FIFTH GENERATION DATALINKS SUPPORT
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 (USAF), Air Force Test Center (AFTC) at Eglin AFB is conducting market research for Fifth Generation Datalinks Support. This is a Sources Sought notice to identify potential sources, including various small businesses, capable of providing sustainment and technical support for critical datalinks systems. Responses are due by February 10, 2026.
Scope of Work
The 46th Test Squadron (46 TS) requires sustainment support for the Fifth Generation Datalinks System (FGDS) located at Eglin AFB, FL. This includes technical support, hardware and software upgrades, and sustainment for systems such as the Fifth to Fourth Signal Interoperability Translator (FFIST) (fixed and mobile labs) and the F-35 Operational Facility (F-35 OPFAC). The contractor will provide personnel, equipment, labor, tools, materials, and supervision. Key services include:
- On-call technical support (4-hour initial response).
- On-site technical support (3 business days response).
- Proactive configuration management, including tracking software/hardware updates and identifying anomalies.
- Providing Risk Management Framework (RMF) Bodies of Evidence (BOE) to maintain Authorization to Operate (ATO).
- Estimates (ROM) for upgrades/enhancements, including Diminishing Manufacturing Source (DMS) issues.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice / Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Duration: Anticipated 5 years (1 base + 4 option years)
- NAICS Code: 541512, Computer Systems Design Services ($34 million size standard)
- Set-Aside: No set-aside decision has been made; market research is being conducted for Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, EDWOSB, WOSB, and SDVOSB.
- Response Due: February 10, 2026, 5:00 P.M. (Central)
- Published: January 27, 2026
Evaluation
Responses will be used to assess industry capabilities and determine whether any future solicitation will be full and open or set-aside for small businesses. This is not a request for proposals, and no contract will be awarded from this notice. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based on responses.
Additional Notes
Interested vendors must submit a capabilities statement (max 5 pages, 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins) demonstrating their ability to meet the requirements. The FGDS utilizes Northrop Grumman CNI Suite hardware and software, and Northrop Grumman holds all data rights; no technical data will be furnished. Responses should include company name, CAGE code, POC, address, and phone number. Small businesses with partial capabilities are encouraged to respond. All prospective contractors must be registered in SAM. Email submissions must use the subject line "Fifth Generation Datalinks Support" and avoid .zip or .exe attachments. Large files (>5MB) should be submitted via ARL Secure Access File Exchange.