The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to determine if Digital HF (DHF) technology is mature enough to be integrated in support of the Sentinel Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) weapon Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3) in the 2031-2033 timeframe.
We are soliciting industry feedback on current and near-term (2031-2040) DHF technologies available for fielding as described above.
BACKGROUND
- Sentinel is the replacement system for Minuteman III (MMIII). The program is in a post-Nunn/McCurdy breach approaching a Milestone B decision NLT Dec 2026. Initial Sentinelfielding is slated for 2033. Northrop Grumman is the Prime Contractor designing Sentinel for theAFNWC Sentinel Program Office.
- As the Air Force prepares to migrate from MMIII (analog environment) to Sentinel (digitalenvironment) we need to examine how the NC3 systems will adapt to the Sentinel environment,which could include new systems. AFGSC is seeking a solution on terrestrial NC3.
- This market research seeks to understand how Sentinel missile operations could benefit fromincorporating DHF systems into its NC3 architecture.
- Proposed systems will be required to operate in all environments (pre, trans, and post).
- High Frequency (HF) radio (between 3 and 30 MHz) can be used to transmit digital data, such as text, images, and emails, instead of traditional voice. Using digital to analog converters, along with software, connected to a HF radio, the software translates digital inputs into specific audio tones the radio transmits. One benefit is HF digital modes can “hear” signals buried deep in atmospheric noise which humans normally miss.
RFI
- Based on your company’s experience, is DHF technology mature enough to support a SentinelNC3 Initial Operational Capability (IOC) of 2033? Is there a preferred methodology yourcompany would utilize to support deploying a DHF system in support of Sentinel NC3?
- Do you see any limiting factors which would inhibit the use of DHF in Sentinel NC3?
- What challenges, risks, or limitations should the Government consider when implementing DHFin the Sentinel NC3?
- How would you use your DHF technology to complement Sentinel NC3 communications in the2031-2040 timeframe?
- If your system is capable, is that system’s maturity at a minimum of a TRL 6?
- Will your system support cyber-secure communications including classified data (e.g., NSA High Assurance Communications Security (COMSEC))?
- If this applies to your organization, please provide a capabilities statement discussing the details of your company’s DHF system.
- Responses should be delivered to the individuals named within the attached RFI no later than (NLT) 10 Aug 2026 1300 CDT.
If you have any questions or require further information on this RFI, please contact Capt Grant Wilson at grant.wilson.1@us.af.mil.