Next Generation Tactical Radio Software Defined Radio for NAVAIR Aircraft

1.0 INTRODUCTION The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), PMA-209, located at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, is seeking information from potential sources regarding a modular Software Defined Radio (SDR) for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, designated the Next Generation Tactical Radio (NGTR). The NGTR is intended to support voice and data waveforms in the Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) bands, with operational capability extending up to 6 GHz. It will incorporate a modular High Assurance Device (HAD) to meet National Security Agency (NSA) cryptographic and Security Evaluation Requirements Document (SERD) requirements. Additionally, the NGTR is designed to serve as a form, fit, and function backwards-compatible replacement for aircraft currently equipped with the ARC-210 Generation 5 and Generation 6 radios. This Market Research tool is being used to identify potential and eligible firms, of all sizes, prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a solicitation. The results of the Request for Information (RFI) will be utilized to determine if any Small Business Set-Aside opportunities exist. Additionally, this RFI is being used to gather constructive information from industry to improve the RFP. The following documents are attached to this RFI Notice: Attachment 1: NGTR RFI Performance Requirements - DRAFT Attachment 2: Program and Risk Feedback Matrix The following dates are anticipated time frames associated with this requirement: Estimated Industry Day: 1st Quarter FY27 Estimated Draft RFP Release: 3rd Quarter FY 27 Estimated Final RFP Release: 4th Quarter FY 27 Estimated Award Date: 2nd Quarter FY 28 Target Fleet Delivery: Mid-2034 – Production-ready NGTR systems delivered to fleet locations for aircraft installation Primary Place of Performance: Contractor facility and as needed at government test sites and government facilities for meetings with NAVAIR and NSA. 2.0 DISCLAIMER THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS REQUEST IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. 3.0 PROGRAM BACKGROUND The NGTR system's goal is to develop a small form factor system compatible with existing and future U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft that will support: Communications waveforms in the VHF, UHF frequency bands with support for waveforms up to 6GHz. Waveforms defined in Attachment 1. A Modular, Open architecture to support rapid capability integration and obsolescence upgrades including a modular High Assurance Device (HAD) that supports NSA cryptographic and SERD requirements. Zero Trust System security meeting applicable Risk Management Framework (RMF) controls. Minimal integration impact and modification requirements for existing and future U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft platforms. 4.0 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIRED CAPABILITIES The NGTR system is expected to meet the performance requirements defined in Attachment 1: “NGTR RFI Performance Requirements” - DRAFT. The NGTR Contractor is expected to meet the following qualifications: Have secure military software defined radios with embedded NSA certified cryptography. Have experience in agile and modular development and testing, incorporating customer feedback throughout the process. Have the ability to obtain Top Secret security clearances for employees and facility within 12 months of contract award, including the ability to support development and test up to the Top Secret level. Have experience in developing and producing UHF and VHF RF radios supporting military and non-military communications waveforms. Has experience in Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Have expertise and experience in reducing total life cycle support costs and utilizing predictive maintenance strategies to streamline repair procedures and reduce maintenance downtime. Have experience establishing, maintaining, and documenting a proactive DMSMS (Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages) and obsolescence programs. 5.0 ELIGIBILITY The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this requirement is 334220 (Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing), with a Small Business Size Standard of 1,250 Employees. The Product Service Code (PSC) is 5821, (Radio and Television Communication Equipment, Airborne). Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to respond; however, each respondent must clearly identify their business size in their capabilities statement. Note: FAR 52.219-14 Limitation on Subcontracting requires a small business prime on a Set-Aside to perform at least 50% of the cost of contract performance. Small business primes may now count “first tier subcontracted” work performed by similarly situated entities as if it were performed by the prime itself. To assist in market research and determination of any applicable small business set-aside for this effort, small businesses interested in priming this effort and planning to use “similarly situated entities” to meet the Limitations on Subcontracting, are requested to identify: The name & CAGE Code of the specific firm(s) intending to partner/subcontract Their small business size status under the NAICS that as the prime, you would assign for their workshare. 6.0 SUBMISSION DETAILS To ensure a fair, orderly, and efficient evaluation process, all interested parties must adhere to the following submission guidelines: 6.1 Logistics and Deadlines Response Date: All submissions must be received no later than 2:00 PM EST on 23 November 2026. Questions Deadline: Clarifying questions regarding this RFI must be submitted via email no later than 10 business days prior to the response date. 6.2 Submission Method and Point of Contact (POC) Delivery: Submissions must be sent via Electronic-mail (Email) to the Contract Specialist, Sham Keswani, at [email protected]. Subject Line Format: The email subject line must read: NGTR RFI Response - [Company Name]. Inquiries: No phone calls will be accepted. All questions must be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist listed above. 6.3 Format and Structure Instructions Page Limit: Submissions must not exceed ten (10) pages total (excluding the Program and Risk Feedback Matrix in Section 7.0). Page Size & Margins: Standard 8.5 x 11-inch pages with 1-inch margins. Font: Times New Roman, font size of not less than 10 point. Document Type: Adobe PDF format. Classification: No classified information shall be submitted in response to this RFI. 6.4 Required Content Your submission package must include the following structured sections: Cover Page / Company Profile: Company Name, Address, CAGE Code, DUNS/UEI, Business Size Status under NAICS 334220, and designated Points of Contact (POC) including names, phone numbers, and email addresses. Capabilities Statement: A detailed narrative addressing your ability to meet the special requirements and required capabilities outlined in Section 4.0. Program and Risk Feedback: Completed responses to the targeted questions and the structured feedback matrix outlined in Section 7.0. 6.5 Proprietary Data and Information Handling All data received in response to this RFI that is marked or designated as corporate or proprietary will be fully protected from any release outside the Government. Any information or materials provided in response to this RFI Notice will not be returned. The Government is not committed nor obligated to pay for the information provided, and no basis for claims against the Government shall arise resulting from responses to this RFI Notice. 7.0 PROGRAM AND RISK FEEDBACK The Government is actively seeking constructive industry feedback to refine the NGTR program structure, technical requirements, and acquisition strategy. Industry Feedback Disclaimer: We actively encourage vendors to challenge our assumptions, highlight potential program risks, and suggest alternative approaches. Candid feedback regarding the feasibility of our timeline, scope, or technical requirements is highly valued and will not negatively impact your evaluation in any future procurement processes. 7.1 Targeted Feedback Questions Please provide direct, concise answers to the following questions within your submission: Program Scope & Feasibility: Based on the draft performance requirements (Attachment 1), are there any requirements that you view as overly restrictive, technologically unfeasible, or drivers of unnecessary cost? Timeline Realism: Reviewing our anticipated milestones Final RFP in FY27, Award in FY28, and a target fleet delivery of production-ready systems by mid-2034), is this timeline realistic for a system of this complexity? Please address the timeline required for development, environmental testing, platform integration, and NSA cryptographic certification. Cryptographic & Security Integration: What are the primary technical and certification risks associated with integrating a modular High Assurance Device (HAD) to meet NSA cryptographic and SERD requirements within the proposed form factor? Obsolescence & DMSMS: What proactive strategies do you recommend the Government incorporate into the contract structure to best incentivize long-term DMSMS management and minimize life cycle support costs? 7.2 Program and Risk Feedback Matrix Please utilize the attached structured template to document specific risks, scope concerns, or program improvements: