Link 16 Permanency
ID: FA850925RB010Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8509 AFLCMC WIUKAROBINS AFB, GA, 31098-1670, USA

NAICS

Aircraft Manufacturing (336411)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/a0f620ef52ab4ee7b663b3dc650220f9/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is conducting market research to identify potential contractors for the transition of the HC-130J Link 16 system from a temporary to a permanent solution. The primary objectives include developing a comprehensive Technical Data Package (TDP) that encompasses maintenance manuals, technical orders, and updates to the Situational Awareness Communication Upgrade (SACU) system impacted by the incorporation of Fenix software. This initiative is crucial for enhancing operational capabilities and improving communication among coalition forces, thereby reinforcing the U.S. Air Force's national defense role. Interested parties should note that this is a Sources Sought notice for planning purposes only, with no formal solicitation guaranteed; inquiries can be directed to Samantha Kirk at samantha.kirk.1@us.af.mil or Philip Earthly at philip.earthly.1@us.af.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Samantha Kirk
    samantha.kirk.1@us.af.mil
    Philip Earthly
    philip.earthly.1@us.af.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    OD HC-130J Link 16 Perm and ICS_Draft.pdf
    The task order description (PR: FD2060-25-30698) outlines the requirements for transitioning the HC-130J Link 16 program from a temporary to a permanent status under the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. It includes objectives such as developing a complete Technical Data Package (TDP) and providing Field Support Representatives (FSRs) for ongoing maintenance and software sustainment. This effort aims to enhance operational capabilities and improve communication among coalition forces, thereby strengthening the U.S. Air Force's role in national defense. Key points of the document also emphasize contractor responsibilities for government property management, technical requirements, reporting protocols, and quality control systems compliant with aviation standards. The period of performance is expected to be from June 2025 to June 2026, with services conducted at various Air Force bases. The contractor is tasked with ensuring software integrity and providing timely assistance for system issues. Overall, the order underscores the importance of detailed planning and adherence to strict reporting and compliance measures, reflecting the structured approach required in government RFPs and ensuring long-term support for the HC-130J Link 16 system.
    Sources Sought Summary FD2060-25-30698 HC130J Link 16 Permanency V2.pdf
    The government is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential contractors capable of providing support for the HC-130J Link 16 system’s transition from a temporary to a permanent solution. Key requirements include delivering a comprehensive Technical Data Package encompassing maintenance manuals, technical orders, and an update on the Situational Awareness Communication Upgrade (SACU) technical orders impacted by Fenix software installation. Contractors must demonstrate their ability to fulfill these obligations with minimal government assistance and provide necessary equipment and resources. Participation in this RFI does not guarantee future contract awards, as it is solely for planning purposes and no formal solicitation is guaranteed. Interested firms are encouraged to demonstrate their relevant experience, organizational capabilities, and any teaming arrangements, particularly for small business considerations. The RFI includes a detailed contractor capability survey requiring companies to outline their qualifications, experience with similar projects, data management capabilities, and planned quality assurance processes. This initiative reflects the government’s effort to enhance the operational capability and sustainment of the HC-130J aircraft through effective contractor partnerships.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    Link 16 Permanency
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
    Similar Opportunities
    Modernization and Upgrade of the LC-130H Polar Mission aircraft to LC-130J Aircraft
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking contractors to modernize and upgrade the LC-130H Polar Mission aircraft to the LC-130J variant. The objective is to find qualified firms capable of delivering a fully modified and integrated LC-130J that meets the requirements for polar missions, as the existing LC-130H fleet is being phased out. This modernization effort is crucial for maintaining operational capabilities in polar environments, and the government may consider a sole-source contract with Lockheed Martin Corp. Interested contractors must submit their responses, including a Contractor Capability Survey, by December 22, 2025, to Amber Mathe at amber.mathe@us.af.mil or Hannah Tuck at hannah.tuck.1@us.af.mil, as the information gathered will be used solely for market research purposes.
    F16_Radar_Antenna_Phase_Shift_Driver_Unit_NSN1270015616088_PN562R218H01
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking sources for the procurement of the F16 Radar Antenna Phase Shift Driver Unit (NSN 1270-01-561-6088, PN 562R218H01). This opportunity is categorized as a Sources Sought notice, indicating the need for information on potential suppliers capable of fulfilling this requirement. The Phase Shift Driver Unit is critical for the operational capabilities of the F16 aircraft, underscoring its importance in maintaining air defense readiness. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to Tracey Beringer at tracey.beringer@us.af.mil or by phone at 777-2211 for further details regarding this opportunity.
    Request for Information - Data at Rest
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify sources capable of providing Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Dual Data at Rest (DAR) capabilities for Tactical Air Control Party Modernization (TACP-M) Core Computers. The objective is to enhance operational security by ensuring that classified data is properly sanitized when computers are powered off or logged out, thereby allowing them to be considered unclassified and mitigating logistical and operational security concerns during travel and field operations. The proposed solution requires a minimum hardware update to NVMe SSD hard drives (M.2 2280, TCG Opal compliant, 1 TB minimum) and a software update for full disk encryption, with compliance to NSA certification for Full Drive Encryption (FDE) and NIAP-approved collaborative protection profiles. Interested parties must submit their responses, including company data, product capabilities, rough cost estimates, and potential risks, by January 5, 2026. For further inquiries, contact Edwin Hernandez Mendez at edwin.hernandezmendez.2@us.af.mil or Denis Grenier at denis.grenier@us.af.mil.
    C130J Digital Heads Up Display Enhanced Vision System Demonstration
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force, is seeking to procure a T-2 demonstration of an Enhanced Vision System (EVS) for the C-130J Digital Heads-Up Display (DHUD) under a delivery order against the GSA OASIS IDIQ contract. This procurement aims to enhance operational capabilities during the Air National Guard's firefighting season by demonstrating the EVS in challenging weather conditions such as fog, smoke, and heavy rain. The contract, valued at approximately $10 million over 14 months, has been justified under FAR 16.505(b)(2)(i)(B), indicating that only Raytheon Technologies' Collins division can meet the unique requirements due to their extensive experience and compatibility with existing systems. Interested parties can contact Kortney M. Coalt at kortney.coalt@us.af.mil or Justin Stanfill at justin.stanfill@us.af.mil for further information.
    F-16 Power Supply
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Defense Logistics Agency, is seeking sources for the procurement of F-16 Power Supply units, specifically under the notice type of Sources Sought. The primary objectives of this procurement are to conduct market research to identify potential suppliers capable of meeting the agency's requirements and to enhance competition by providing information on contracting and subcontracting opportunities. The estimated quantity required is four units, with a delivery schedule set for January 20, 2027, and it is noted that this requirement is not expected to be set aside for small businesses. Interested parties can reach out to Kody Quayle at kody.quayle@us.af.mil for further information and to express their capabilities within 15 days of this notice.
    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.
    CDS Sustainment FY32-37
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Naval Air Systems Command, intends to solicit and negotiate a sole-source contract with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company for the CDS Sustainment effort from FY32 to FY37. This contract will provide integrated sustainment support for the Joint Reprogramming Enterprise (JRE), which includes maintaining mission equipment, software tools, and support personnel across various reprogramming labs for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and international partners. The work is critical for ensuring the operational readiness and effectiveness of the F-35 aircraft, with the contract expected to span five years, commencing in 2032. Interested parties may submit capability statements or proposals within 15 days of this notice, and inquiries can be directed to Austin Simoni at austin.simoni@jsf.mil or by phone at 757-803-4648.
    F-15 ENGINE FUEL HYDRAULIC DISPLAY DEPOT ACTIVATION CAPABILITIES
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking information regarding the activation capabilities for the Engine Fuel Hydraulic Display (EFHD) associated with the F-15EX program. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather data to develop a Long-Term Support Strategy, focusing on enhancing supply chain efficiencies and material availability for various Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and their components. The EFHD is critical for the maintenance and repair of the F-15EX, necessitating not only the display itself but also all related parts, spares, and technical data rights to ensure proper software functionality. Interested parties are encouraged to submit unclassified White Papers detailing their capabilities and corporate information to Laura Harr at laura.harr@us.af.mil, as the Air Force seeks to establish organic maintenance capabilities leveraging existing assets.
    FA821226Q0315 SOLICITATION
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking to solicit and negotiate a sole source contract for a DISK CARTRIDGE (NSN 7045016270971WF) from ELBITAMERICA, INC. This procurement is being conducted under the authority of 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1) and FAR 6.302-1, indicating that only one responsible source can meet the agency's requirements due to the lack of available technical data. The DISK CARTRIDGE is critical for operational capabilities, and the government reserves the right not to make an award at all. Interested parties are encouraged to submit capability statements, proposals, or quotations, and should monitor the SAM.gov website for the full solicitation details and any updates. For further inquiries, Richard Maynard can be contacted at richard.maynard.5@us.af.mil or by phone at 801-777-6504.
    FY26 Drone Course Equipment
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking proposals for the procurement of equipment related to the FY26 Drone Course. This opportunity is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, with a focus on ensuring that all proposals meet specific technical requirements, including the submission of a completed Excel spreadsheet as outlined in the solicitation. The equipment is essential for enhancing training capabilities in drone operations, which are increasingly vital for modern military operations. Interested vendors must submit their proposals through the Procurement Integrated Environment (PIEE) by December 17, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST, and should direct any inquiries to Benton Medcalf at benton.medcalf@us.af.mil.