Domestic Datalink Services (DDLS) Market Survey 2
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration is seeking industry input to shape the future of Controller to Pilot Data Link Communication services succeeding the current Data Communication Integrated Services contract, which expires in 2029. This market survey aims to gather insights on delivering reliable, affordable, and technologically advanced data link services across en route airspace and 65 airports, leveraging the existing VDL-2 protocol and ERAM infrastructure. The FAA plans to transition to one or more long-term contracts, potentially spanning ten years, with a focus on seamless operational continuity, enhanced message monitoring, performance incentives, and the integration of emerging technologies while minimizing disruption during the shift from the current system. Industry stakeholders are invited to provide detailed feedback on acquisition structure, technical challenges, operational requirements, and transition strategies, with submissions due by September 9, 2026. All responses must be submitted as searchable PDFs and clearly mark any proprietary content. The FAA will host an Industry Day in late summer or early fall to facilitate direct engagement, and a Screening Information Request outlining formal DDLS requirements is expected in the second quarter of fiscal year 2029. Interested parties should direct inquiries to the designated point of contact at the U.S. Department of Transportation in Washington, D.C., and ensure all submissions include complete contact details and are labeled appropriately for identification.
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
Washington, DC, 20591, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Response Deadline
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
Domestic Datalink Services (DDLS) FY2026 Market Survey Synopsis
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a market survey to explore the development of Controller to Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) services for airports and en route airspace following the expiration of the current Data Communication Integrated Services (DCIS) contract on September 30, 2029. This market survey is not a solicitation or a request for proposal but aims to gather information from industry stakeholders to inform future acquisition strategies.
Background: CPDLC services are currently operational across all 20 Continental United States (CONUS) Centers, with Departure Clearance (DCL) services at 65 airports. These services are facilitated by the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system, which uses the Very High Frequency (VHF) Data Link Mode 2 (VDL-2) protocol for communication between air traffic controllers and FANS-equipped aircraft. The current DCIS contract is nearing its 14th year, and the FAA is considering establishing one or multiple 10-year contracts for future services.
Program Objectives: The FAA seeks to ensure excellent, reliable end-to-end performance of CPDLC, gain timely insights into message statuses, obtain affordable services, introduce new technologies seamlessly, and facilitate a risk-minimized transition from DCIS to DDLS.
Scope: The survey focuses on operational network services and associated monitoring, referred to as Data Communications Network Service (DCNS) under the current contract.
Industry Participation: The FAA invites responses from interested parties with capabilities or interest in providing CPDLC services. Respondents are encouraged to share insights on acquisition design, operations, technical topics, and transition strategies from DCIS to DDLS. Key areas of interest include incentivizing performance, introducing new technologies, ensuring accurate monitoring, addressing technical and operational challenges, and facilitating seamless transitions.
Response Guidelines: Interested parties must submit written responses in English, formatted as searchable PDFs, with "DDLS FY2026 Market Survey Response [Company Name]" in the subject line. Proprietary or confidential information should be clearly marked, and submissions should include contact details. Responses are due by August 24, 2026, and questions about the survey should be submitted by August 3, 2026.
Future Activities: The FAA plans to conduct an Industry Day in late summer or early fall, providing opportunities for one-on-one sessions with interested parties. A Screening Information Request (SIR) for DDLS requirements is anticipated for release in the second quarter of FY2029.
This market survey represents an opportunity for industry stakeholders to contribute to the shaping of future CPDLC services and to engage with the FAA in preparation for upcoming acquisition processes.
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