Tactical Local Area Network (TACLAN) and Satellite Deployable Node (SDN) "King for a Day" Request for Information (RFI)
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 United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for the Tactical Local Area Network (TACLAN) and Satellite Deployable Node (SDN) "King for a Day" Challenge. This RFI seeks innovative concepts and capability statements from industry to modernize tactical Command and Control (C2) networks, addressing capability gaps in legacy TACLAN and SDN systems. Responses are due by noon EST on June 26, 2026.
Purpose & Vision
USSOCOM aims to transition to a unified, modular ecosystem for future Special Operations Forces Deployable Communication Infrastructure. The "King for a Day" challenge asks industry to propose holistic, capability-driven C2 solutions, unconstrained by legacy systems. The vision includes modular, Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS)-based architectures prioritizing survivability, agility, low probability of intercept/detection (LPI/LPD), and user simplicity for Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO).
Required Capabilities
Key capabilities envisioned include:
- Modular "Warehouse" Architecture: Standardized, lightweight, "blade and card" chassis for tailoring kits to specific echelons.
- Transport Agnosticism & Automated SD-WAN: Seamless routing across transports (pLEO/Starshield, LTE/5G, local ISP) with automated failover.
- Tactical Edge Compute & Organic CDS: Localized processing, virtualization, and services for Disconnected, Disruptive, Intermittent, and Limited (DDIL) environments, including integrated Cross-Domain Solutions.
- Signature Management & EW Resilience: Low-profile antennas, rapid acquisition, spectrum analysis, and dynamic routing to evade detection.
Information Requested
Respondents should provide a white paper detailing solutions to the problems, specifically addressing:
- Architecture, SWaP, & Power (TSA checked-baggage compliant, <70 lbs per case, environmental hardening, power management).
- Automated Orchestration (eliminating manual configs, "tombstoning" issues, over-the-air updates, "plug-and-play" deployment).
- High-Throughput Security & CDS (overcoming 100mbps encryption limits, native CDS integration for multi-enclave data flow).
- Transport, Edge Compute & DDIL (true transport agnosticism via SD-WAN, robust localized services when disconnected).
- Signature Management & Spectrum Awareness (minimizing physical/electromagnetic signatures, organic spectrum analysis).
- Policy & Integration (continuous modernization, interoperability with allied/NATO networks, security).
Submission Guidelines & Timeline
This is market research; it is not an RFP and does not constitute a commitment by the Government. Responses will inform the acquisition strategy. White papers should not exceed twenty (20) pages, be unclassified, and clearly mark any proprietary information. Responses are due by noon EST on June 26, 2026, to Chad.Skiendziel@SOCOM.mil. The Government may schedule follow-on meetings for clarification.