Bid guide
How to bid on Multichannel Handheld Radio Systems for Homeland Security
What FEMA is buying and why it matters
The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) intends to award a sole-source contract for AN/PRC-163 multichannel handheld radio systems and related software. These radios are critical for secure communications, requiring Type-1 encryption up to TOP SECRET level and Type-3 AES encryption.
The radios must support specific waveforms including Line of sight (LOS), UHF SATCOM, HAVEQUICK, TSM/WREN, WREN-NB, and P25 conventional and trunking. Compatibility with existing agency infrastructure is also a key requirement. This notice is an opportunity for other qualified companies to demonstrate their ability to meet these specific needs.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This notice was published on September 04, 2026. The deadline for submitting your response is September 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. This is not a request for quotations, but rather an opportunity to submit evidence of your qualifications and capabilities.
Responses received after the deadline or without the required information will not be considered. The government will use the submitted information to decide whether to conduct this procurement on a competitive basis. If no other qualified sources are found, the contract will be awarded to L3HARRIS Technologies, Inc. as a sole-source action.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for companies that can provide multichannel handheld radio systems with advanced encryption capabilities and specific waveform support. Vendors must be able to demonstrate that their products are equivalent to or exceed the capabilities of the AN/PRC-163 handheld radio system and are compatible with existing FEMA infrastructure.
This is particularly relevant for technology firms specializing in secure communication devices and radio systems for government and defense applications.
How to respond
To access the full details, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view any associated documents.
Your response must be submitted in writing, up to two pages, providing clear and convincing evidence of your qualifications and capabilities. Include your business name, point of contact, address, and telephone number with area code. Email your response to Allison Brazzel, Contracting Officer, at [email protected]. Telephonic inquiries will not be accepted.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Focus your two-page submission on directly addressing the technical requirements outlined in the notice. Clearly articulate how your proposed solution meets or exceeds the specified encryption levels (Type-1 up to TOP SECRET, Type-3 AES) and supports all required waveforms (LOS, UHF SATCOM, HAVEQUICK, TSM/WREN, WREN-NB, P25 conventional and trunking).
Provide concrete evidence of your product's compatibility with existing agency systems. Highlight any unique features or advantages your system offers that would benefit FEMA. Ensure your contact information is accurate and complete, as this is crucial for any follow-up.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Federal Emergency Management Agency; the original posting controls.