DIGAR Low-Power Mode
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force (DAF), F-16 System Program Office (SPO), is conducting an engineering investigation to enhance the thermal management of the BAE Systems Inc. Digital GPS Anti-Jam Receiver (DIGAR)-200 for F-16 Integration. This effort aims to address operational limitations where the DIGAR-200's internal temperatures approach critical limits during extended ground operations by implementing an autonomous, temperature-based mode-switching logic. This is a sole-source procurement under FAR 6.302-1, with BAE Systems Inc. as the anticipated source. However, all responsible sources may submit a capability statement for consideration. Responses are due March 30, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will conduct an engineering investigation to validate and refine a thermal management logic based on the DIGAR-200's internal temperature, using a Government-provided thermal survey and MIL-STD-810 as a baseline. Key objectives include:
- Defining a Three-Band Thermal Logic: Establishing precise temperature thresholds for GREEN (Full AJ Mode), YELLOW (Low-Power Mode with continuous PNT), and RED (autonomous Recovery 'safe mode').
- Meeting Key Performance Goals: Demonstrating through analysis a combined 90-minute ground operational performance, including a 20-minute Pre-flight System Checkout in GREEN Band, followed by 70 minutes of extended ground operations without entering the RED Band.
- Principal Deliverable: A formal Engineering Investigation Report (EIR) containing thermal analysis, trade studies, risk analysis, and actionable recommendations.
- Separate Pass-Through Requirement: One-time delivery of an existing production-coded Operational Flight Program (OFP) for the GEM VII-2 SAASM-EGI receiver card.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Anticipated 500-hour Time & Materials (T&M) contract.
- Period of Performance: Six (6) months from contract award.
- Government Furnished Material (GFM): Up to three (3) DIGAR-200 units will be provided.
- Set-Aside: None, Sole-Source (anticipated BAE Systems Inc.).
- Response Due: March 30, 2026.
- Published Date: February 26, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties are requested to submit a capabilities statement or white paper (not to exceed 10 pages) demonstrating their ability to perform the work. The response should include:
- Company Information: Name, address, CAGE code, and primary point of contact.
- Business Size/Status: Business size and applicable socio-economic categories.
- Relevant Experience: Summary of recent contracts (within 5 years) demonstrating experience with avionics thermal analysis, F-16 systems integration (MIL-STD-1553), GPS/PNT Systems, and software/firmware analysis for embedded systems.
- Technical Understanding: Discussion of challenges and potential approach.
Contact Information
- Primary: Garrett Clawson (garrett.clawson@us.af.mil)
- Secondary: Benjamin Price (benjamin.price.12@us.af.mil)