RFI - Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) Waveform onto Operational Radios

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to assess market capability for porting the Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) waveform onto existing operational radios for NATO’s Second Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio (SATURN). This RFI does not solicit proposals but is aimed at gathering information about potential vendors’ expertise in waveform porting, integration, certification processes, and associated documentation and training. Interested companies must submit a Statement of Interest detailing their experience, technical qualifications, certification processes, supply chain risk management, project estimates, and schedules by August 22, 2025. The document emphasizes that responses are voluntary and may be made public under FOIA, and the Government will not reimburse costs related to RFI submissions. The intent is to collect information to assist in the potential future solicitation for a contract related to this effort, while outlining confidentiality responsibilities for proprietary submissions. The contact details for the contracting officer and specialist are included for further inquiries.

This Request for Information (RFI) focuses on porting the SEDR (Software-Defined Radio) portion of the STANAG 4372 Edition 4 waveform source code, provided by the government, onto vendor-supplied radios. The effort specifically excludes the complete SATURN waveform and LINK-22. A key requirement is NSA Type-1 certification for COMSEC, encompassing TSVCIS voice encryption and the NINE tactical profile for IP data, with an expectation for embedded voice encryption. While the government provides reference implementation for testing, vendors are responsible for their hardware, including airworthiness and security certifications. There are no unique CONOPS, SWaP, or specific airborne certification requirements beyond standard platform needs. Vendors have flexibility in their COMSEC solution implementation, with a non-Type-1 option potentially advantageous for international sales.

This RFI concerns porting the SEDR (STANAG 4372 Edition 4, with Edition 5 updates) source code, provided in C++ and VHDL, onto vendor-supplied radios for airborne or ground-based use. The effort focuses solely on the SEDR portion, not the complete SATURN waveform. NSA Type-1 certification is required for COMSEC, specifically TSVCIS voice encryption and NINE tactical profile for IP data. The expectation is for embedded COMSEC functions, though external data encryption may be supported for some applications. Vendors must assess the best COMSEC solution for their platforms. While Type-1 voice encryption is required for US use, a non-Type-1 option could benefit international sales. There are no unique CONOPS or SEDR-specific SWaP requirements beyond standard platform certifications like airworthiness and EMC. Vendors are responsible for their radio's airworthiness and security certifications.

This RFI focuses on porting the SEDR (Software-Enabled Digital Radio) portion of STANAG 4372 Edition 4 source code to vendor-supplied radio platforms. The government will provide the C++ and VHDL source code, which includes updates for a future Edition 5 of the STANAG, along with a US SEDR specification. NSA Type-1 certification is required for COMSEC, specifically TSVCIS voice encryption and the NINE tactical profile for IP data, with the expectation that voice encryption will be embedded. Vendors are responsible for assessing the best COMSEC solution for their platforms and ensuring airworthiness and security certifications. While no specific SWaP requirements are outlined, the RFI assumes QAM modulations for the new Physical Layer and requires support for AES TRANSEC or SAT-002. The government will provide a reference implementation for interoperability testing but will not accept contractor-supplied hardware after proof-of-concept demonstrations. A non-Type-1 option may be advantageous for international sales requiring Type 2 encryption.

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify vendors capable of porting the Second Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) Waveform onto operational radios. This RFI is not a request for proposal but seeks to determine the availability and adequacy of potential business sources. The scope of work includes waveform porting, integration and testing, obtaining necessary certifications (including NSA Type-1 and airworthiness), documentation, and training. Interested vendors must submit a Statement of Interest by December 19, 2025, detailing company profiles, technical experience, certification processes, supply chain risk management, Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM), and a notional schedule. Questions are due by November 21, 2025. Submissions may be reviewed by government and contractor personnel and are subject to FOIA requests. The government will not pay for information provided in response to this RFI.

This Request for Information (RFI) from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Aerial Networks Division (AFLCMC/C3N) seeks information from qualified vendors regarding their capabilities to port the Second Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) Waveform onto operational radios. The RFI outlines a scope of work including waveform porting, integration and testing, certification (e.g., NSA Type-1, airworthiness), documentation, and training. Vendors are requested to submit a Statement of Interest detailing their company profile, technical experience with waveform porting, certification processes, supply chain risk management, Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM), and a notional schedule by August 22, 2025. This is for market research and planning purposes only and is not a solicitation for proposals or a commitment by the Government.