Department of Transportation · Federal Aviation Administration · 693KA8 SYSTEM OPERATIONS CONTRACTS
Account requiredWhy it scored this way
Every reason behind the verdict rather than the headline one — which of your certifications match, how much runway is left, whether the work is your size, and what we would need to know to sharpen it.
Written against this notice and what you have told us about your company. Anything we do not know is marked [NEEDS INPUT] in the draft rather than guessed at — read it before you send it.
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Sources Sought response
A complete draft response — capability statement, relevant past performance, business size and socioeconomic status, and answers to the agency's specific questions.
Questions to submit
Genuine ambiguities and requirements that disadvantage a smaller bidder, drafted as questions you can submit before the Q&A deadline.
Past performance write-ups
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Solicitation details
Solicitation number
693KA8-26-R-DDLS2
Notice type
Sources Sought
NAICS
517111
Product service code
R425
Set-aside
No Set aside used
Posted
2026-08-17
Response deadline
Sep 9, 2026, 8:00 PM UTC
Place of performance
Washington, DC
Contracting contact
pearl.a.winston@faa.gov
Market intelligence
Account requiredWho wins this work, and what it pays
Comparable awards under NAICS 517111 at this agency — the incumbent, what they were paid, when their period of performance ends, and the real pricing distribution rather than the headline number. From public federal award records.
Domestic Datalink Services (DDLS) FY2026 Market Survey Synopsis The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a market survey to explore the development of Controller to Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) services for airports and en route airspace following the expiration of the current Data Communication Integrated Services (DCIS) contract on September 30, 2029. This market survey is not a solicitation or a request for proposal but aims to gather information from industry stakeholders to inform future acquisition strategies. Background: CPDLC services are currently operational across all 20 Continental United States (CONUS) Centers, with Departure Clearance (DCL) services at 65 airports. These services are facilitated by the En Route Automation Modernization (ERAM) system, which uses the Very High Frequency (VHF) Data Link Mode 2 (VDL-2) protocol for communication between air traffic controllers and FANS-equipped aircraft. The current DCIS contract is nearing its 14th year, and the FAA is considering establishing one or multiple 10-year contracts for future services. Program Objectives: The FAA seeks to ensure excellent, reliable end-to-end performance of CPDLC, gain timely insights into message statuses, obtain affordable services, introduce new technologies seamlessly, and facilitate a risk-minimized transition from DCIS to DDLS. Scope: The survey focuses on operational network services and associated monitoring, referred to as Data Communications Network Service (DCNS) under the current contract. Industry Participation: The FAA invites responses from interested parties with capabilities or interest in providing CPDLC services. Respondents are encouraged to share insights on acquisition design, operations, technical topics, and transition strategies from DCIS to DDLS. Key areas of interest include incentivizing performance, introducing new technologies, ensuring accurate monitoring, addressing technical and operational challenges, and facilitating seamless transitions. Response Guidelines: Interested parties must submit written responses in English, formatted as searchable PDFs, with "DDLS FY2026 Market Survey Response [Company Name]" in the subject line. Proprietary or confidential information should be clearly marked, and submissions should include contact details. Responses are due by September 9, 2026, and questions about the survey should be submitted by August 18, 2026. Future Activities: The FAA plans to conduct an Industry Day in late summer or early fall, providing opportunities for one-on-one sessions with interested parties. A Screening Information Request (SIR) for DDLS requirements is anticipated for release in the second quarter of FY2029. This market survey represents an opportunity for industry stakeholders to contribute to the shaping of future CPDLC services and to engage with the FAA in preparation for upcoming acquisition processes.
Contact
Point of contact
Pearl Winston
Role
not stated on this notice — SAM publishes a role for only about 5% of them, so this may be a contract specialist rather than the contracting officer
Email
pearl.a.winston@faa.gov
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