Request for Information (RFI): MIL-STD-188-164 and MIL-STD-188-165 Industry Week
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
The Department of Defense, through the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry input on proposed updates to two key military standards related to Super High Frequency (SHF) satellite communications: MIL-STD-188-164, which governs the interoperability of SHF satellite communications terminals, and MIL-STD-188-165, which covers SHF satellite communications Phase-Shift Keying (PSK) modems. The focus of this RFI is to obtain technical feedback on the evolving challenges associated with incorporating advanced technologies such as Digital Intermediate Frequency (DIF) terminals and modems, which may operate as virtualized platforms rather than traditional hardware. Industry input is also sought on dealing with Gallium Nitride (GaN) amplifier non-linearities, ensuring virtual modem-to-platform interoperability, defining hardware baseline requirements for virtual modems, and approaches for implementing transmission security (TRANSEC) in these virtualized environments. This effort is intended to inform future updates to these military standards and ensure continued interoperability and performance of military satellite communications systems. The RFI explicitly states that it does not constitute a solicitation, proposal request, or contract award and that responses will not be compensated. Responses are due by July 17, 2026, with submissions encouraged via email or the Defense Information Systems Agency’s systems, and respondents are invited but not required to participate in a week-long industry engagement event scheduled for August 3–7, 2026, at the NIWC Pacific Topside facility. Attendance is limited with options for teleconference participation. This engagement will facilitate further dialogue on the technical issues pertaining to MIL-STD-188-164 and MIL-STD-188-165, structured to address terminal interoperability early in the week and modem interoperability later. The RFI includes procedural requirements for visit access, particularly regarding security credentials and vetting, especially for non-CAC holders and foreign nationals. All submissions become government property, and the government will not reimburse any costs related to responding. The acquisition framework applies FAR clause 52.215-3 relating to RFIs for planning purposes, underscoring the non-binding and informational nature of the request. No contract clauses beyond this apply, and there is no associated period of performance, pricing, evaluation, or award criteria, reflecting the RFI’s purpose solely as a planning tool to gather industry insights for potential future contract solicitations.
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Full Description
Description
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)
REQUIREMENT
Industry input on Changes to Military Standard (MIL-STD) MIL-STD-188-164: Interoperability of Super High Frequency (SHF) Satellite Communications Terminals and MIL-STD-188-165: Interoperability of Super High Frequency Satellite Communications Phase-Shift Keying (PSK) Modems.
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is seeking Industry feedback on proposed changes to MIL-STD-188-164 and MIL-STD-188-165.
THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) NOTICE ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. NO SOLICITIATION IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.
1.0 Overview/Purpose
The Department of Defense (DoD) is soliciting industry to provide comments on the published MIL-STD-188-164C/Change 2 and MIL-STD-188-165B/Change 2 and to prepare responses to satisfy unique DoD requirements for future updates to the MIL-STDs and related Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) systems.
2.0 Scope of Effort
This RFI request is solely for gathering information and planning purposes. This RFI does not commit the U.S. Government to contract for any services or supplies whatsoever. All are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitations or requests for proposals (RFPs).
3.0 Technical Characteristics
The continuing evolution of terminal and modem capabilities presents several challenges to developing relevant and useful terminal and modem design requirements. This is particularly true in the adoption of digital intermediate frequency (IF) (DIF) terminals and modems which may not include analog IF interfaces. In addition to traditional dedicated hardware form factors, DIF modems may also be provided as virtual platforms running on generic hardware which could be performing multiple functions.
- Requested Information
The U.S Government is requesting input on changes to improve the clarity and/or consistency of the MIL-STD. Specific areas that are currently of interest are enumerated below, but input should not be limited to these areas.
- The Digital IF Interoperability (DIFI) Consortium is one of several working groups looking to define test and performance characteristics for DIF systems and components, as well as for virtualized platforms. How should MIL-STD-188-164 and MIL-STD-188-165 be updated to ensure DIF interoperability and performance? How should Digital IF modems and terminals be tested for purposes of WGS Certification? What new or updated requirements in the MIL-STDs would aid in ensuring such tests are valid and useful? MIL-STD changes should not preclude the use of analog IF for terminals supporting such interfaces. Responses speaking to DIFI or similar working group efforts are welcome but not required.
- Gallium Nitride (GaN) amplifiers are known to have non-linear characteristics. How have these non-linearities manifested themselves in real world designs? How can these characteristics be managed in the context of a terminal where linear operations are required? How can the MIL-STD-188-164 be updated to maintain adequate performance when GaN amplifiers are used?
- How should MIL-STD-188-165 be updated to ensure Virtual Modem(s) software-to-platform interoperability and performance (whether platform is vendor provided or Government procured)? Are vendors interested in supplying both Virtual Modems and suitable hardware platforms to host them?
- How should MIL-STD-188-165 be updated to address minimum server or hardware platform system requirements for Virtual Modems? What key hardware specifications would trigger a recertification of the host platform? What hardware specifications could be demonstrated as equivalent (non-risk) for purposes of certification?
- What is your approach for implementing transmission security (TRANSEC) with Virtual Modems?
Response Guidelines
Companies who wish to respond to this RFI should send responses via email no later than 17 July 2026. Companies submitting responses are encouraged but not required to attend the Industry Week meetings. Companies interested in participating in the Industry Week meetings are encouraged but not required to submit technical responses.
Questions
Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to the POCs below. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Answers to questions will be posted to SAM.gov. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after 1 June 2026 will be answered. The Government will not reimburse companies for any costs associated with the submissions of their responses.
Industry Week Discussions
Dates: Monday, 3th August 2026 to Friday, 7th August 2026.
Location: NIWC Pacific Topside
Times: Meetings will occur each day.
Monday 0830 - 1700 (Registration available 0830 – 0900)
Tuesday 0830 - 1700
Wednesday 0830 - 1700
Thursday 0830 - 1700
Friday 0830 - 1700
Note: Industry Week will encompass discussion relating to both MIL-STD-188-164 and MIL-STD-188-165. Discussion relevant to MIL-STD-188-164 will generally occur earlier in the week with discussion relevant to MIL-STD-188-165 generally occurring later in the week. A meeting agenda will be released once industry responses have been received.
Dress: Business Casual
Teleconference Bridge: In person attendance will be limited to approximately two people per company. A teleconference bridge is planned but not yet confirmed for all sessions (meeting URL to be provided later).
RSVP: Please indicate intent to visit by 29 June 2026 by email to all POCs below. The deadline for VAR submissions via DISS is13 July 2026. Non-CAC holders and foreign nationals will require additional time.
Visit Procedures: This meeting will be held at the UNCLASSFIED level. All visitors must submit visit requests per NIWC Pacific procedures. Note, the Pass and ID Office require 15-20 business days to process vetting forms for anyone without an authorized credential. The CAC or DBIDS MUST match the purpose of the visit. Visitors cannot use a Reserve, Retiree, or Dependent CAC for access if they are visiting as contractors.
Submissions via DISS are preferred.
SMO Code 660015 - H-66001-NAVY-SPAWARSYSCEN PACIFIC-00
Dates: 3-7 August 2026
Purpose: SHF TWGs Industry Days
POCs: Include the NIWC Pacific POCs below.
For more details, particularly for non-CAC holders requiring a DBIDS credential for the visit, please refer to the following visitor guidance:
https://www.niwcpacific.navy.mil/Connect/Visitors/
Foreign Nationals should reach out to the NIWC Pacific POCs below for further guidance.
Additional visit information will be shared with the RSVP list closer to the meeting dates.
Points Of Contact (POCs)
All responses:
Mr. Dana DeFrancesco at DISA
Phone: 667-890-3670
NIPR: dana.m.defrancesco.civ@mail.mil
Mrs. Pamela Phillips at USSF 53 SOPS
Phone: 719-554-2002
NIPR: pamela.phillips.5@spaceforce.mil
Mr. Matthew Eckert at USSF 53 SOPS
Phone: 719-554-2086
NIPR: matthew.eckert.4@spaceforce.mil
NIWC Pacific POCs for visits:
Tech POC:
Mike Eriksson
Phone: 619-559-9127
NIPR: michael.n.eriksson.civ@us.navy.mil
Security POC:
Michelle Dykes
Phone: 619-553-3202
NIPR: dawn.m.dykes2.ctr@us.navy.mil
Disclaimer
This RFI is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals nor will any award be made as a result of this synopsis.
All information contained in the RFI is preliminary as well as subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government. FAR clause 52.215-3, “Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes”, is incorporated by reference in this RFI. The Government does not intend to pay for information received in response to this RFI. Responders to this invitation are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. This RFI will be the basis for collecting information on capabilities available. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received in this RFI that is marked “Proprietary” will be handled accordingly. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned nor will receipt be confirmed. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.
Attachments/Links
MIL-STD-188-164
https://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsDocDetails.aspx?ident_number=115564
MIL-STD-188-165
https://quicksearch.dla.mil/qsDocDetails.aspx?ident_number=115558