How to bid on Tactical Combat Training System Increment II for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying

The Department of Defense, specifically the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) in Orlando, Florida, is seeking supplies and services for the U.S. Navy's Tactical Combat Training System Increment II (TCTS II) and the U.S. Air Force's equivalent P6 Combat Training System (P6CTS). This system provides secure air-to-air and air-to-ground combat training.

TCTS II includes airborne, ground, remote range, and portable support equipment. It offers encryption, an enhanced threat environment, and interfaces for various aircraft. The system supports both fixed-range operations with live monitoring and portable configurations, enabling autonomous, rangeless tactical training. It is designed to be interoperable with existing range infrastructure, TCTS I, and TCTS II variants.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on August 06, 2026. The deadline for responses is September 03, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. It is anticipated that the contract will be awarded in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2027.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is for vendors who can provide advanced training systems, specifically those with expertise in secure air combat and air-to-ground data link technologies. Firms specializing in defense technology, simulation, and training equipment, particularly those with experience in cryptographic solutions and cross-domain solutions, are well-suited.

To be eligible, offerors must have Cross Domain Solutions on the Cross Domain Solution Management Office (NCDSMO) List for Raise the Bar (RtB) 1.2 or higher. Additionally, offerors must provide a signed letter from the National Security Agency (NSA) confirming that their End-item Cryptographic Unit (ECU) is certified to protect collateral Secret, or above data.

How to respond

Only vendors who have successfully completed and received government approval for a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) are eligible to receive the final Request for Proposal (RFP) and all attachments. A technical library has been established, and an access request form for this library, which contains restricted data rights, is available in the attachments section of the solicitation.

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Given the specific technical requirements, ensure your proposal clearly demonstrates compliance with the Cross Domain Solution Management Office (NCDSMO) standards and provides the required NSA certification for your cryptographic unit. Highlight your firm's experience with secure communication systems and complex defense training environments.

Pay close attention to all instructions for submitting the NDA and accessing the technical library. Thoroughly review all documents provided in the technical library to fully understand the scope and technical specifications. Address any questions or concerns about the Final RFP using the provided Sample Feedback request form before the deadline.