Real-Time Virtual Injection and Bidirectional Test Interaction Capability

Solicitation No.

FA2486-RFI-testlink

Notice Type

Sources Sought

Posted Date

April 7, 2026

Response Deadline

May 15, 2026

NAICS Code

541512AI guide

PSC / Class Code

7B20

Contract Code

5700

Issuing Office

F1T0DE 96 TW LMCA 96 RANSS

Sub-Agency

DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE

Agency

DEPT OF DEFENSE

Primary Contact

Anthony Aldrich

City

EGLIN AFB

State

FL

ZIP Code

32542

AI Product/Service

service

Request for Information (RFI) Real-Time Virtual Injection and Bidirectional Test Interaction Capability 96th Test Systems Squadron (96 TSSQ) 1. Description of the Need The 96th Test Systems Squadron (96 TSSQ) is seeking industry input on technologies and architectures to support a real-time virtual injection capability enabling bidirectional interaction between simulated environments and real-world test assets across the Eglin Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR). This capability is intended to support advanced weapons test activities requiring deterministic, low-latency data exchange and closed-loop interaction. This announcement serves as a REQUEST FOR INFORMATION(RFI) only for the purpose of market research in accordance with Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul part 10. This RFI is issued for planning purposes only and is not a Request for Proposal (RFP), an Invitation for Bid (IFB), or an obligation on the part of the U.S. Government to acquire any products or services. In accordance with (IAW) Revolutionary FAR Overhaul 15.101(c)(2), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with the prepa-ration or submission of the information requested. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the responding party’s expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if issued. The Government reserves the right to reject or disregard, in whole or in part, any contractor’s input resulting from this RFI. This RFI does not constitute a solicitation for the proposals or the authority to enter into negotiations to award a contract. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing and acquisition strategy, a statement of work (SOW), statement of objectives (SOO), or performance specifications. Any proprietary information or technology should be clearly marked. 2. Background and Statement of the Need The Government is exploring approaches to enable real-time interaction between virtual and physical munitions and aircraft within test environments. This capability requires: • Bidirectional, low-latency data exchange • Deterministic timing and synchronization • Real-time fusion of simulated and real-world telemetry • High-assurance cross-domain data handling • Closed-loop interaction between virtual and physical systems Industry input is required to assess feasibility, identify technical risks, and refine architectural options. 3. Information Requested 3.1 Technical Approach • Proposed architecture for real-time virtual injection • Methods for achieving deterministic, low-latency bidirectional data flow • Approaches for real-time fusion of simulated and real-world telemetry • Cross-domain solutions for multi-caveat closed-loop interaction • Timing synchronization mechanisms • Integration with existing test and range infrastructure 3.2 Demonstrated Capability and Past Performance Respondents shall provide: • Verifiable past performance relevant to real-time or distributed test systems • Evidence of technical maturity (fielded systems, prototypes, accredited components) • Objective performance metrics (latency, jitter, synchronization accuracy) • Deployment history and operational context • Points of contact who can validate claims 3.3 Minimum Technical Maturity (TRL Requirement) • Threshold: TRL 6 — System prototype demonstrated in a lab environment • Objective: TRL 8 — Actual system completed and qualified 3.4 Vendor Qualifications Respondents shall describe: • Corporate experience with real-time or distributed test systems • Technical staff qualifications • Cybersecurity maturity and cross-domain experience • Experience supporting multi-domain or multi-node architectures 3.5 Risks, Dependencies, and Assumptions • Technical risks and mitigation strategies • Dependencies on distributed LVC integration services • Cybersecurity and cross-domain considerations 3.6 Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) • Cost bands for prototype, integration, and sustainment • Schedule assumptions for phased capability delivery 4. Response Structure (Hybrid Model) 4.1 Required Core Response (10 pages maximum) 1. Executive Summary (1 page) 2. Technical Approach (5 pages) 3. Requirements Traceability Matrix (2 pages) 4. Risks and Assumptions (1 page) 5. ROM Cost and Schedule (1 page) 4.2 Optional Attachments (10 pages or 10 slides maximum) • Real-time timing analysis • Data flow and fusion models • Cross-domain solution concepts • Prototype demonstrations • Architecture diagrams • Security models • Past performance 4.3 Optional Slide Deck (15 slides maximum) 4.4 Mandatory System-of-Interest (SoI) Isolation Rule If the proposed solution is part of a larger system or ecosystem, the vendor shall isolate and describe only the components relevant to the real-time virtual injection capability. Content not directly traceable to the SoI shall be placed in an appendix. 5. Detailed Non-Responsive Criteria Responses will be considered non-responsive if they: • Fail to meet the TRL 6 minimum maturity requirement • Do not provide verifiable past performance • Provide only conceptual or undeveloped capabilities • Fail to isolate the SoI • Provide marketing content instead of technical detail • Omit required sections of the core response • Exceed page limits in the core response 6. Submission Instructions Responses shall be submitted electronically to the Government point of contact listed in the RFI announcement. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award. Point of Contact Mr. Anthony Aldrich will serve as the RFI POC. All submissions should be sent electronically to: Email NIPR: 96TSSQ.RNXT.RNXTRFI@US.AF.MIL • Please contact Mr. Aldrich via email if submitting any potentially sensitive or classified material to arrange for appropriate handling. • The cover page for the response submission shall include administrative information (not counted towards page count) o Company Name o Mailing Address o Point of Contact o POC phone number o POC email address o CAGE code o Business Website o Business size status (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone,Woman-Owned, Service-Disabled Veteran- Owned, Small Business, Large Business, etc.) o Status as a foreign-owned, foreign-controlled firm and any contemplated use of foreign national employees. • Proprietary Information, if any, must be clearly marked. Please be advised that all submissions become U.S. Government property and will not be returned. 7. Questions All inquires regarding this announcement which contain proprietary or controlled information shall be marked appropriately. Questions should be submitted via email to Mr. Aldrich. Government responses to general, non-proprietary questions will be shared with all participating industry members. The government does not guarantee that questions received after 15 days from release date will be answered in time for the 30 days from release date submittals. 8. Summary This is a Request for Information (RFI) only, intended to support the modernization of the Eglin Test and Training Complex and its test missions. The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the U.S. Government. The U.S. Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur costs for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become U.S. Government property and will not be returned.

1. April 7, 2026Posted Date
2. May 15, 2026Proposals / Responses Due