support System Maintenance contract. This procurement aims to secure services for system maintenance, administration, and management in support of the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System (AF DCGS), which includes responsibilities for sensor management and ground system maintenance during Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The contract is crucial for ensuring operational readiness and effective management of geospatial intelligence systems, with a performance period spanning from March 29, 2027, to March 28, 2032. Interested contractors are encouraged to submit their capabilities documentation to Barry Frank at barry.frank@us.af.mil or James Jackson at james.jackson.44.ctr@us.af.mil, as participation in this market research does not guarantee future contract awards.
    Request for Information AFLCMC/WIN manages the USAF Imaging & Targeting Support (I&TS) portfolio supporting the Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Capabilities Working Group (GCWG). The GCWG manages and plans AF airborne GEOINT Capabilities RDT&E investments
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/WIN), is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) to identify promising technologies for the Imaging & Targeting Support (I&TS) portfolio, which supports the Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) Capabilities Working Group (GCWG). The objective is to solicit innovative projects that enhance Air Force airborne GEOINT capabilities, focusing on technologies with an initial Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4-6 and aiming to achieve TRL 6 or higher, with funding requirements capped at $2.5 million per year for projects lasting one to two years. This initiative is crucial for developing next-generation sensor and processing capabilities that adapt to evolving mission sets and threats, aligning with the Air Force's strategic goals outlined in the Chief of Staff's One Force Design document. Interested parties should submit white papers and tri-charts by 1600 EST on January 19, 2026, and can contact the primary representative, WING PM, at AFLCMC.WING.ITS@us.af.mil for further information.
    INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, ANDRECONNAISSANCE (ISR) SYSTEMS AND INFORMATION OPERATIONS (IO) FROM SEABED TO SPACE (S2ISR)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific, is preparing to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems and Information Operations (IO) from Seabed to Space (S2ISR). This procurement aims to develop and field advanced ISR systems that enhance communication, surveillance, and security capabilities while addressing evolving threats, including support for unmanned systems related to chemical, nuclear, biological, and radiological elements. The anticipated contract will involve multiple indefinite-delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts with a seven-year ordering period, and the final RFP is expected to be released no earlier than November 21, 2025. Interested parties can reach out to Carl Odom at carl.n.odom.civ@us.navy.mil or by phone at 619-553-4454 for further information.
    Implementation of Advanced Government Simulation Capabilities (IAGSC)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking industry participation for the Implementation of Advanced Government Simulation Capabilities (IAGSC) through a Sources Sought notice. This initiative aims to acquire non-personal services for software development, modeling and simulation integration, advanced research and development, cybersecurity measures, and lifecycle software testing, all critical for enhancing the capabilities of various DoD systems. The anticipated contract will be a Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with a ceiling of approximately $750 million, and it is expected to span a five-year ordering period with an additional five-year option. Interested parties must submit their responses, including a capabilities white paper and feedback on the draft Performance Work Statement, by March 28, 2025, and are encouraged to participate in an Industry Day scheduled for April 15, 2025, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. For further inquiries, contact Carmen Mertz at carmen.mertz@us.af.mil or Austin Hurst at austin.hurst.2@us.af.mil.
    Fixed Base Weather Observation System (FBWOS) Program AN/FMQ-23 Production
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking sources for the production of the Fixed Base Weather Observation System (FBWOS) Program AN/FMQ-23. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to identify companies capable of producing the AN/FMQ-23 weather systems, which are essential for accurately measuring and reporting various weather parameters in compliance with Department of Defense and Air Force standards. The production of these systems is critical for automated weather observations, supporting military operations and decision-making. Interested parties are encouraged to submit a capabilities package detailing their experience, production capacity, and compliance with ITAR by October 17, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Kathryn Mackessy at kathryn.mackessy@us.af.mil or Capt Christopher Thier at christopher.thier@us.af.mil.
    Request for Information - Man-Portable Direction Finding System - REVISED
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is conducting market research to identify potential sources for a Man-Portable Direction Finding (DF) System intended for Special Warfare operations. This system is crucial for Guardian Angel teams to rapidly locate isolated personnel emitting radio frequency (RF) signals, enhancing their operational effectiveness in critical situations. Key requirements for the system include high direction finding accuracy, a broad frequency range of 500 KHz to 6 GHz, a lightweight and rugged design, and interoperability with existing equipment, among other capabilities. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses detailing product capabilities and associated costs by January 2, 2026, to Jamie Sclafani at jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil.
    Sources Sought Synopsis: Repair of the GPS Power System
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is conducting a Sources Sought Synopsis to identify potential sources for the repair of the GPS Power System, focusing on electronic and radio components for the AN/FRC-178 system. The Government is seeking small businesses, including those classified as 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned, HUBZone, and Women-Owned, to participate in a 5-year Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) firm-fixed price contract for this work. Interested contractors must demonstrate their ability to obtain or create the necessary resources to perform repairs, as the technical data is currently owned by X Technologies, Inc. Responses are due by January 5, 2026, at 12:00 PM MST, and should be directed to Valerie Humphries at valerie.humphries@us.af.mil.
    Ground Based Radar Digitization (GBRD) Industry Day Site Visit
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the U.S. Space Force (USSF), is hosting an Industry Day on January 7, 2026, at Cape Cod Space Force Station to discuss the Ground Based Radar Digitization (GBRD) program. This initiative aims to modernize six radar sites, including five Upgraded Early Warning Radars and one Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System, by digitizing legacy systems to enhance space domain awareness, improve radar performance, reduce sustainment costs, and address obsolescence. The USSF is particularly interested in industry solutions that leverage open-system architectures, utilize Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technology, and incorporate existing digital receiver technology. Interested parties must RSVP and complete a site access request by December 17, 2025, and contact Ms. Tracy Anderson at tracy.anderson.4@spaceforce.mil for further information.