Extra Large Deployable Terminal (XLDT) Hardware and Integration Services - Request for Information (RFI)

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by the U.S. Army to gather information on industry capabilities for providing Hardware and Integration Services for the Extra Large Deployable Terminal (XLDT) system. The XLDT is a transportable, multiband satellite terminal designed to provide robust backhaul support, maintain operational resilience, and integrate advanced communication technologies for military operations. It must be scalable, modular, WGS certified, and support secure communications across various classification levels. The RFI details technical requirements, including modem enclosure design and long-term sustainment. Interested parties are asked to provide company information, feedback on the requirements, and demonstrate their capabilities in integration support, network systems engineering, engineering design, technical drawing package analysis, software development, and obtaining necessary security clearances. Responses are due by December 15, 2025, and will be used to refine a potential future Request for Proposal.

The Capability Statement for the Extra Large Deployable Terminal (XLDT) System outlines a multiband satellite terminal designed for military X/Ka and commercial Ka/Ku bands. It is WB CSSE certified, supports current and emerging waveforms, and offers extensive geographical coverage with +/- 90-degree azimuth and 0-90-degree elevation movement. The scalable and modular system supports Corps Headquarters, two divisions, and one Expeditionary Signal Battalion-Enhanced (ESB-E) at home station, and episodic operations with one Corps, two divisions, and two ESB-E. It ensures secure communication via SIPR, SBU, and coalition networks, provides robust backhaul, and maintains operational resilience at one-third capacity during RHN loss. Advanced features include Global Agile Integrated Transport (GAIT), link aggregation, and automatic link selection, integrating emerging technologies like high throughput, high compute, high storage, robust switching networking and low latency constellations. The Requirement Statement emphasizes development and fielding to military standards, performance testing, and provisions for future upgrades. It mandates integration of the VME stack and PM-introduced systems, including warranty, spare parts, and comprehensive integration/sustainment services. Logistics, sustainment plans, maintenance, training, and spare parts provisioning are critical. The system must feature a user-friendly interface and a modem enclosure for advanced modems (iDirect, CBM 400) with fiber optics and concurrent dual polarization, maximizing space and ensuring adaptability for future enhancements.