Request for Information - Man-Portable Direction Finding System - REVISED

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.

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.