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
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), is seeking qualified vendors to assist in porting the Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) Waveform onto operationally relevant software-defined radios. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to identify vendors capable of performing waveform porting, integration and testing, and obtaining necessary certifications, including NSA Type-1 and airworthiness, along with providing documentation and training. The SEDR waveform is critical for enhancing communication capabilities in tactical environments, ensuring operational readiness for military applications. Interested vendors 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.
    Airborne Anti-Terrorism/Border Security Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) system
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground, is seeking sources for an Airborne Anti-Terrorism/Border Security Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) system intended for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Egypt. The procurement aims to identify qualified vendors capable of providing a SIGINT system that can detect, geo-locate, and intercept various communication devices, including push-to-talk radios, satellite phones, and cellular phones, all while mounted on an aircraft operating at altitudes up to 7,000 meters. This system is crucial for enhancing border security and anti-terrorism efforts for partner nations. Interested parties must submit their capabilities and Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing by 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 18, 2025, to the primary contact, Thien-Trang T. Tran, at thien-trang.t.tran.civ@army.mil.
    Request for Information - Link 16 Ground Station
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), is seeking information from vendors capable of providing a portable Link-16 ground station as part of a Request for Information (RFI). This system is intended to facilitate data communication between Link-16 and SADL-equipped aircraft and ASOC/TACP operators, supporting simultaneous voice and data communications over two radio channels, while also ensuring operational availability between 0.96 and 0.98. The portable ground station will play a crucial role in enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness for military operations. Interested parties must submit their responses by October 25, 2025, detailing their product capabilities, specifications, and compliance with small business regulations, and can reach out to Edwin Hernandez Mendez or Denis Grenier for further information and access to additional documents.
    AN/ALQ-172 Repair
    Buyer not available
    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.
    Request for Information – Small Form Factor Component Technologies for a C-sUAS Interceptor
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army, is seeking information from qualified companies regarding small form factor component technologies for a Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) interceptor. The objective is to gather data on existing missile component technologies, including seekers, Control Actuation Systems (CAS), batteries, Guidance Navigation Units/Inertial Measurement Units (GNU/IMU), and mission computers, that meet specific performance and production criteria. This initiative is crucial in addressing the evolving threats posed by small unmanned aircraft systems in modern warfare, aiming to develop interceptors that are smaller, more cost-effective, and capable of high-volume production. Interested parties must submit their responses, including a technical white paper and an Excel data sheet, by 11:00 AM CST on December 19, 2025, to the primary contact, Tammy J. Benson, at tammy.j.benson.civ@army.mil.
    MFT 25-96 - DCC Surveillance System
    Buyer not available
    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.
    Request for Information (RFI) Space Domain Awareness (SDA) Geosynchronous Wide Field of View (WFOV) Electro-Optical (EO) Sensor
    Buyer not available
    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.
    Procurement of AN/APX-119 Transponder, P/N: 4079100-0541
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking sources for the procurement of 217 AN/APX-119 Transponders (P/N: 4079100-0541) to support the upgrade of C-130J aircraft. This procurement aims to enhance the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) capabilities while addressing urgent operational needs and mitigating issues related to Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) of legacy systems. The contract will span two years, continuing through FY27, and interested parties are encouraged to submit capability surveys detailing their qualifications and manufacturing capabilities by December 1, 2025. For further inquiries, potential vendors can contact Erica Carter at erica.carter.3@us.af.mil or Vicki Wechsler at vicki.wechsler@us.af.mil.
    Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Request for Information (RFI)
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force (USAF), is seeking information on Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) technologies to enhance its capabilities in countering small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) across Groups 1, 2, and 3. The USAF aims to evaluate systems that can utilize track data from sensors to laze targets and launch guided Hydra 70 APKWS rockets, with a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6; however, native target detection/sensing and command and control (C2) capabilities are not required. This Request for Information (RFI) is intended for planning purposes only and will not lead to an award, with responses due by December 31, 2025. Interested vendors should submit detailed information regarding their systems, including company information, product specifications, and pricing, to the primary contacts Robert Gill and Ciabha Kelleher at the provided email addresses.
    Digital Intermediate Frequency System
    Buyer not available
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Product Manager Wideband Enterprise Satellite Systems (PdM WESS), is seeking information from qualified systems integrators for a Digital Intermediate Frequency (Digital IF) solution to be implemented across up to 18 SATCOM teleport sites globally. The primary objective is to establish a flexible, modular, standards-based Digital IF architecture that enhances scalability, interoperability, and long-term sustainment of SATCOM ground segment solutions. This initiative is crucial for ensuring operational advantages in the Department of Defense's satellite communications capabilities, particularly in supporting Wideband Global System (WGS) operations and certification. Interested vendors must submit their responses by December 19, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Keith Magaw at keith.a.magaw.civ@army.mil or Kristin Dacey at kristin.l.dacey.civ@army.mil.