Helpful Airborne Wireless Communication Ecosystem Yielding Enhanced Sharing (HAWCEYES).

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (Request for Quote, RFQ No. F1S0AV607162026) issued by the 418th Flight Test Squadron (418FLTS) at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. Under full and open competition (NAICS 334220), the Air Force is seeking proposals to design, build, and deliver two copies of a self-contained, portable, carry-on/off wireless communications network. The ad-hoc system must utilize existing Wi-Fi or Bluetooth protocols with a minimum range of 30 meters, be battery-powered for at least 30 to 60 minutes (with 115VAC plug-in capability), and support a minimum of 32 iOS and Android devices running commercial VOIP software like TeamSpeak or Mumble. It must also receive one-way audio from the aircraft’s existing intercom system via a U-174 connector without requiring aircraft modification. The contractor will provide specifications to support airworthiness and cybersecurity approvals and may be required to troubleshoot the system during flight tests on aircraft such as the C-17, KC-135, and KC-46. This will be awarded as a Firm Fixed-Price contract evaluated on best value, including price, delivery, and warranty terms. Deliverables must be received within 180 days after receipt of order (ARO). Offers must be submitted electronically to Contract Specialist Karina Alvarez and Contracting Officer Amanda Tate by July 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM PDT. Vendors must be Level One Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) certified prior to award.

This combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ No. F1S0AV607162026) is issued by the 418th Flight Test Squadron (418FLTS) at Edwards Air Force Base, CA. The Air Force is seeking proposals for the development, design, and build of a portable, self-contained, and carry-on/off wireless communications network. The ad-hoc system must establish one-way receive capability from existing aircraft intercoms on C-17, KC-135, and KC-46 test aircraft without requiring aircraft modifications. Key technical requirements include utilizing flight-approved batteries with a minimum 30-minute run time (or 115VAC power), supporting at least 32 connected devices via Wi-Fi/Bluetooth protocols, and utilizing commercial VOIP software (like TeamSpeak or Mumble) compatible with iOS and Android. The contractor must deliver two initial copies of the system for ground checkout within 180 days after receipt of order (ARO). Additionally, contractor personnel may be required to travel to Edwards AFB to support troubleshooting and participate in flight tests as Mission Essential Personnel. The acquisition is designated for open and full competition under NAICS code 334220. The Government plans to award a Firm Fixed-Price contract based on a best-value evaluation of price, delivery, and warranty terms. Prior to award, vendors must be Level One Certified under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Quotes are due electronically to Karina Alvarez and Amanda Tate by July 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM PDT.

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the requirements for a wireless communications innovation project titled Helpful Airborne Wireless Communication Ecosystem Yielding Enhanced Sharing (HAWCEYES), issued by the 418th Flight Test Squadron (418FLTS) at Edwards Air Force Base. The project's primary objective is to design, build, and deliver a portable, self-contained, carry-on/off wireless communications network to connect up to 20+ test team members on aircraft such as the C-17, KC-135, and KC-46, replacing hazardous and limited physical cabling. Key technical requirements include utilizing existing 802.11xx (Wi-Fi) or Bluetooth protocols with a minimum 30-meter range, supporting at least 32 devices (iOS and Android) via commercial VOIP software (e.g., TeamSpeak or Mumble), and operating on battery power for at least 30 minutes with 115VAC plug-in capability. The system must interface with the aircraft's existing intercom system (ICS) via a U-174 connector. Administratively, the contractor must coordinate the initial design within 90 days of contract award and deliver two finalized prototype systems within 90 days of design approval. Additionally, the contractor must provide design specifications for airworthiness and cybersecurity approvals, support ground checkouts, and potentially fly as Mission Essential Personnel (MEP) to troubleshoot systems during flight tests. The SOW also details standard operating procedures, including strict Edwards AFB security, base access protocols, Antiterrorism Level I training, OPSEC compliance, and safety regulations.