RFI for LINK 22 radios
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 (AFLCMC HBDK) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify sources for a complete, turn-key Link-22 High-Frequency (HF) radio system, including a timing source and a ruggedized, field-deployable transit case. This RFI aims to address the critical capabilities gap created by the sunsetting of the legacy Link-11 tactical data link, enhancing operational effectiveness for Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) data exchange and supporting Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) objectives. Responses are due by March 18, 2026, at 11 AM MDT.
Scope of Interest
The Government will furnish core Link-22 components (System Network Controller, Signal Processing Controller, COMSEC device). This RFI focuses on industry solutions for:
- A Link-22 capable radio and ancillary equipment.
- A precise timing source.
- The design and fabrication of an adaptable transit case solution to house the radio system and its supporting peripherals, interfacing with the Government-furnished core Link-22 case.
Key Information Requested
Respondents should provide detailed information on:
- Scope of Work and Integration Approach: Sourcing and integration of the Link-22 HF radio system into a modular transit case with peripherals (power supply, UPS, timing source, antenna tuning unit, modem, power amplifier), including an estimated cost (ROM).
- Radio & Antenna System Proposal: Details on a specific Link-22 capable HF radio model (or production-ready by Q2FY28), proposed antenna system, configuration for at least 150 Watts forward power, and analysis demonstrating a communication range of at least 225 nautical miles.
- Integration Experience: Examples of past projects integrating similar communication systems, particularly for military or aerospace applications.
- Power & UPS Requirements: A proposed power solution, including input power needs, UPS battery life under full load, and accommodation for a future 4U UHF radio.
- Timing and Synchronization Source: Identification of a 1U rack-mountable UTC timing source that is M-Code compliant, detailing features, holdover performance, modularity, and integration plan.
- Modular Design & Follow-On Integration: A conceptual design for the transit case solution, ensuring it is man-portable, compliant with a 4-person lift, fits a 463L pallet, and includes features for equipment integration and interface with the Link-22 PMO's Signal Processing Controllers (SPCs).
- Environmental Ruggedization: How the transit case design meets environmental requirements (e.g., MIL-STD-810) for various global climates and military air transport.
Submission Details
- Response Deadline: March 18, 2026, 11 AM MDT.
- Submission Method: Email to Wendy Farley (wendy.farley@us.af.mil) and Carlos Michel (carlos.michel@us.af.mil).
- Format: 8.5 x 11-inch pages, Microsoft Word or searchable Adobe Acrobat PDF. Limited to 15 pages (excluding commercial documentation).
- Classification: Responses must be unclassified; proprietary information must be clearly marked.
Important Notes
This is a Request for Information for market research purposes only and is not a request for proposals. The U.S. Government will not pay for any costs incurred in responding to this RFI, and responding does not guarantee future participation in any subsequent RFP.