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, specifically AFLCMC HBDK, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for LINK 22 radios. This RFI seeks market research from vendors capable of providing a complete, turn-key Link-22 High-Frequency (HF) radio system, integrated into a ruggedized, field-deployable transit case. The goal is to enhance Beyond-Line-of-Sight (BLOS) data exchange capabilities and support Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) objectives. Responses are due by March 18, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI aims to identify sources for a fully integrated Link-22 capable radio, antenna system, power system, and precise timing source. The system must be integrated into a ruggedized, man-portable transit case, designed to interface with the Government's core Link-22 equipment. This initiative addresses the sunsetting of the legacy Link-11 tactical data link and seeks to improve operational effectiveness at Hill Air Force Base, UT.
Key Information Requested
Respondents should provide detailed information on:
- Scope of Work and Integration Approach: Including estimated cost or Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) for sourcing and integrating the HF radio system with peripherals.
- Radio & Antenna System Proposal: Details on a specific Link-22 capable HF radio model (or production-ready by Q2FY28), antenna system, configuration for at least 150 Watts forward power, and communication range analysis (at least 225 nautical miles).
- Integration Experience: Examples of past projects involving similar communication systems, especially for military/aerospace applications.
- Power & UPS Requirements: Proposed power solution, input 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, M-Code compliant UTC timing source, detailing features, holdover performance, and integration plan.
- Modular Design & Follow-On Integration: Conceptual design for the transit case solution, ensuring man-portability, 4-person lift compliance, 463L pallet fit, and interface with Link-22 PMO's Signal Processing Controllers (SPCs).
- Environmental Ruggedization: How the design meets MIL-STD-810 environmental requirements for various climates and military air transport.
Submission Details
- Response Deadline: March 18, 2026
- 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 (RFI) for market research purposes only and is not a request for proposals. The U.S. Government will not pay for response costs, and responding does not guarantee future participation in any subsequent RFP.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Published Date: February 17, 2026
- Response Due: March 18, 2026