AFN Radio Imaging Services

The Department of War Information Activity (DWIA), under the Department of Defense, has issued a Sources Sought notice for the purpose of conducting market research to identify qualified small businesses capable of providing full-service radio imaging production for the American Forces Network (AFN) "The Eagle" radio services. AFN The Eagle is a global radio network serving U.S. service members, civilians, and families stationed overseas through 26 affiliate stations and two regional network feeds (Europe and Asia-Pacific). The contract, anticipated to be competed in the future, will require a contractor to produce and update comprehensive radio imaging packages—including sweepers, station IDs, promos, and sonic branding elements—consistent with contemporary Hot AC/Top40 commercial radio standards. The contractor must maintain a dynamic and professional sound identity, providing quarterly to annual updates and making a secure, digitally accessible library of imaging assets available to authorized AFN producers worldwide. Deliverables encompass varied audio elements such as music beds, sound effects, vocal samples, and specialized production components designed for broadcast suitability. This sources sought notice, identified as solicitation number HQ0516-FY-26-0006 and posted on April 14, 2026, sets a response deadline of May 12, 2026, and is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 512290. While no formal contract clauses, evaluation factors, or pricing information are yet established, the notice emphasizes compliance with standard FAR provisions for information requests and acquisition planning. The place of performance is St James, Maryland, with the contracting office located at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. Key points include that the solicitation process remains in market research phase, with no performance period or contract type yet defined. Offerors must submit capability statements limited to 10 pages, including company data such as CAGE and UEI codes, socio-economic status, relevant experience, and past performance. Contract administration details such as payment methods and invoicing are not provided at this stage. Contact points for technical or submission inquiries include contracting personnel Nastashia Willoughby and Thomas Brown. Overall, this notice seeks to gauge industry interest and capabilities in delivering a professional and evolving radio imaging identity consistent with top commercial radio formats for a global U.S. military broadcast audience.