Request for Information (RFI): MIL-STD-188-164 and MIL-STD-188-165 Industry Week
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry feedback on proposed changes to MIL-STD-188-164 (SHF Satellite Communications Terminals) and MIL-STD-188-165 (SHF Satellite Communications PSK Modems). This RFI is for planning purposes only and is not a Request for Proposals (RFP). Industry responses are due by July 17, 2026, and an Industry Week will be held from August 3-7, 2026, at NIWC Pacific Topside.
Scope of Effort
The Department of Defense (DoD) seeks comments on MIL-STD-188-164C/Change 2 and MIL-STD-188-165B/Change 2 to prepare for future updates to these MIL-STDs and related Military Satellite Communications (MILSATCOM) systems. The RFI focuses on challenges arising from the evolution of terminal and modem capabilities, particularly with Digital Intermediate Frequency (DIF) systems and virtual platforms.
Requested Information
DISA is specifically interested in industry input on:
- Updating MIL-STD-188-164 and MIL-STD-188-165 to ensure Digital IF (DIFI) interoperability and performance, including testing for Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) Certification.
- Managing Gallium Nitride (GaN) amplifier non-linearities in terminals and updating MIL-STD-188-164 to maintain adequate performance.
- Updating MIL-STD-188-165 for Virtual Modem software-to-platform interoperability, performance, and minimum hardware/server requirements.
- Approaches for implementing transmission security (TRANSEC) with Virtual Modems.
Industry Week Event
- Dates: Monday, August 3, 2026, to Friday, August 7, 2026
- Location: NIWC Pacific Topside
- Purpose: Discussions related to both MIL-STD-188-164 and MIL-STD-188-165.
- RSVP: Indicate intent to visit by June 29, 2026, via email to the provided POCs. Visit requests (VARs) via DISS are due by July 13, 2026.
- Attendance: Limited to approximately two people per company for in-person attendance. A teleconference bridge is planned but not confirmed for all sessions.
Important Notes
This RFI is for information and planning purposes only. The U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response. Responding to this RFI does not guarantee participation in future solicitations. Proprietary information must be clearly marked. All submissions become Government property.
Key Dates & Contacts
- RFI Responses Due: July 17, 2026
- Questions Due: June 1, 2026 (via email)
- Industry Week RSVP: June 29, 2026
- Primary POC for Responses: Mr. Dana DeFrancesco (DISA) at dana.m.defrancesco.civ@mail.mil, 667-890-3670.
- NIWC Pacific POCs for Visits: Mike Eriksson (Tech POC) and Michelle Dykes (Security POC).