SOPGM Datalink Radios

The Department of Defense, specifically the AFLCMC EBX, has established a single-award IDIQ contract for the procurement of production Datalink radios designed for Standoff Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM). These radios must be interoperable with the Situational Awareness Data Link (SADL) and feature National Security Agency approved encryption. A critical requirement is that the hardware must fit within the strict size constraints of current USSOCOM munitions, including the AGM-176, GBU-69/B, and GBU-39B/B. The system is intended to transmit flight data to Special Operations Forces platforms during combat, training, and test scenarios, removing the current dependency on S-Band telemetry receivers found only on test ranges. This capability will enhance system performance evaluations, failure investigations, and the refinement of Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. The contract, identified by solicitation number FA865620D0004, has an estimated value of 92.5 million dollars over a five-year ordering period. Beyond the hardware delivery, the scope of work includes comprehensive supplier support for integration, testing, training, fielding, employment, and ongoing production improvements. Due to specific technical requirements regarding size, weight, power consumption, and encryption, the procurement was pursued as a non-competitive action, identifying SAS as the sole responsible source capable of meeting the government's needs.