Request for Information (RFI) - Next Generation Audio Kit

The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, through its Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces Directorate and Special Warfare Program Office, is conducting market research via a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential sources capable of providing a Next Generation Tactical Audio Component Kit (NGTACK) to enhance communication and situational awareness during personnel recovery operations. The goal is to develop a small, lightweight, rugged, and configurable body-worn system that integrates with existing dismounted radios such as the PRC-163, PRC-167, and PRC-117G, as well as aircraft intercom systems, enabling seamless interoperability across land and maritime environments. The system must support at least two radio channels, with an objective of four, and include a push-to-talk switch and compatible cabling, achieving a noise reduction rating of 20–30 dB per ANSI S3.19-1974. Environmental resilience is critical, requiring compliance with MIL-STD-810G, IP67 ingress protection for cabling, and saltwater immersion resistance—two meters for two hours for land variants and ten meters for two hours for maritime variants. Ideally, a single headset design will fulfill both land and maritime operational needs without requiring separate variants. All submissions must be no more than 15 pages including attachments, submitted electronically by 12:00 PM Eastern Time on May 29, 2026, to the designated contracting officer and program manager emails. Respondents must be registered in SAM.gov and provide their CAGE Code and Unique Entity ID. The Government requires clarification of commercial item status, Buy American Act and Berry Amendment compliance, warranty terms, spare parts availability, training provisions, and potential product improvements. Small business respondents must disclose their size status and certify compliance with FAR 52.219-14 and 52.219-33, including anticipated subcontracting percentages and teaming arrangements. Proprietary information must be clearly marked—otherwise, it will be treated as publicly releasable. Attachments such as pictures, training videos, architecture views, drawings, connectivity diagrams, and test results are allowed but count toward the page limit. Responses become Government property upon submission, and no reimbursement is offered for preparation or submission costs. This RFI is strictly for market research purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to procure. The place of performance is Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,