Request for Information - Accelerated Development of the Second Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) Waveform

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Saturn Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) Development RFI. It clarifies the RFI's scope, relationship to previous RFIs, and future acquisition plans.

• Response Deadline Extension: The response deadline for the RFI has been extended to May 22, 2026, 1300 EST. Questions are now due by May 7, 2026.
• RFI Separation: This RFI is distinct from the December RFI. This RFI focuses on the development of the SEDR waveform, while the December RFI focused on porting a finished specification into existing radios.
• Evolution of Requirement: The current RFI stems from an evolved strategy. The previous August 2025 posting focused on porting the waveform. This new approach accelerates development by leveraging industry expertise to refine the waveform, collaborate with an FFRDC, and define a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for iterative upgrades.
• Scope of Development: The effort will include specification/design refinement, simulation, and initial implementation/porting of the MVP. It aims to ensure the waveform is readily portable.
• NSA-Certified Cryptography: Experience with NSA-certified cryptography is required due to SEDR's use by U.S. and NATO forces and the need to comply with DoD cryptographic modernization requirements.
• Future RFP Transition: The Government plans to transition this RFI into a formal Request for Proposal (RFP).
• Award Strategy: The final acquisition strategy is under formulation. The RFP will clarify whether the resulting contract will be a single award or a multiple-award contract.

Key deadlines for questions and responses have been extended. The RFI clarifies the scope of work for potential future development efforts and confirms the intent to transition to a formal RFP, providing bidders with crucial information for future proposal preparation.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 3 to a Request for Information (RFI) concerning the Accelerated Development of the Second Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) Waveform.

• The RFI is for market research purposes to determine the availability and adequacy of potential business sources.

• It is not a request for proposal and does not constitute a solicitation.

• Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred.

• Information submitted is subject to change and does not bind the Government to solicit for or award a contract.

• Funds are not currently available for this effort.

• All unclassified information submitted may be subject to disclosure under FOIA.

• Submissions grant consent for review by Government personnel, FFRDC, and A&AS contractor employees unless explicitly objected to in writing.

• The background section details the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's (AFLCMC) market research to identify sources for designing, developing, and prototyping SEDR waveform algorithms and functions.

• Features that could be explored under the SEDR advancement effort are listed, including Physical Layer, MANET Features, IP Interface Issues, COMSEC, TRANSEC, Modeling and Simulation, Hardware Development/Prototyping, and Information Assurance.

• The submission deadline for vendor responses is June 12, 2026, at 3:30 PM EDT.

• The target date for submitting questions was May 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT.

• Specific details regarding waveform development requirements are designated as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and are outlined in a separate CUI Addendum. Vendors must submit a formal request via email to obtain this Addendum.

• The RFI requests specific technical capability and experience details from vendors, including SDR development, waveform types, security and cryptographic integration, classified development, facility clearance, development/test processes, and corporate information.

• The submission deadline for responses is June 12, 2026. Vendors who have previously submitted a response are encouraged to request the CUI Addendum and submit a revised response.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 2 to a Request for Information (RFI) concerning the Accelerated Development of the Second Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) Waveform.

• The RFI is for market research purposes and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals.

• Information submitted is voluntary and will not be paid for by the Government.

• Proprietary information should be identified and will be safeguarded.

• The Government is not liable for damages related to improperly identified proprietary information.

• No solicitation is currently available, and requests for one will not receive a response.

• Funds are not currently available for this effort.

• Submitted information may be subject to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.

• Submissions may be reviewed by Government personnel, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) contractor employees, and Advisory & Assistance Services (A&AS) contractor employees, unless the respondent explicitly objects in writing.

• The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) is conducting market research to identify sources for SEDR acceleration contractors.

• The initial waveform focus is the SEDR waveform.

• SEDR support tasks may involve government civilians, FFRDC, A&AS contractors, and SEDR acceleration contractors.

• Work products may include development, analysis, and test of C3NG Reference Implementation Lab (RIL) SEDR radios.

• SATURN Waveform specification, RIL SEDR radio prototype code, and supporting documentation will be uploaded to the DoD IR.

• Features that could be explored include Physical Layer, MANET Features, IP Interface Issues, COMSEC, TRANSEC, Modeling and Simulation, Hardware Development/Prototyping, and Information Assurance boundary issues.

• The Government seeks to understand vendor capabilities and experience to plan for a potential future solicitation.

• Data Submission Deadline: Not Later Than (NLT) 5 June 2026 at 1:00 PM EDT.

• Submission Method: Via e-mail to the Contracting Officer (Capt Velia Colunga) and contracting specialist (Mr. Paul Munafo).

• Questions Deadline: 14 May 2026 at 4:00 PM EDT. Questions received after this date may not be answered.

• CUI Addendum: Specific requirements are in a separate CUI Addendum. Interested vendors must submit a formal request via email to the Contracting Office Point of Contact(s) to obtain this Addendum, including Company Name, Company CAGE Code, and Primary Point of Contact information.

• Response Content: Vendors should detail specific tasks they are qualified to perform, corresponding capabilities, and any other waveform-related activities they are skilled in. The response should include:

  • Part 1: Technical Capability and Experience (SDR/Waveform Experience, Security/Cryptographic Integration, Development/Test Processes)
  • Part 2: Corporate Information (Contracting personnel, addresses, CAGE Code, DUNS, business size, ID/IQ vehicles, etc.)

• Cost: The Government will not pay for any information received or costs associated with responding to this RFI.

• Acknowledgement: A response constitutes acknowledgement of interest and potential submission to a future solicitation.

This amendment clarifies that the RFI is for market research only and not a solicitation. It provides updated deadlines and details on how to obtain a CUI Addendum containing specific requirements for vendor responses. Vendors are encouraged to request the Addendum and submit a revised response.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Saturn Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) Development RFI.

• Response Deadline Extension: The response deadline for questions has been extended to May 7, 2026, and the final response due date is now May 22, 2026, at 1300 EST.
• RFI Relationship: This RFI is distinct from a previous RFI issued in December. This RFI focuses on the development and capabilities for creating the SEDR waveform, while the December RFI concerned porting a finished specification into existing radios.
• December RFI Status: The December RFI is no longer under evaluation.
• Evolution of Requirement: The current RFI is a reposting of a previous notice from August 2025. The strategy has evolved from solely porting the waveform onto vendor radios to accelerating the development of the SEDR waveform by leveraging industry expertise. This involves collaboration with a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) to refine the waveform, define a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and enable iterative upgrades.
• Future RFP Transition: The government plans to transition this accelerated SEDR development RFI into a formal Request for Proposal (RFP).

Key deadlines have been extended. The government's strategy for SEDR development has evolved, indicating a shift towards direct industry involvement in waveform refinement and MVP definition, with a future RFP anticipated.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment 1 to a Request for Information (RFI) concerning the Accelerated Development of the Second Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) Waveform.

• The RFI is for market research purposes to determine the availability of potential business sources for capabilities related to the SEDR waveform.

• It clarifies that this is not a request for proposal (RFP) and does not constitute a solicitation.

• It states that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI.

• It advises that proprietary information should be identified and will be safeguarded.

• It notes that no solicitation is currently available and requests for one will not receive a response.

• It mentions that all unclassified information submitted may be subject to disclosure under FOIA.

• It outlines that submissions may be reviewed by Government personnel, FFRDC, and A&AS contractor employees unless the respondent objects in writing.

• The background section describes the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's (AFLCMC/C3N) market research to identify sources for designing, developing, and prototyping SEDR waveform algorithms and functions.

• It lists potential features for SEDR advancement, including Physical Layer, MANET Features, IP Interface Issues, COMSEC, TRANSEC, Modeling and Simulation, Hardware Development/Prototyping, and Information Assurance.

• The Data Submission Requirements section specifies that responses are due by 22 May 2026 at 1:00 PM EDT via email to the Contracting Officer and Specialist. Questions are due by 07 May 2026 at 4:00 PM EDT.

• It highlights that specific details regarding waveform development requirements are designated as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and are outlined in a separate CUI Addendum. Vendors must request this Addendum via email to receive it.

• The RFI requests vendors to detail their company's qualifications and experience in specific areas, including SDR Development, Waveform Types, Security and Cryptographic Integration, Classified Development, Facility Clearance, Development/Test Processes, and Corporate Information.

• The RFI submission deadline is 22 May 2026. Vendors are encouraged to request the CUI Addendum and submit a revised response if they have already responded.

• This amendment does not change the nature of the RFI as a market research tool, not a solicitation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) required by the Air Force. It outlines the terms and conditions for individuals granted access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

• Parties Involved: Signer (individual official, employee, consultant, or subcontractor) and the authorized non-Federal entity.
• Information Covered: Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), specifically mentioning "General Procurement and Acquisition, Controlled" and "Technical Information, Export Controlled" as potential categories. It defines CUI according to 32 CFR Part 2002 and relevant executive orders.
• Signer's Obligations: Acknowledgment of training, commitment to protect CUI from unauthorized disclosure, reporting breaches, and understanding potential consequences of violations (civil/criminal sanctions, denial of access).
• Acknowledgment and Acceptance: Sections for the individual to acknowledge understanding and for an authorized representative to accept the agreement.

Bidders may be required to sign this NDA if they are granted access to sensitive Controlled Unclassified Information as part of the opportunity. It details the responsibilities and restrictions placed upon individuals accessing such information.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Aerial Networks Division (AFLCMC/C3N) to conduct market research. The government is seeking information on potential sources with expertise, facilities, and personnel to design, develop, and prototype key algorithms and functions for waveforms, specifically focusing on the Second Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) Enhanced Data Rate (SEDR) waveform. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals.

The government is interested in understanding vendor capabilities related to:

• Developing and/or porting waveforms for military-grade Software Defined Radios (SDRs).
• Experience with various communication waveform types (e.g., anti-jam, low-probability-of-intercept/detect, SATCOM, Link-16).
• Integrating National Security Agency (NSA) certified cryptography into software.
• Performing classified software development and testing.
• Facility Clearance Level (FCL).
• Software development lifecycle, configuration management, and quality assurance.
• Lab capabilities and test environments for communication efforts, including Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) certification.
• Corporate information, including personnel, addresses, CAGE code, DUNS number, and relevant contract vehicles.

Vendors are requested to submit documentation detailing their technical capabilities and experience. Specific areas to address include:

• General SDR and Waveform Experience

• Security and Cryptographic Integration

• Development/Test Processes

• Corporate Information

• Questions Due: March 31, 2026, 4:00 PM EDT

• Submissions Due: April 20, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT

• Contracting Officer: Capt Velia Colunga (velia.colunga.1@us.af.mil)

• Contracting Specialist: Mr. Aidan Nugent (aidan.nugent@us.af.mil)

• All costs associated with responding to this RFI are at the interested party's expense.

• The government will not pay for any information submitted.

• Responses will not be returned.

• Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation.

• Information submitted may be subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

• Submissions may be reviewed by Government personnel, FFRDC, and A&AS contractor employees unless the respondent clearly objects in writing.