RFI - UMTE X Band Transmitter
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 is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify industry sources capable of providing solutions to consolidate and replace obsolete, single-function Unmanned Threat Emitter (UMTE) X Band Transmitter systems. The goal is to modernize legacy platforms (TK-1, TK-2, TK-4) facing obsolescence issues. Responses are due by July 18, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI, issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), seeks commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), modified COTS, or developmental technologies that can combine the functionalities of existing legacy X-band transmitter systems into a single, modernized, and supportable framework. The government aims to mitigate diminishing manufacturing sources, material shortages, and increasing sustainment costs.
Key Requirements
Vendors should submit a white paper or capability statement addressing:
- Technical Approach: Proposed system architecture (e.g., TWT, GaN, solid-state), frequency coverage (6.5 GHz to 15.5 GHz), waveform compatibility, output power (250W PA), and modulation schemes.
- SWaP-C Impact: Estimated Size, Weight, Power, and Cooling metrics, and compatibility with existing pedestal footprints.
- Interoperability & Open Architecture: Integration with existing systems and potential need for new wide-band antenna/waveguide.
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Current TRL and roadmap to achieve TRL 8/9.
- Sustainment & Obsolescence Management: Strategy for a 15-year lifecycle.
- Cost and Schedule Estimates (ROM): Rough Order of Magnitude for unit cost (23-25 units), Non-Recurring Engineering (NRE), installation/integration, and a high-level schedule. Key performance parameters include an Effective Radiated Power (ERP) threshold of 85 dBm and pulse width/repetition interval specifications.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Mix of Firm Fixed Price (FFP) and Cost-Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) for future efforts.
- Response Due: July 18, 2026, 1700 MST
- Published: May 19, 2026
- Place of Performance: Hill Air Force Base, UT
Submission & Eligibility
Responses must be submitted electronically, be 10 pages or less, in PDF format, and UNCLASSIFIED. Proprietary data must be clearly marked. Required information includes company details, CAGE Code, CCR status, ownership, and NAICS Code. Interested contractors must be registered in SAM. The Government reserves the right to consider a small business set-aside based on responses.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment to contract. No payment will be made for information provided.