Next Generation Tactical Radio (NGTR)

What the buyer is asking for

1.0 INTRODUCTION The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), PMA-209, located at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, is seeking information from potential sources regarding a modular Software Defined Radio (SDR) for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft, designated the Next Generation Tactical Radio (NGTR). The NGTR is intended to support voice and data waveforms in the Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) bands, with operational capability extending up to 6 GHz. It will incorporate a modular High Assurance Device (HAD) to meet National Security Agency (NSA) cryptographic and Security Evaluation Requirements Document (SERD) requirements. Additionally, the NGTR is designed to serve as a form, fit, and function backwards-compatible replacement for aircraft currently equipped with the ARC-210 Generation 5 and Generation 6 radios. This Market Research tool is being used to identify potential and eligible firms, of all sizes, prior to determining the method of acquisition and issuance of a solicitation. The results of the Request for Information (RFI) will be utilized to determine if any Small Business Set-Aside opportunities exist. Additionally, this RFI is being used to gather constructive information from industry to improve the RFP. The following documents are attached to this RFI Notice: Attachment 1: NGTR RFI Performance Requirements - DRAFT Attachment 2: Program and Risk Feedback Matrix The following dates are anticipated time frames associated with this requirement: Estimated Industry Day: 1st Quarter FY27 Estimated Draft RFP Release: 3rd Quarter FY 27 Estimated Final RFP Release: 4th Quarter FY 27 Estimated Award Date: 2nd Quarter FY 28 Target Fleet Delivery: Mid-2034 – Production-ready NGTR systems delivered to fleet locations for aircraft installation Primary Place of Performance: Contractor facility and as needed at government test sites and government facilities for meetings with NAVAIR and NSA. 2.0 DISCLAIMER THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS REQUEST IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY. 3.0 PROGRAM BACKGROUND The NGTR system's goal is to develop a small form factor system compatible with existing and future U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft that will support: Communications waveforms in the VHF, UHF frequency bands with support for waveforms up to 6GHz. Waveforms defined in Attachment 1. A Modular, Open architecture to support rapid capability integration and obsolescence upgrades including a modular High Assurance Device (HAD) that supports NSA cryptographic and SERD requirements. Zero Trust System security meeting applicable Risk Management Framework (RMF) controls. Minimal integration impact and modification requirements for existing and future U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft platforms. 4.0 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND REQUIRED CAPABILITIES The NGTR system is expected to meet the performance requirements defined in Attachment 1: “NGTR RFI Performance Requirements” - DRAFT. The NGTR Contractor is expected to meet the following qualifications: Have secure military software defined radios with embedded NSA certified cryptography. Have experience in agile and modular development and testing, incorporating customer feedback throughout the process. Have the ability to obtain Top Secret security clearances for employees and facility within 12 months of contract award, including the ability to support development and test up to the Top Secret level. Have experience in developing and producing UHF and VHF RF radios supporting military and non-military communications waveforms. Has…