Sole Source Notice for L3Harris AN/PRC-163 Multi-Channel Handheld Radios
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
AI Contract Overview
The U.S. Air Force at Travis Air Force Base is proceeding with a sole-source acquisition for eight AN/PRC-163 Falcon IV handheld radios from L3Harris Technologies Inc. This action is justified under RFO 5.101(c)(4)(vii) due to the unique technical capabilities of the AN/PRC-163, which is the only handheld radio capable of meeting the stringent cryptographic and waveform requirements specified in AFTTP 3-3. The radio’s integrated ability to directly interface with the USAF’s AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader for secure key management and its exclusive capacity to maintain simultaneous multi-band connectivity across critical networks—including VHF/UHF LOS, SINCGARS, Havequick I/II, UHF SATCOM, and future SATURN waveforms—makes it indispensable for secure near-peer communications, particularly with the KC-46 tanker fleet. No commercially available alternative can provide this level of hardware-level integration without introducing unacceptable cyber and operational risks. Although this notice is a pre-solicitation and does not constitute a request for quotes or proposals, the Government intends to issue a formal Request for Quotation with a firm-fixed-price contract award expected on or about August 28, 2026. The acquisition will be evaluated on both technical and price factors, and only qualified sources authorized to supply the specified equipment are eligible. The NAICS code is 334220, with no set-aside applicable, and trade agreements and construction data are not relevant to this procurement. The point of contact for inquiries is Clark Teninty, with a response deadline of August 14, 2026, for any questions regarding the anticipated solicitation. The place of performance is Travis Air Force Base, California.
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
0, CA, 94535, USASet-Aside
Documents
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Timeline
Response Deadline
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
1. This pre-solicitaion notice is in accordance with RFO 5.101(c). This is not a Request for Quotation (RFQ), a Request for Proposal (RFP), or an Invitation for Bid (IFB). The Government is not soliciting quotes or proposals at this time.
2. Description:
Travis Air Force Base 60th Operations Support Squadron requires 8 (Brand Name) AN/PRC-163 Falcon IV Handheld Radios, in support of secure military communications.
3. Procedures for Award:
The Government intends to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and award a firm-fixed-price purchase order. The award basis is anticipated to include Technical and Price. The Government anticipate to award on or about 28 Aug 2026.
4. Trade Agreements Language: Not Applicable.
5. Technical Data: Not Applicable
6. Construction Contract Information: Not Applicable
7. Statement Regarding Responsible Sources: All responsible sources may submit a quotation, bid, or proposal, as appropriate, which will be considered by the agency.
8. Competitive Status IAW RFO 5.101(c)(4)(vii): This procurement is executed as a sole-source acquisition with L3Harris Technologies Inc. because the AN/PRC-163 Falcon IV is the only handheld radio possessing the built-in capability to meet the strict cryptographic and waveform mandates of AFTTP 3-3. To secure near-peer communications, the AN/PRC-163 interfaces directly with the USAF’s AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loader (SKL) to load mission-critical telemetry. Additionally, it is the only transceiver capable of maintaining simultaneous, multi-band connectivity with the KC-46 tanker fleet across its primary radio networks—including VHF/UHF LOS, SINCGARS, Havequick I/II, UHF SATCOM, and future SATURN waveforms. Because no other commercial radio possesses the hardware integration to bridge these vital systems without introducing severe cyber and operational vulnerabilities, L3Harris is the sole source capable of fulfilling this requirement.
9. Qualification Requirement: Must be authorized to supply the required items.
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