SAM #FA8689

Air Force Seeks TACO Telemetry Receiver System Cart with OEM Hardware for MQ-9 Support

The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Medium Altitude Unmanned Aircraft Systems Division at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, is seeking market information and potential sources for a Test and Check Out (TACO) Telemetry Receiver System to support MQ-9 operations. - Government Buyer: - Department of the Air Force, AFLCMC, Medium Altitude Unmanned Aircraft Systems Division, MQ-9 Production and Retrofit Branch - OEMs and Vendors Mentioned: - Quasonix (multi-band telemetry receiver) - AMPEX (data recorder) - Haigh-Farr (antenna) - Acroamatics (telemetry decommutator card) - Products/Services Requested: - Transportable, rugged, weatherproof TACO cart/wagon with wheels, multiple entry points, shock-mounted rack system, and cooling for hot climates - Multi-band telemetry receiver (Quasonix QSX-RDMS-3R1D-E1-1111-00-14-CS-EQ), qty: 1 - Configurable data recording system (AMPEX TuffCORD), qty: 1 - Multi-band omnidirectional button antenna (Haigh-Farr BN1-13110), qty: 1 - Spectrum analyzer (1GHz-6GHz), qty: 1 - Ruggedized 1U rackmount computer, qty: 1 - 1U rack mounted pull-out drawer display with keyboard and mouse, qty: 1 - PCIe-based telemetry decommutator card (Acroamatics 1632AP-2), qty: 1 - 2U uninterruptible power supply (UPS), qty: 1 - RF 50-ohm coaxial cabling, qty: 3 - Rack mountable power strip with surge protection, qty: 1 - RF components and adapters, qty: 1 - Two 10-foot RG-59, 75-ohm clock and data cables, qty: 2 - Two Environmental Control Units (ECUs), qty: 2 - Operator training for up to six personnel - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Cart must be rugged, weatherproof, and transportable with strict size constraints (max 92.5" W x 90" H x 176" L including hitch) - Must operate reliably in desert/hot environments with integrated cooling - System must support mobility, data decryption, telemetry measurement, and communication - Delivery includes comprehensive documentation and training for six personnel - Delivery and acceptance at Grey Butte federal facility - Period of Performance: - Up to 12 months from award to delivery, including Factory and Site Acceptance Tests - Places of Performance/Delivery: - Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH (contracting office and possible performance) - Grey Butte federal facility (delivery and acceptance) - Palmdale, CA (potential place of performance)

Description

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for information and planning purposes. In accordance with Part 10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, the U.S. Government is conducting market research. The intended purpose is to identify potential sources that may possess the capability to provide for the Air Force's full requirement. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. Further, the Air Force is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation 15.101(c), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. 

The Department of the Air Force, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Medium Altitude Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MAUAS) Division, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH, intends to award a single award, Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract. The potential purchase will consist of the procurement of the Test and Check Out (TACO) Telemetry Receiver System, as identified in the paragraph below: 

The TACO cart will be a transportable platform-either a cart or wagon-equipped with wheels to allow for smooth, stable movement to and from the flight line, whether pulled or carried. It will be rugged and weatherproof designed with several entry points for convenient access. Inside, a shock-mounted rack system will provide secure mounting for internal components. The system will have a cooling capability to prevent overheating while in use outdoors in hot summer climates in locations such as deserts throughout the southwestern United States. The TACO cart should be no larger than approximately 92.5" wide x 90" high and approximately 176" long including a 48" minimum hitch. Written responses to this RFI shall contain sufficient documentation to establish a bona fide capability to fulfill this requirement. The intent of this notice is not a request for competitive proposals. Responses to this RFI are due no later than 5:00 pm, EST. 10 April 2026 and should be sent to shelby.olsen@us.af.mil . Information received as a result of this notice will be considered solely for the purpose of determining the appropriate acquisition decision for the procurement. This notice does not constitute a solicitation for offers. This is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP), and respondents are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. The United States Government (USG) shall not pay for information received.

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