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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.