Request for Information - Man-Portable Direction Finding System - REVISED
ID: FA8629-25-R-5053Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8629 AFLCMC WISK SOF/PRWRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433, USA

NAICS

Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/54ac73ff92864046aefd2b5d69af156a/view
Timeline
    Description

    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.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Jamie Sclafani
    jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    RFI - Man-Portable Direction Finding 25R5053 Rev 1.pdf
    The Department of the Air Force, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, issued a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential sources for a Man-Portable Direction Finding (DF) System for Special Warfare. This RFI, FA8629-25-R-5053 Revision 1, is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation. The Air Force seeks commercial or developmental solutions to provide Guardian Angel (GA) teams with a man-portable DF capability to rapidly locate Isolated Personnel (IP) emitting radio frequency (RF) signals. Key system requirements include high direction finding accuracy, a broad frequency range (500 KHz - 6 GHz), significant signal detection range, extended operating time on a single battery, man-portable size and weight, ruggedized design for extreme environments, user-friendly interface, interoperability with existing GA equipment like ATAK, data logging, and interrogation capabilities for Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) radios. Additional capabilities sought are signal identification, fast frequency hopping signal analysis, N-channel DF capability, high geolocation accuracy, and robust cybersecurity. Interested parties are requested to submit responses detailing their product capabilities, rough cost estimates, existing government contracts or commercial solutions, warranty terms, spare parts, training details, potential product improvements, and associated risks. Responses are due by January 2, 2026.
    RFI - Man-Portable Direction Finding 25R5053.pdf
    The Department of the Air Force's Special Warfare Contracting Office is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for a Man-Portable Direction Finding (DF) System for Special Warfare. The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) seeks commercial or developmental solutions to provide Guardian Angel (GA) teams with a man-portable DF capability to rapidly locate isolated personnel emitting radio frequency (RF) signals. Key system requirements include high direction finding accuracy, a broad frequency range (500 KHz - 6 GHz), extended operating time, man-portable size and weight (threshold ≤ 12 lbs; objective ≤ 3 lbs), and ruggedized design for extreme environmental conditions. Other critical capabilities include a user-friendly interface, interoperability with existing GA equipment (e.g., ATAK), data logging, interrogation capability, signal identification, fast frequency hopping signal analysis, N-channel DF, geolocation accuracy, and robust cybersecurity. Respondents are asked to provide company data, product capabilities, cost estimates, commercial item status, warranty terms, and potential product improvements. Responses are due by September 26, 2025.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Request for Information - Man-Portable Direction Finding System
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
    Similar Opportunities
    RFI - Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) Waveform onto Operational Radios
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), is seeking qualified vendors to port the Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) waveform onto operational software-defined radios. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to identify vendors with the necessary expertise to implement the SEDR waveform, which includes obtaining required certifications such as NSA Type-1 for COMSEC and ensuring airworthiness and security compliance. The successful integration of this technology is crucial for enhancing communication capabilities within military operations. Interested parties must submit a Statement of Interest by December 19, 2025, detailing their qualifications and technical experience, while questions regarding the RFI are due by November 21, 2025. For further inquiries, vendors can contact Aidan Nugent at aidan.nugent@us.af.mil or Alexandra Hutchinson at Alexandra.Hutchinson.1@us.af.mil.
    PANDTA-24-P0000 011727 TRANSMITTER,RADIO
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army Contracting Command - Detroit, is seeking information from qualified small businesses regarding the manufacturing of a radio transmitter (NSN: 5820014707028, P/N: 11753072). This opportunity is part of a market research initiative aimed at gathering insights into the capabilities and qualifications of potential vendors to inform future acquisition strategies. The procurement is set aside for small businesses under the DLA MADOC program, emphasizing the importance of the equipment in military communications. Interested firms must submit their qualifications, including company details and relevant experience, to Judith Kwon at judith.y.kwon.civ@army.mil by January 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
    AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) Pod parts
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is conducting market research to identify potential sources for the production and repair of parts related to the AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) Pod. The procurement aims to gather information on contractors' capabilities, including their expertise in repair procedures, technical data generation, and management of inventory and obsolescence issues. This initiative is crucial for maintaining the operational readiness of the USAF and supporting foreign Military Sales Partners. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their capabilities and relevant information by January 9, 2026, and can contact Daniel Daniels at daniel.daniels.2@us.af.mil for further inquiries.
    AN/ALQ-172 Repair
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking potential sources for the repair of redesigned AN/ALQ-172 Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) as part of a Request for Information (RFI). The procurement focuses on several specific NSNs, including 5865-01-718-3672EW (LRU-4), TBD (LRU-8 P/N 2624708G007), 5865-01-668-8772EW (LRU-10), and 5865-01-669-5621EW (LRU-12), due to a lack of complete repair data and serviceable assets, with no funding available for reverse engineering. This initiative is currently a sole-source effort with L3Harris, but the RFI encourages responses from both large and small businesses, including joint ventures, to showcase their repair capabilities and quality assurance processes. Interested parties must submit their responses by January 5, 2026, to Kenneth Dickman at kenneth.dickman@us.af.mil, with participation being voluntary and no reimbursement provided for submissions.
    MFT 25-96 - DCC Surveillance System
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking qualified vendors for the MFT 25-96 - DCC Surveillance System, as indicated in a Special Notice. This procurement is set aside for small businesses and aims to acquire communications security equipment and components, classified under the NAICS code 334220. The goods and services are critical for enhancing surveillance capabilities within the military framework. As of September 25, 2025, the solicitation is currently on hold indefinitely. Interested parties can reach out to Mr. Michael Goetz at michael.goetz.7@us.af.mil or by phone at 707-424-7788, or Mr. Vitaliy Kim at vitaliy.kim.1@us.af.mil or 707-424-7740 for further inquiries.
    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.
    Radio Frequency (RF) Free Initialization of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Systems
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) C5ISR Center, is seeking information on radio frequency (RF) free initialization solutions for Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) systems to enhance capabilities in degraded and denied environments. The objective is to gather insights and proposals from industry participants regarding innovative solutions that can improve assured PNT capabilities. This Request for Information (RFI) is crucial for planning purposes and aims to inform future procurement strategies, although it does not constitute a solicitation or binding contract. Interested parties must submit their responses by February 6, 2026, and can request additional technical details through the provided contact emails: usarmy.apg.devcom-c5isr.mbx.rti-industry-engagement@army.mil and Brianne.l.holmes3.civ@army.mil.
    Request for Information - Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing System (MAPS) GEN II Production and Sustainment IDIQ
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army Program Executive Office Intelligence, Electronic Warfare & Sensors (PEO IEW&S), is seeking sources for the Mounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing System (MAPS) Generation II through a Request for Information (RFI). The objective is to gather feedback and identify potential prime contractors capable of providing assured PNT to warfighters and combat platforms, particularly in GPS-contested environments. This system is crucial for enabling mission execution across the Army, as it supports various combat and combat service support missions. Interested parties must submit a white paper by January 19, 2026, detailing their capabilities, including production plans, technical documentation, and quality management systems, while also completing a security questionnaire to access further documentation. For inquiries, contact Charles Compton at charles.t.compton5.civ@army.mil or Lori Andrese at lori.r.andrese.civ@army.mil.
    Digital Intermediate Frequency System
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Product Manager Wideband Enterprise Satellite Systems (PdM WESS) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, is seeking information from qualified systems integrators for the development of a Digital Intermediate Frequency (Digital IF) solution. The objective is to establish a flexible, modular, and standards-based Digital IF architecture across up to 18 SATCOM teleport sites worldwide, enhancing scalability, interoperability, and long-term sustainment of SATCOM ground segment solutions. This initiative is crucial for integrating Digital IF technologies into the DoD SATCOM ground segment, ensuring operational advantages and seamless management automation. Interested vendors must submit their responses, including company details and capabilities, by December 29, 2025, with questions due by December 22, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Keith Magaw at keith.a.magaw.civ@army.mil or Kristin Dacey at kristin.l.dacey2.civ@army.mil.
    MTS-A DMS Retro Fit Market Research Update
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), is conducting market research for the MTS-A DMS Retro Fit project, which involves the production and support of a proprietary retro-fit replacement for the Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensor HC-130J and its subsystems. This sole source requirement is aimed at developing a Retro-Fit Kit, establishing a production line, and providing necessary repairs and initial spares, all under a 10-year Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a basic 5-year period and an option for an additional 5 years. Interested parties are encouraged to submit capability statements or proposals by January 15, 2026, with inquiries directed to Darryl Baker at darryl.baker.6@us.af.mil or Philip Earthly at philip.earthly.1@us.af.mil.