RFI STARLINK/STARSHIELD INTEGRATION ON AC-130J

SOURCES SOUGHT – Starlink/Starshield Integration on AC-130J Gunship

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) are issuing this sources-sought announcement as part of a market survey. Request For Information (RFI) seeks secure ruggedized Starlink/Starshield integration solutions onto AC-130J Ghostrider to support beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) satellite communication-based connectivity to enable a variety of networked mission systems.

Respondents will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Ruggedized, Removable Installation for Special Operations Aerospace Application

Designed for semi-permanent installation on aircraft, utilizing off the shelf: secure rugged aviation SATCOM terminals and controllers for full flight envelope in harsh global operations, and potential RORO capability if needed

1. Compatibility with Other C-130 Variants

Design easily ported to other C-130 variants for use in operational missions as well as test & evaluation activities

1. Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP) Efficiency

Minimizes SWAP while simultaneously ensuring system can meet network performance demands in harsh environments

1. Optimal Network Reliability & Performance

Supports secure global network connectivity; maximizes download and upload speeds and minimizes network latency

1. Open-Source Interfaces and Architecture

Compatibility with open-source frameworks and architectures is essential to ensure seamless integration with current and future SOF platform systems.

1. Support and Willingness to Work with Third Party Integrators

Respondents must be prepared to provide secure operations, with 24/7/365 customer support, and be open to collaboration with third-party entities to facilitate integration and capability growth.

USSOCOM and AFSOC are open to receiving additional classified information related to design and integration if directly applicable to this specific RFI. Contact POCs below for instructions on how to submit.

This RFI is the initiation of market research under Part 10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Quote (RFQ), or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and it should not be construed as a commitment of any kind by the Government to issue a formal solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Nor is the Government tasking any offeror to develop any technologies described herein. The Government is in no way liable to pay for any costs incurred by interested companies in response to this announcement. Nothing in this announcement constitutes an obligation on the part of the Government.

Limit white paper responses to ten (10) pages (Times New Roman, 12 font). If necessary, additional pages for technical drawings and data are allowed. Additional material should not exceed an additional ten (10) pages and will only be reviewed based on interest in the white paper. Incomplete responses to part of the above RFI will not be accepted. You may submit corporate expertise information if you would like to be considered a possible interested source. The Government may elect to visit, or host a visit, from any potential sources following the market survey. Further the Government may contact RFI respondents to get clarification on the information submitted.

Responses to the RFI shall include the following:

Submitter's Name
Street Address, City, State, NINE-Digit zip code
Point of Contact (POC)
POC Telephone

POC Email Address

Announcement Number: H9240826SS-SSI4GR

A Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimate is requested to evaluate Starlink/Starshield integration on an AC-130J Gunship. This estimate is intended for initial planning purposes only.

Scope: The ROM should address cost, schedule, assumptions/constraints, risks and any government furnished equipment (GFE) required for the following two efforts:

1. A single demonstration for evaluation on the AC-130J Ghostrider
2. A roll-on, roll-off (RORO) capability on one aircraft

Responses should provide product literature that might be useful in evaluating the system and include information pertaining to recent projects utilizing the technology, preferably Department of War (DoW) related.  Systems will be evaluated against the current and future operational requirements of the DoW and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

The Technical Readiness Level (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) shall be provided along with the quantity of exact items if previously sold to the DoW, Government Agencies and other customers. If similar items have been sold, provide details delineating all differences.

Responses from Small and Small Disadvantaged Business firms are highly encouraged. Firms responding should indicate if they are a small business, a socially and economically disadvantaged business, 8(a) firms, historically black colleges or universities, and minority institutions.

Proprietary information shall be clearly marked. Responses to this RFI that indicate the information therein is proprietary or represents confidential business information will be received and held in confidence for Government use only. The Government will NOT be responsible for any proprietary information not clearly marked.

White papers may be submitted any time prior to expiration of this announcement. Submittals after this date will still be accepted, although there is no guarantee they will be evaluated.

The point of contact for all questions is Elise Rankin.  Please reference announcement number H9240826SS-SSI4GR in all correspondence and communications.