Naval Special Warfare Command (NSWC) has issued a small business set-aside solicitation for a basic communications accessory suite designed primarily for use by support personnel. According to the solicitation, it is not intended to replace current advanced USSOCOM communications accessory suites; rather, it is intended to be a simplified capability with limited environmental hardening and interoperable with current USSOCOM-fielded manpack and handheld multi-band radios.
Key minimum specifications from the solicitation are:
– IP67 rating
– Compatible with common 19-pin and 6-pin radios
– Use of common connectors such as the TP-120/NATO 4-pin
– Simple and easy to use
– Able to monitor dual nets
– Provide noise protection (steady state and impulse)
– Use commercial power sources
– Able to be configured for use on ARC rails or over the head
Companies interested in participating should note that NSWC is requiring offerors to deliver two product demonstration models with their quotes by the closing date of the solicitation (August 12, 2022). NSWC intends to conduct an evaluation of each offer that meets minimum product descriptions, then make a best value five-year indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) award. NSWC intends to purchase approximately 2,500 systems over the life of the contract, not including sustainment and spares.
Questions of a technical nature can be directed to NSWC N83 Combat and Survival Programs at warcom-N83@socom.mil. Note the solicitation number in the subject of the email (H9224022Q0003).
Read the full solicitation here.