Pre-Solicitation Notice / Intent to Sole Source - SNC PUMA DARTs

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition (J&A) for the Department of the Air Force. It outlines the rationale for procuring KC-135 Puma Deployable Aircrew Radio Terminal (DART) kits to house PRC-158 radios. These kits are needed to support the new 6th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) Special Operations Air Refueling (SOAR) mission.

• Procurement of KC-135 Puma DART kits.

• The Puma DART system is described as the only multi-channel, single-man-portable communications suite certified by JSOC to meet requirements for SOAR missions.

• It provides critical communications for airborne applications with SATCOM, Integrated Communications Systems (ICS), and Line of Sight (LOS) capability.

• The system offers 50 watts of RF power, integrated SATCOM diplexer/combiner, and Low Noise Amplifiers.

• The document references potential contract values of "<$10M", "> $10M and < $100M", "> $100M and < $500M", and "> $500M", but does not specify the exact value for this acquisition.

• The period of performance is not explicitly stated.

• This document is a justification for sole-source procurement, not a solicitation requiring proposal submissions.

• A notice will be posted publicly expressing the Government's intent to award to Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) on a sole source basis.

• This is a sole-source justification, indicating no set-aside.

• Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is identified as the sole manufacturer and distributor of the Puma DARTs.

• Market research was conducted, including a sources sought notice, which yielded no positive responses from other vendors.

• A previously approved sole source justification from JBSA Charleston for the same items is referenced.

• Future requirements will involve continued market research to identify additional authorized distributors.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a memorandum from AMC/358 to 6 OGS regarding KC-135 SOAR Communication Equipment. It states that the PUMA DART Roll-on/Roll-off communications kit is a critical requirement for the KC-135 SOAR mission, and its absence would severely impact mission risk. The 6 OGS requires these kits to establish the SOAR mission capability for the 6 ARW. The memorandum also notes that this mission will be maintained under the 6 ARW for the foreseeable future to support the conversion of units to the KC-46 MWS. Contact information for questions is provided.

This memorandum highlights a critical equipment requirement (PUMA DART kits) for the KC-135 SOAR mission. It indicates a need for these kits to support the 6 ARW's SOAR mission capability and the transition to KC-46 MWS. Vendors offering relevant communication equipment or solutions may find this information pertinent to potential future opportunities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Justification and Approval (J&A) for Other Than Full and Open Competition. It details the rationale for procuring supplies and services from a single source.

• Acquisition Details: Identifies the contracting activity (628 CONS/PKA), the program (Puma Ground DART Radio Kits), and the purchase request number (F1M1G33010A001).
• Nature of Action: The action involves replacing and refurbishing Puma DART Kits that are currently warped and obsolete to meet specific mission requirements.
• Supplies/Services: Purchase of two (2) Puma Ground Kits and refurbishing 19 Puma DART Kits for Joint Base Charleston.
• Sole Source Justification: Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) is identified as the sole manufacturer and distributor of the DART kit, making them the only capable firm.
• Market Research: Market research did not reveal any other companies capable of providing these items. SNC confirmed they are the sole distributor.
• Cost Reasonableness: The anticipated cost is determined to be fair and reasonable based on quotes, previous purchases, and Independent Government Estimates.
• Public Notice: A public notice will be posted for 15 days prior to award, indicating the intent to award to SNC on a sole source basis.
• Future Competition: For future requirements, continued market research will be conducted to identify additional authorized distributors.

This document explains why the upcoming acquisition for Puma Ground DART Radio Kits will be awarded on a sole source basis to Sierra Nevada Corporation. Bidders interested in this opportunity should note that direct competition is not expected for this specific procurement due to SNC's sole manufacturer status. However, the document indicates that future efforts will include market research to identify other potential sources.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is for market research purposes only and is not a Request for Proposal, Quotation, or Invitation for Bid. The 6th Contracting Squadron at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, is seeking information to identify potential sources (Small Businesses and Other-than-Small Businesses) capable of performing the work described. Responses will help the Government make acquisition decisions for a future solicitation.

The requirement involves the supply, installation, and training for PUMA DARTs (Deployable Aircrew Radio Terminals), as detailed in Attachment 1 – Specifications. Vendors must be capable of unpacking, assembling, and conducting a full functional demonstration of the systems on-site.

Interested and capable contractors should submit a narrative (maximum 4 pages) demonstrating their experience with similar projects. Responses must be emailed to thomas.grove.1@us.af.mil no later than 10:00 a.m. EST on March 25, 2026.

• Company Name

• Distributor verification/certification of Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) products/services

• Point of contact email and phone number

• Business size, socio-economic status, and Cage Code

• System for Award Management (SAM) Information

• Narrative explaining interest, capability, and qualifications

• Any other pertinent information

• The Government will not be held accountable for any costs incurred in response to this notice.

• Responses will be shared only with the Government project management team and will be kept in strict confidence.

• A future solicitation, if issued, will be announced separately.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides technical specifications and details for the "Puma DART" Deployable Aircrew Radio Terminal. It serves as an informational attachment to a potential solicitation, outlining the capabilities and components of the system.

• Product Name: Puma DART (Deployable Aircrew Radio Terminal)
• Core Components:
  • Harris Falcon III® AN/PRC-158 Multi-Channel Radio
  • Tricom Research TCR-MBA-50-WB Multi-Band RF Amplifier
  • 2x SATCOM Diplexer/LNA
  • Two-Way Combiner/Divider
  • 2x Dual USB Charger
• Capabilities: Multi-channel, single-man-portable communications suite for airborne applications with SATCOM, Integrated Communications Systems (ICS), and Line of Sight (LOS) capability.
• Performance: Provides 50 watts of RF power.
• Physical Specifications:
  • Case Size: 16.0" x 9.0" x 22.4" (LxWxH)
  • System Weight: 45 lb
• Power Requirements:
  • Input Power: 28 VDC (400W Max.)
  • Optional Mil-Std wide range AC external power supply.
• Connections: Includes audio (U-79/U 10-pin), antenna (Type N Female), power (D38999 Circular), and USB charging ports.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the technical requirements and specifications of the radio terminal system being procured. It details the integrated hardware, performance capabilities, physical constraints, and connectivity options, which will inform proposal development, technical approach, and pricing.