Flightline Radio Network

• Q6 answered: Previously "Response Pending"-style question on O-RAN requirements now has an answer: the Government only requires the best O-RAN solution addressed with a hardware plan and trade-off analysis, with no specific architectural components or interfaces mandated.
• Q10 reformatting only: The Phase I spectrum constraints question text and answer are unchanged in substance; the same content was repeated with minor whitespace differences.
• Other Q&As (Q1–Q5, Q7–Q9, Q11): Substantively unchanged. Q11 (CUI vs. FCI, CMMC Level 1) was truncated in both versions, so any change beyond the visible text cannot be confirmed.

For applicants: the key new clarification is that O-RAN compliance is handled through a hardware plan and trade-off analysis rather than prescribed interfaces.

• Q1 answer changed from "Response Pending"-style content to a substantive reply: CBRS (3550–3700 MHz) and 37.0–37.6 GHz are not excluded; Phase I may evaluate them as candidate bands outside Edwards spectrum office control.
• Q2 answered: Government will furnish building layout shapefiles for the flightline; offerors must obtain USGS DTED terrain data themselves; imagery tiles available on request.
• Q3 answered: Phase I may build on previously developed systems, with an operational roadmap expected.
• Q4 answered: No Edwards AFB access during Phase I; work is strictly planning and simulation.
• Q5 answered: Phase I is a feasibility study on operating frequency, not a hardware prototype; alternative band-use approaches are sought.
• Q7 answered: Phase I is spectrum/authority feasibility; a prototype end-to-end network is deferred to Phase II.
• Q9 answered: Radio altimeters are expected in the 4.2–4.4 GHz band; designs must meet 3GPP and IRIG-106 spectral mask standards.
• Q11 answered: Phase I involves CUI, not only FCI, so CMMC Level 1 self-assessment is insufficient.
• Q12 answered: Data loss during connectivity interruptions is not acceptable.
• Q13 answer added, still truncated in the text provided.
• Q6 and Q8 remain unanswered or without a new reply in this version.

• Added two unanswered questions: whether Phase I may evaluate CBRS (3.55–3.70 GHz) and 37.0–37.6 GHz despite the stated spectrum exclusions, and whether the Government will provide flight-line site geometry or restrict use of public geospatial data. These could affect frequency options, modeling assumptions, and proposal data sources; no answers are included.
• Existing questions and answers appear unchanged but are renumbered: the prior Q1–Q4 are now Q3–Q6, and subsequent items shift by two. No existing Q&A appears removed.

Description information changed.

• Q1 answered (previously unanswered): The Government said the topic starts with a Phase I feasibility study of spectrum allocations and authorities to operate, and pointed applicants to the answers below. It did not provide the requested device list, quantities, data rates, or buffering details.
• Phase II scope: A prototype end-to-end wireless network will be built. It will interface with current airborne-platform instrumentation systems and the existing network hardware in a localized area. Cellular metrics should match what the built system can actually do, and Phase I simulation predictions should be close to real-world performance. No numeric targets were given.
• Q2–Q7: These appear unchanged. Q8's visible text is cut off, so any change there can't be confirmed.

Why it matters: Phase I proposals should focus on spectrum compliance and authority to operate rather than device-level network sizing. Simulations should be realistic, since they will be judged against later real-world results.

Q&A Changes:

• New Q1 added (Response Pending): Asks Government to provide detailed user equipment list—types of devices, quantities, data rates, and whether each buffers data locally during outages. This clarifies data persistence requirements applicants must address.

• Original Q1 renumbered to Q2 with no answer changes: Spectrum band preferences remain the same (C-band 4400-4940MHz and 5091-5150MHz viable; FR1/FR2 investigation required).

• Questions 2-6 renumbered to 3-7: No content changes to answers on aircraft altimeter interference, spectrum constraints, CUI/CMMC requirements, zero data-loss requirement, or Phase I operational outcomes.

• Original Q7 renumbered to Q8: Multi-part question on prototype scope, Open RAN, performance targets, Edwards integration, spectrum, aircraft compatibility, and Phase II support remains with incomplete answer (text cut off).

Impact: New Q1 signals Government wants applicants to propose detailed device inventories and data-buffering architectures—critical for Phase I planning and cost estimation.

Description information changed.

Description information changed.

Description information changed.

Status changed from status: Pre-Release to status: Open.

All 7 questions received answers clarifying: Phase I focuses on feasibility and spectrum compliance using simulations, performance metrics, and commercial hardware within NTIA bands. Government will define success measures and require integration with Edwards' existing network equipment and cybersecurity protocols. Edwards AFB will provide Phase II testing facilities, access, and spectrum approvals.

This Q&A clarifies that Phase I performers have flexibility to use representative lab environments and commercially available components rather than Air Force-specific hardware, and allows them to define performance targets—though Phase II will require actual Edwards AFB integration support that the Government will coordinate.

New opportunity: Flightline Radio Network