Project Information

Bid Title

Request for Information - Sentinel NC3 Market Research

Issuing Agency

DEPT OF DEFENSE

Location

Louisiana

Published Date

Aug 3, 2026

Closing Date

Aug 10, 2026

Government Level

Federal

Status

Closed

Ref. #

RFI_SENTINEL_NC3_FY26_001

Original Source

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Bid Inquiries

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Bid Documents

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Set Aside

No Set aside used

Project Description

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Request for Information - Sentinel NC3 Market Research

Active

Contract Opportunity

Notice ID

RFI_SENTINEL_NC3_FY26_001

Related Notice

Department/Ind. Agency

DEPT OF DEFENSE

Sub-tier

DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE

Major Command

AIR FORCE GLOBAL STRIKE COMMAND

Office

FA6800 AFICC 767 ESF

General Information View Changes

• Contract Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Updated)
• Updated Published Date: Aug 03, 2026 11:21 am CDT
• Original Published Date: Jul 16, 2026 02:23 pm CDT
• Updated Response Date: Aug 10, 2026 01:00 pm CDT
• Original Response Date: Aug 03, 2026 01:00 pm CDT
• Inactive Policy: 15 days after response date
• Updated Inactive Date: Aug 25, 2026
• Original Inactive Date: Aug 18, 2026
• Initiative:

Classification

• Original Set Aside: No Set aside used
• Product Service Code: 1140 - NUCLEAR COMPONENTS
• NAICS Code:
  • 332994 - Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing
• Place of Performance:
  Barksdale AFB , LA
  USA

Description View Changes

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

1. 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.


2. 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.


3. This market research seeks to understand how Sentinel missile operations could benefit fromincorporating DHF systems into its NC3 architecture.


4. Proposed systems will be required to operate in all environments (pre, trans, and post).


5. 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

1. 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?


2. Do you see any limiting factors which would inhibit the use of DHF in Sentinel NC3?


3. What challenges, risks, or limitations should the Government consider when implementing DHFin the Sentinel NC3?


4. How would you use your DHF technology to complement Sentinel NC3 communications in the2031-2040 timeframe?


5. If your system is capable, is that system’s maturity at a minimum of a TRL 6?


6. Will your system support cyber-secure communications including classified data (e.g., NSA High Assurance Communications Security (COMSEC))?


7. If this applies to your organization, please provide a capabilities statement discussing the details of your company’s DHF system.


8. 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.

Attachments/Links

Contact Information

Contracting Office Address

• CP 318 456 1386 245 DAVIS AVE E
• BARKSDALE AFB , LA 71110-2269
• USA

Primary Point of Contact

• Capt Grant Wilson
• grant.wilson.1@us.af.mil

Secondary Point of Contact

History

• Aug 03, 2026 11:21 am CDTSpecial Notice (Updated)
• Jul 16, 2026 02:23 pm CDT Special Notice (Original)

Commodity Codes

• FSC 11Nuclear Ordnance

• NAICS 332994Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing

Related bids

Jul 16, 2026

[Special Notice (Original)] Request for Information - Sentinel NC3 Market Research

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