Timed Emitters Transmitting Highly Energized Radiation (TETHER)
This is an RFI/sources-sought notice for industry capabilities to support research, development, prototyping, test, and integration of high-precision timing and frequency technologies for Navy/DoW mission needs; it does not fund responses and is not a solicitation.
⚑ Sources sought/RFI only; responses are not offers and will not be paid. · No set-aside stated. · Primary purpose is market research for a future Navy acquisition; no grant/assistance award is being made by this notice. · Respondents must submit a capabilities statement by the stated deadline.
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 45 partial | technical depth: central; funds other (capped) |
| IPPRA | 35 weak | portfolio topic: national_security_defense (primary); social/behavioral work is none; funds other — not a research fit; university can only partner, not lead |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 30 weak | prototyping/demonstration stage; deep-tech content |
Description
1. Purpose / Objective The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), Space Systems Development Division (SSDD), seeks information from industry regarding capabilities to perform research, development, prototyping, test, and integration in support of the Timed Emitters Transmitting Highly Energized Radiation (TETHER) effort. Objective: This is a follow-on to the Target Accuracy Precision Emitters (TAPE) program under Contract No. N00173-23-D-6000. The Government intends to advance high-precision timing and frequency technologies to achieve femtosecond-level accuracy using large apertures, complex clock ensembles, and associated RF/IR systems in support of Navy and Department of War (DoW) mission requirements. A draft Statement of Work (Attachment 1), Personnel Qualifications (Attachment 2), and Contract Data Requirements List (Attachment 3) are provided for review when preparing responses. 2. Place of Performance Performance may occur at Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) facilities, Government field sites, Contractor facilities, or other locations within the Continental United States (CONUS) or outside the Continental United States (OCONUS), as required to meet contract requirements. The Contractor shall coordinate access to Government facilities, field sites, and Government-furnished equipment with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). Performance at any location not otherwise identified in the contract, including additional CONUS or OCONUS locations, requires prior approval by the Contracting Officer. 3. Information Requested Interested parties that have the capability to perform these services are requested to submit a Capabilities Statement (not to exceed 10 pages, excluding cover page) that includes the following: Business name and address; Name, title, telephone number, and email address of the primary company representative / Point of Contact; Business size status (Large or Small) and type of Small Business (if applicable); CAGE Code and Unique Entity ID (UEI); A narrative demonstrating the ability to perform the required services, including relevant past performance. 4. Submission Information • Submit responses electronically in PDF format to both of the following: Richard Waterstreet, Contracting Officer – richard.j.waterstreet2.civ@us.navy.mil Erica Turner, Contract Specialist – erica.n.turner9.civ@us.navy.mil • Email subject line: “RFI Response – TETHER – N00173-27-RFI-EN01 • Responses are due no later than 9 Nov 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. • Late responses may not be considered. 5. Points of Contact Contracting Officer: Richard Waterstreet – richard.j.waterstreet2.civ@us.navy.mil Contract Specialist: Erica Turner – erica.n.turner9.civ@us.navy.mil 6. Attachments 1. Draft Statement of Work (SOW) – TETHER, dated 23 Oct 2026 2. Draft Personnel Qualifications (PQs) – TETHER, dated 23 Oct 2026 3. Draft Contract Data Requirements List (CDRLs) – TETHER, dated 23 Oct 2026 7. Disclaimer This RFI is issued for informational and planning purposes only in accordance with FAR 15.201. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quote (RFQ), or Invitation for Bid (IFB). Responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government will not pay for information received in response to this RFI and is under no obligation to issue a future solicitation as a result of this notice. The Government reserves the right to use information provided in response to this RFI for any purpose deemed necessary. The intent of this RFI is to gauge industry interest, small business interest, capabilities, and relevant experience. A small business set-aside decision may be made as a result of the responses received.
Eligibility
Applicant restrictions (federal contract). Set-aside: No Set aside used. Notice type: Sources Sought. Organization: DEPT OF DEFENSE / DEPT OF THE NAVY / NAVAL RESEARCH LABORATORY.
Apply
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Department of Defense (BAA-style) conventions SEE A DOD EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Department of Defense (BAA-style)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.