Ground Based Radar Digitization (GBRD)

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from industry regarding the modernization of Ground Based Radars (GBR) under the Ground Based Radar Digitization Plus (GBRD+) program. The objective is to digitize legacy radar systems to enhance battlespace situational awareness, reduce sustainment costs, and address obsolescence. The program aims to digitize the entire radar (front and back end) to provide full digital control, replace obsolete transmit/receive architectures, and create a common architecture across all 8 sites.

• Leverage open system, non-proprietary architectures.

• Utilize Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technology.

• Incorporate existing digital receiver technology.

• Establish a baseline digital front and back end adaptable for unique radar types.

• Foster a cooperative and competitive environment.

• Develop a common, on-prem virtualized architecture.

• Utilize government's third-party MBSE validator for interoperability and MOSA compliance.

• Background: Modernization supports National Defense Strategy for missile warning, missile defense, missile tracking, and Space Domain Awareness (SDA).

• Sites: 8 radar sites (5x UEWR, PARCS, Eglin, COBRA DANE).

• Enhancements: Improved SDA capabilities, Missile Defense mission for PARCS, enhanced radar performance (tracking capacity, extended range, object classification, automation), and transition to a government-owned, modular open system architecture.

• Retained Components: Antenna elements, building infrastructure, communication paths, and networks.

• Initial Operational Capability (IOC): Q1 FY2030 (Rapid Prototype 4 sites complete).

• Full Operational Capability (FOC): Q2 FY2031.

• Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) pathway.

• Other Transaction Authority (OTA) for prototyping.

• Gated OTA structure (Gate 1: requirements discovery; Gate 2: competitive digital design & prototype; Gate 3: full-scale prototypes).

• Follow-on production contract for remaining sites.

• Company Overview (capabilities, experience in radar modernization, digitization, sustainment, ACAT I program management, digital radar design, cloud architecture, enterprise systems integration).

• Technical Solutions (proposed technologies, performance improvements, common back-end details, collaboration risks/strategies, TRL of digital front-end technology, challenges with adapting core design, feasibility of upgrading specific radars).

• Sustainment and Lifecycle Management strategies.

• Contracting Recommendations (feedback on OTA structure, incentive structures for collaboration).

• Schedule and Cost Estimates (timelines, ROM costs for Gates 1, 2, and 3).

• Non-Traditional Contractor Engagement (collaboration opportunities, examples of successful partnerships).

• Downtime Mitigation Strategies.

• Deadline: March 12, 2026.

• Format: PDF, not exceeding 20 pages.

• Prior Responses: Only additional, updated, or new information is requested if a response was previously submitted.

• This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not commit the Government to a future solicitation.

• Costs incurred in responding are at the interested party's expense.

• Responses will not be acknowledged, and no feedback will be provided.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP) seeks solutions for the Ground Based Radar Digitization (GBRD) program, aiming to modernize critical missile defense radars (Upgraded Early Warning Radars - UEWRs and Perimeter Acquisition Radar Attack Characterization System - PARCS). The program utilizes a Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototyping pathway, with an initial focus on prototyping at one UEWR site and the PARCS. The goal is to enhance battlespace awareness, reduce sustainment costs, and resolve obsolescence issues through digitization and modernization of the radar "back end" (data/signal processing, command and control, etc.).

• Develop and deliver a GBRD rapid prototype at one UEWR and PARCS.

• Solutions must be rapid, affordable, open architecture, modern, and mature.

• Compliance with DoDI 8582.01, DoDI 5200.48, NIST SP 800-171, ITAR, NISPOM, and DOC Export Regulations is required.

• Deliverables include requirements documentation, MBSE models, prototype development, testing, and operational acceptance.

• Specific deliverables are defined in program solicitation documentation (SOW, PPP, SCG, CDRLs).

• Award Type: Prototype Other Transaction Agreement (10 U.S.C. § 2371b).

• Cost Sharing: May be required.

• Project Duration: To be completed by October 2029 (includes 2 months of Government-led Operational Test at each site).

• Contract Type: Phased awards (Gate 1: Firm Fixed Price, Gate 2: Firm Fixed Price, Gate 3: Fixed Price Incentive Fee).

• Anticipated Number of Awards: One or more Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs).

• Key Dates: Optional Abstract: Feb 25, 2026; Notice of Intent: Mar 2, 2026; Questions Due: Mar 4, 2026; RPP Materials Due: Mar 16, 2026; Oral Presentations Begin: Mar 23, 2026.

• Proposals are submitted in two volumes: Technical/Management and Price.

• Oral presentations are required and will be evaluated.

• Evaluation Criteria: Overall Technical Merit, Potential Contribution and Relevance to the Mission, and Price.

• Proposals must remain valid for up to one year.

• Open to both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors.

• Encourages inclusion of small businesses and nontraditional defense contractors.

• OT authority requires specific conditions related to non-traditional/small business participation or cost sharing.

• The program is executed in three gates: Requirements Development, Design & Prototype Development, and Build/Test/Acceptance.

• Participation in subsequent gates is optional and limited to performers from previous gates.

• Government Furnished Equipment/Information (e.g., DSIL) will be available.

• Security requirements include access to information up to SECRET//NOFORN; specific personnel may require higher clearances.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "List of Interested Vendors (current as of 20260116).xlsx", is an Excel spreadsheet containing a list of companies that have expressed interest in the associated SAM.gov opportunity. It serves as a reference for potential bidders to identify other interested parties and their contact information.

• Company Name
• Point of Contact (POC) Name
• POC Email Address
• Alternate POC Name(s) and Email Address(es)

This list can help bidders gauge the competitive landscape by identifying other potential offerors. It also provides contact information for individuals within these companies, which may be useful for teaming discussions or market research. The "current as of 20260116" indicates the data's recency.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to industry questions regarding the GBRD (Ground-Based Radar) requirement, seeking industry input on various aspects of the potential acquisition.

• New Requirement: GBRD is confirmed as a new requirement, with no incumbent or existing contract number.
• Award Anticipation: The government is seeking industry input on recommendations for the number of awards and period of performance.
• Contract Types: Industry is asked to clarify the expected mix of Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs), Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), and FAR-based contracts, including specific FAR contract types.
• Funding: Funding for GBRD is contingent upon program priorities, budget allocations, and specific programmatic requirements.
• Budget: The GBRD budget will align with USSF Space Domain Awareness, Missile Warning, and Missile Defense strategic priorities.
• Goals: The primary goals are to improve Space Domain Awareness of Ground-Based Radars (GBRs), continue Missile Warning/Missile Track/Missile Defense, decrease sustainment costs through an open architecture, and utilize commercial off-the-shelf solutions.
• Site Surveys: No pre-contract site surveys will be permitted due to ongoing mission operations; relevant site-specific information will be in the Bidder's Library.
• Digital Receiver: The digital receiver is currently at TRL-7 and expected to reach TRL-9 by October 2025. Additional information will be provided in the Bidder's Library.
• PARCS System: The PARCS system is a fully active radar system.
• GFE/GFP/GFI: All available documentation will be provided in the Bidder's Library.
• Real Property: No major facility work is anticipated, but minor efforts like cable trays or HVAC may be required.

This Q&A document provides critical clarifications that bidders should consider when formulating their responses to the RFI. It helps define the scope, contract vehicles, and technical expectations for the GBRD requirement.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a presentation for the Ground Based Radar Digitization (GBRD) Program. It outlines the program's objectives, background, and the weapon system portfolio. The United States Space Force (USSF) is seeking industry input on modernizing legacy Ground Based Radars (GBR) to enhance battlespace situational awareness, reduce sustainment costs, and address obsolescence.

• Program Objective: To digitize legacy radar systems for improved situational awareness, reduced costs, and obsolescence mitigation.
• Key Interests: Solutions leveraging open systems, non-proprietary architectures, Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) technology, and incorporating existing digital receiver technology.
• Background: The modernization supports the National Defense Strategy by enhancing missile warning, missile defense, missile tracking, and space domain awareness capabilities. It aims to digitize six radar sites, enhance radar performance, and transition to a government-owned, modular open system architecture.
• Industry Input Sought: The USSF is seeking input on technical capabilities (digitization, modular architectures, cybersecurity, digital receivers), sustainment strategies (reducing lifecycle costs, addressing DMSMS), contracting approaches (MTA, OTA, innovative mechanisms), and industry collaboration opportunities (partnerships, leveraging COTS).
• Industry Day Agenda: The presentation includes an agenda for an industry day event held on August 8-11, 2025, in Colorado Springs, CO, featuring program overviews, industry engagements, and networking opportunities.
• Contact Information: Provides contact details for the Contracting Office (email, address, phone).