KC135 VHF Transceiver
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
This is a Sources Sought notice from the U.S. Air Force for market research to identify potential vendors capable of providing a digitally controlled Very High Frequency (VHF) Communications Transceiver and VHF Data Radio (VDR) for the KC-135 aircraft. This effort aims to gather information to determine the acquisition method and potential small business set-aside opportunities. Responses are due by July 1, 2026.
Scope of Requirements
The required VHF Transceiver must be civil-certified and designed for both commercial and military aviation environments. Key characteristics include:
- Physical: Must fit within a standard Collins Aerospace MMT-125 tray (2.5 CMU), with maximum dimensions of 3.44 inches (H), 2.50 inches (W), and 14.12 inches (D). Weight should be approximately 3.5 to 4.0 lbs.
- Functional: Frequency range of 118.000 MHz to 152.000 MHz (including military extended ranges), digitally selectable 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz channel spacing, and a minimum power output of 18 watts (up to 25 watts capability) for operational coverage up to 200 nautical miles. It must support VDL Mode A, Mode 2, and CPDLC applications, and be capable of Built-In Test (BIT) with results provided to the flight deck.
- Compatibility: Requires 28 VDC aircraft power, ARINC 429 high-speed I/O bus, and Commercial Standard Digital Bus (CSDB). It must integrate seamlessly with the KC-135's existing Communications Management Unit (CMU) architecture, specifically ARINC 750 data interface compatible with onboard CMU-4000 / CMU-900 units, supporting legacy VDL Mode 2, CPDLC, ADS-C, ATIS, and ACARS. The transceiver must be FAA and EASA approved for En-Route CPDLC (potentially requiring Service Bulletin SB-8 or SB-13), MIL-STD-810 and MIL-STD-461 compliant, and compatible with a 653-4005-002 Male-TL 66 connector.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified; market research will determine potential small business set-aside opportunities.
- Response Due: July 1, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT
- Published: June 9, 2026
Evaluation
This is for informational purposes only. Responses will be used to identify potential and eligible firms of all sizes, determine the acquisition method, and assess if any Small Business Set-Aside opportunities exist. Information gathered will also help improve the future Request For Proposal (RFP).
Additional Notes
This is not a request for proposal, nor does it constitute a solicitation or commitment by the government. No funds are available for response preparation. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to respond, clearly identifying their business size. Small businesses planning to use "similarly situated entities" to meet Limitation on Subcontracting requirements (FAR 52.219-14) should identify partner firms (name & CAGE Code) and their small business size status under the relevant NAICS code.