SAM #FA8629-26-R-5014

Air Force RFI: Next Generation Audio Kit for Personnel Recovery Operations

The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is conducting market research for a Next Generation Audio Kit to enhance communication and situational awareness for personnel recovery operations. - Government Buyer: - Department of the Air Force, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Special Warfare Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN), Contracting Office (AFLCMC/WISK) - Products/Services Requested: - Next Generation Tactical Audio Component Kit (NGTACK) including: - Land environment headset: small, lightweight, rugged, body-worn, with hearing protection, multi-channel capability, environmental listening, water resistance (submersible to 2m), interoperable with GA radios (AN/PRC-163/117G/167) - Maritime environment headset: waterproof, saltwater resistant (immersion at 10m), corrosion resistant, easy maintenance, hearing protection, multi-channel capability - Dual- and multi-communications push-to-talk switches and cabling for both land and maritime environments: compatible with radios and aircraft ICS, water/saltwater immersion rated (up to 10m for 2 hours), two or four channel push-to-talk, small form factor for body armor, IP67 rated cabling - Unique/Notable Requirements: - System must be rugged, portable, and configurable - Must integrate with existing dismounted radios (AN/PRC-163/117G/167) - Headsets ideally suitable for both land and maritime use - Hearing protection and environmental listening required - Water and saltwater immersion resistance (up to 10m) - Delivery desired within 12-18 months after order - No specific OEMs, vendors, part numbers, or quantities specified; market research only - No OEMs or vendors are named in the documents; the Air Force is seeking information on available solutions and capabilities.

Description

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special Warfare (SW) Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) and Contracting Office (AFLCMC/WISK) are conducting market research to identify possible sources that enhance communication and situational awareness for personnel during personnel recovery operations.  

Currently, personnel face challenges in maintaining reliable, interoperable communication across various platforms (fixed-wing, rotary-wing, ground forces) and environments. Existing audio components (headsets, push-to-talks, and cabling) lack full functionality, hindering situational awareness, personnel accountability, and effective communication. This capability gap necessitates a small, lightweight portable, rugged, and configurable body-worn system that integrates existing dismounted radios, providing a robust communication suite for real-time information sharing and enhanced operator safety. Two different headsets, one for land and one for maritime, will be accepted but having one headset that fulfills both environmental requirements is ideal. 

PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENT FOR FURTHER DETAILS AND INFORMATION ON HOW TO RESPOND TO THIS RFI.

View original listing