DAF27BZ02-DV022 — Multi-Function Processor, Rapid Architecture, Miniaturized (MFP-RAM)

Develop and flight-demonstrate a standards-compliant, rapidly reconfigurable hybrid communications system using a SOSA Small Form Factor Line Replaceable Unit capable of supporting multiple waveforms, frequency bands, and Multi-Level Security.

Tactical communications systems must operate in RF-dense and contested environments while adapting to changing mission requirements. Current tightly coupled, proprietary, single-purpose hardware limits rapid technology insertion and the coexistence of multiple security domains. The Government seeks a COTS-first, modular, reconfigurable hybrid communications Line Replaceable Unit that integrates multi-band Software Defined Radios, modular open-system interfaces, secure RED/BLACK separation, and a containerized software environment. The capability must support integration into representative air platforms while reducing host-aircraft modification burden and enabling future waveform or payload changes with minimal redesign. Proposals must address the remaining system-level research and development required to integrate, validate, qualify, and flight-demonstrate the hybrid communications capability. Proposals do not have to result in a production-ready capability, but must be sufficient to facilitate a minimum viable product (MVP) which can be used in a surrogate flight demonstration.

As this is a Direct-to-Phase-II (D2P2) topic, no Phase I awards will be made. Applicants must demonstrate readiness for Phase II through prior Phase I-type efforts. Required evidence shall include validated data, prototype performance metrics, subsystem-integration results, and evidence of compliance with applicable SOSA standards. Applicants must demonstrate successful multi-band waveform operation, modularity, and secure RED/BLACK separation. The submitted evidence must identify the remaining system-level architecture, integration, qualification, validation, and flight-demonstration work proposed for Phase II.

Offerors may propose the system architecture, implementation approach, and integration strategy needed to meet the Government’s required operational, interoperability, security, and platform-integration objectives. Offerors may propose equivalent technical approaches that satisfy the Government’s operational, interoperability, security, platform-integration, and verification objectives. The proposed approach shall advance an existing prototype or set of mature subsystem technologies into a surrogate flight-demonstrable MFP-RAM hybrid communications capability. The effort shall advance the physical, mechanical, electrical, thermal, software, and logical architectures required to integrate a SOSA Small Form Factor Line Replaceable Unit within representative tactical-aircraft constraints. The system shall integrate and demonstrate multi-waveform Software Defined Radios, associated power amplification, secure switching, cryptographic modules, and supporting compute, power, and chassis-management elements. The architecture shall support modular waveform and payload changes with minimal redesign and reduced host-aircraft modification burden. The effort shall implement a containerized software environment in the Government Reference Architecture Open Compute Environment and demonstrate mission-critical and network processes. The system shall incorporate applicable Cross Domain Solutions and cryptographic capabilities supporting Multi-Level Security, RED/BLACK separation, Zero Trust authentication, and over-the-network keying and rekeying. The effort shall begin appropriate software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, laboratory, electrical-interface, power, thermal-management, vibration, electromagnetic compatibility, cybersecurity, environmental, and system-level testing under representative surrogate aircraft conditions. The contractor shall generate engineering data, interface documentation, cybersecurity artifacts, flight-safety documentation, and test evidence needed to support applicable initial airworthiness and cybersecurity approval processes. A minimum viable product (MVP) MFP-RAM LRU shall be integrated on a Government-designated tactical or surrogate air platform for captive-carry and live-fly testing. Deliverables shall include flight-representative MFP-RAM hybrid communications LRUs; a containerized baseline software suite; interface documentation; cybersecurity validation results; applicable compliance documentation; thermal and environmental test results; supporting engineering data; and a transition and scaling plan for adaptation to operational Air Force command systems and the Joint Fires Network. Performance thresholds, interface limits, and configuration-specific constraints will be Government-defined. Where these constraints are unavailable, offerors shall identify assumptions for subsequent Government validation and describe proposed verification methods.

Following successful laboratory demonstration, PAE Weapons, C3BM anticipates pursuing exploratory follow-on funding through PAEs to support flight demonstration on typical small air vehicles, including weapons and ACPs. Transition activities may include operational assessment and integration into Air Force command systems, joint command-and-control experimentation, crewed-uncrewed teaming platforms, and the Joint Fires Network. The intended operational outcome is a rapidly deployable, secure, reconfigurable tactical communications capability supporting Agile Combat Employment and electromagnetic spectrum operations.