The United States Marine Corps is seeking information from potential sources for a professional-grade, encrypted, network-ready wireless microphone system.
The system will be utilized by the U.S. Marine Band at all White House events and other high-profile missions requiring audio reinforcement. The equipment must be capable of withstanding extended use, poor weather conditions, and frequent rigorous travel. The system must integrate successfully with current USMB systems and protocols to ensure mission success in high-density radio frequency environments.
This RFI is intended to identify brands and suppliers capable of providing a complete system of components that meet the Government’s minimum technical requirements as outlined below.
Supplies Being Sought
Item 0001: Four-Channel Digital Wireless Receiver
Quantity: 4
- Must operate on a single tuning bandwidth of at least 166 MHz within the 470–636 MHz range.
- Must feature a "Quadversity" or equivalent mode, allowing a single channel to utilize four separate antenna inputs for enhanced signal reception.
- Must employ true digital diversity reception, combining two independent RF signals into one digital stream before audio output.
- Must provide native Dante™ and AES67 networked audio outputs.
- Must provide user-switchable XLR outputs capable of delivering either analog or AES3 digital audio.
Item 0002: Wideband Antenna and Power Distribution System
Quantity: 1
- Must cover a minimum frequency range of 174 MHz to 1805 MHz.
- Must provide a minimum of five-way RF signal splitting.
- Must include a dedicated RF cascade port to allow for daisy-chaining to an additional distribution unit.
- Must be compatible with professional UHF wireless systems operating within its frequency range.
Item 0003: RF Spectrum Manager
Quantity: 1
- Must be capable of real-time, continuous RF scanning across a minimum range of 174 MHz to 2.0 GHz.
- Must have onboard processing for standalone frequency coordination and direct deployment of frequencies to networked receivers without requiring external computer software.
- Must be capable of continuously monitoring, ranking, and managing a list of viable backup frequencies.
- Must include a minimum of four Ethernet ports with PoE support to allow for network segmentation and device daisy-chaining.
Item 0004: Remote Transmitter Control Access Point
Quantity: 3
- Must provide a remote-control data link to compatible wireless transmitters.
- Must allow a remote operator to change transmitter parameters (e.g., gain, frequency) in real-time over a 2.4 GHz communication link.
- Must enable automatic, instantaneous, and inaudible frequency changes on a compatible transmitter when interference is detected by the system.
- Must support diversity antenna inputs for a robust data link.
Item 0005: Active Directional Antenna
Quantity: 2
- Must operate across a minimum frequency range of 470-698 MHz.
- Must feature a user-selectable gain switch with a minimum of four settings, including positive and negative gain values (e.g., +12, +6, 0, -6 dB).
- Must have a log-periodic dipole array design providing a cardioid pickup pattern.
- Must include a built-in low-noise signal amplifier.
- Must have a visual LED indicator to warn of RF signal overload.
Item 0006: Polarization Diversity Antenna
Quantity: 1
- Must integrate both a Log Periodic Dipole Array (LPDA) and a Dipole antenna element into a single housing.
- Antenna elements must be oriented at 90 degrees to one another to provide both vertical and horizontal polarization reception.
- Must operate across a minimum frequency range of 470–698 MHz
- Designed for use with diversity receivers to reduce dropouts caused by transmitter orientation changes.
Item 0007: Remote-Controllable Digital Bodypack Transmitter
Quantity: 8
- Must have an integrated 2.4 GHz radio for real-time remote control of all parameters (gain, frequency, mute, lock) via a compatible access point (see Item 0004).
- Must be capable of automatic, inaudible frequency changes when commanded by the system.
- Must operate on a single tuning bandwidth of at least 138 MHz within the 470-616 MHz range.
- Must be terminated with a TA4M input connector.
- Must feature a "High Density" or equivalent mode for spectrally efficient operation, allowing a minimum of 40+ channels in a 6 MHz bandwidth.
Item 0008: Cardioid Condenser Lavalier Microphone
Quantity: 4
- Must be a low-profile design with a capsule length of 1cm or less.
- Must have a cardioid pickup pattern with a nominal 130-degree pickup angle.
- Must be capable of handling a minimum of 140 dB SPL.
- Must be terminated with a TA4F connector for compatibility with Item 0007.
Item 0009: Professional Omnidirectional Headset Microphone, Beige
Quantity: 2
- Must feature advanced preamp technology providing a minimum dynamic range of 111 dB.
- Must have a locking connector mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection at the bodypack.
- Must use an omnidirectional capsule.
- Must have a boom length of approximately 110 mm.
- Must be beige in color.
Item 0010: Professional Omnidirectional Headset Microphone, Brown
Quantity: 1
- Must feature advanced preamp technology providing a minimum dynamic range of 111 dB.
- Must have a locking connector mechanism to prevent accidental disconnection at the bodypack.
- Must use an omnidirectional capsule.
- Must have a boom length of approximately 110 mm.
- Must be brown in color.
Item 0011: Microphone Adapter, Locking Connector to TA4F
Quantity: 4
- Must adapt a microphone with a locking connector (as in Items 0009 and 0010) to a TA4F output.
- Must have an active internal circuit to regulate bias voltage.
- Must provide a secure, locking input connection.
Item 0012: Remote-Controllable Digital Handheld Transmitter
Quantity: 16
- Must have an integrated 2.4 GHz radio for real-time remote control of all parameters (gain, frequency, etc.).
- Must be capable of automatic, inaudible frequency changes when commanded by the system.
- Must operate only on a proprietary, slide-in style rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.
- Must feature an industry-standard thread for interchangeable microphone capsules.
- Supplied with a cardioid dynamic microphone capsule.
Item 0013: Supercardioid Condenser Wireless Microphone Capsule
Quantity: 2
- Must be a true DC-polarized condenser capsule.
- Must have a tight supercardioid pickup pattern.
- Must be mechanically threaded for direct compatibility with transmitter in Item 0012.
- Must handle a minimum of 150 dB SPL.
Item 0014: Dual-Diaphragm Dynamic Wireless Microphone Capsule
Quantity: 2
- Must utilize a dual-diaphragm cartridge to minimize proximity effect.
- Must have a cardioid pickup pattern.
- Must be mechanically threaded for direct compatibility with transmitter in Item 0012.
- Must feature a pneumatic shock mount system to reduce handling noise.
Item 0015: Low-Mass Diaphragm Dynamic Wireless Microphone Capsule
Quantity: 2
- Must utilize a low-mass Mylar diaphragm and an impedance-matching audio transformer.
- Must have a tight supercardioid pickup pattern.
- Must be mechanically threaded for direct compatibility with transmitter in Item 0012.
- Must provide extended high-frequency response beyond that of typical dynamic capsules.
Item 0016: Extended-Response Condenser Wireless Microphone Capsule
Quantity: 2
- Must provide a flat frequency response up to a minimum of 30 kHz.
- Must maintain a consistent cardioid polar pattern across its frequency range.
- Must handle a minimum of 133 dB SPL.
- Must be mechanically threaded for direct compatibility with transmitter in Item 0012.
Item 0017: Quad-Channel Digital In-Ear Monitor (IEM) Transmitter
Quantity: 4
- Must contain a minimum of four independent stereo transmitters in a single 1RU chassis.
- Must be capable of remote control of compatible bodypack receivers via a 2.4 GHz data link.
- Must operate on a tuning bandwidth of at least 138 MHz within the 470-608 MHz range.
- Must support AES-256 bit signal encryption.
Item 0018: Wideband Digital IEM Bodypack Receiver
Quantity: 1
- Must operate on a single tuning bandwidth of at least 166 MHz within the 470–636 MHz range.
- Must be powered by a proprietary Li-Ion rechargeable battery providing precision time-remaining telemetry.
- Must be capable of being remotely controlled by the transmitter (Item 0017).
- Must have a "CueMode" or equivalent, allowing a single pack to store and audition a minimum of 60 different monitor mixes.
Item 0019: 8-Channel Passive IEM Antenna Combiner
Quantity: 1
- Must be a passive device (no active amplification).
- Must operate across a minimum frequency range of 470 MHz to 960 MHz.
- Must be configurable as either one 8:1 combiner or two separate 4:1 combiners.
- Must feature a network connection that allows it to automatically instruct connected transmitters (Item 0017) to compensate for signal loss.
Item 0020: Dual-Driver Sound Isolating Earphones
Quantity: 16
- Must contain two balanced armature drivers (one woofer, one tweeter) per ear.
- Must provide a balanced, accurate sound signature without artificial bass enhancement.
- Must provide a minimum of 37 dB of passive ambient noise isolation.
- Must have a reinforced, detachable cable with a formable wire for secure over-the-ear placement.
Item 0021: Circularly Polarized Directional Antenna for IEMs
Quantity: 1
- Must emit a circularly polarized RF signal to reduce polarization-based dropouts.
- Must provide a minimum of 9 dBd of forward gain.
- Must have a collapsible design allowing it to be stored in a 2RU rack drawer.
- Must project an RF beam of approximately 60-65 degrees.
Item 0022: Wired Bodypack Monitor System
Quantity: 8
- Must be a wired (non-RF) bodypack providing a direct audio connection.
- Must connect via a 5-pin locking LEMO input, with an included Y-cable to two female XLR inputs.
- Must feature a "MixMode" or equivalent, allowing the user to blend two separate audio inputs with a balance knob on the pack.
- Must provide superior audio specifications (e.g., S/N ratio, stereo separation) to equivalent wireless systems.
Item 0023: 16x16 Analog to Dante Network Interface
Quantity: 1
- Must provide 16 channels of line-level analog input and 16 channels of line-level analog output.
- Must provide conversion to and from a Dante digital audio network.
- Must feature redundant primary and secondary Dante network ports.
- Must feature redundant primary and secondary power supply units (PSUs).
Item 0024: Remote-Controllable Plug-On Transmitter
Quantity: 4
- Must feature an integrated 2.4 GHz radio for real-time remote control of gain, frequency, and phantom power.
- Must operate on a tuning bandwidth of at least 146 MHz within the 470-616 MHz range.
- Must feature a locking ring mechanism to secure the transmitter to a microphone's XLR connector.
- Must be capable of supplying both +12V and +48V phantom power.
Item 0025: Lithium-Ion Battery for Bodypack Transmitter
Quantity: 52
- Must be a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery with no memory effect.
- Must contain an integrated microchip to provide time-remaining telemetry (in hours and minutes) to a compatible transmitter.
- Must track and report health metrics (cycle count, capacity) to a networked charging station.
- Must be form-factor compatible with transmitter Item 0007.
Item 0026: Charging Module for Bodypack Battery
Quantity: 8
- Must be a modular insert compatible with a 1RU rackmount charging chassis (Item 0031).
- Must be capable of charging the battery specified in Item 0025.
- Must support a storage mode to discharge/charge batteries to an optimal voltage for long-term storage.
Item 0027: Lithium-Ion Battery, Sled-Style
Quantity: 8
- Must be a "sled" style rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.
- Must be compatible with multiple professional wireless systems (e.g., IEMs, alternate bodypacks).
- Must include an internal safety circuit for thermal protection against overheating.
Item 0028: Charging Module for Sled-Style Battery
Quantity: 4
- Must be a modular insert compatible with a 1RU rackmount charging chassis (Item 0031).
- Must be capable of charging the battery specified in Item 0027.
- Must allow batteries to be securely locked in place during transport.
Item 0029: Lithium-Ion Battery for Handheld Transmitter
Quantity: 32
- Must be a cylindrical, slide-in style rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery.
- Must contain an integrated microchip to provide time-remaining telemetry (in hours and minutes).
- Must track and report health metrics to a networked charging station.
- Must be form-factor compatible with transmitter Item 0012.
Item 0030: Charging Module for Handheld Battery
Quantity: 8
- Must be a modular insert compatible with a 1RU rackmount charging chassis (Item 0031).
- Must be capable of charging the battery specified in Item 0029.
- Must be swappable with other module types within the same chassis.
Item 0031: 1RU Modular Rackmount 8-Bay Charging Station
Quantity: 4
- Must be a 1RU rack-mountable chassis with a minimum of 4 empty slots for interchangeable charging modules.
- Must be capable of accepting different module types for different battery form factors simultaneously.
- Must have a network port for monitoring status of all 8 bays remotely.
- Must have a "Storage Mode" to prepare all docked batteries for long-term storage.
Item 0032: 24U Double-Wide Console Road Case
Quantity: 1
- Must feature two separate 12U rack sections side-by-side in a single case.
- Must have "pocket-door" style front and rear lids that slide into the sides of the case.
- Must have a depth of approximately 30 inches for standardized truck pack loading.
- Must be constructed of tour-grade 3/8" or 1/2" plywood with recessed hardware and 4x2 casters.
Item 0033: 50 Ohm BNC Male-to-Male Antenna Cable, 25 Foot
Quantity: 4
- Must have a 50 Ohm impedance rating.
- Must have a stranded center conductor for flexibility.
- Must be 25 feet in length.
Item 0034: 50 Ohm BNC Male-to-Male Antenna Cable, 50 Foot
Quantity: 2
- Must have a 50 Ohm impedance rating.
- Must have a stranded center conductor for flexibility.
- Must be 50 feet in length.
Item 0035: 50 Ohm BNC Male-to-Male Antenna Cable, 100 Foot
Quantity: 3
- Must have a 50 Ohm impedance rating.
- Must have a stranded center conductor for flexibility.
- Must be 100 feet in length.
Item 0036: BNC Female-to-Female Adapter
Quantity: 10
- Must be a BNC Female-to-Female "barrel" adapter.
- Must have a 50 Ohm characteristic impedance.
- Must have a gold-plated center pin for reliable connection.
Item 0037: Light Stand to 3/8" Thread Adapter
Quantity: 6
- Must convert a standard 5/8" (16mm) light stand stud ("Baby Pin") to a 3/8"-16 male threaded screw.
- Must feature a slip-on design with a side thumb knob for rapid locking.
Must be compatible with standard professional grip equipment