ACARS Messaging Support

E-4B aircraft are equipped with a digital datalink system designed to support short messages between aircraft and ground stations via VHF radio or satellite transmissions. This system is often referred to as ACARS (Aircraft Communications, Addressing and Reporting System). The system requires a ground host processor (GHP) capable of receiving and decoding messages coming from the aircraft, forwarding or otherwise processing the message, and, if necessary, processing a reply back to the aircraft. This digital datalink system is designed to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and safety of aircrew ground and flight operations. Additionally, the customer is requesting the offeror propose a solution for customized aircraft flight following.

GHP Requirements

The offeror shall:

1. Provide a GHP accessible to all E-4B aircraft.


2. Make the GHP available at all times (customer acknowledges the GHP may incur brief outages for scheduled or unscheduled maintenance).


3. Provide a GHP that is customizable to respond to messages unique to E-4B aircraft.


4. Provide a GHP able to interface with customer’s aviation mission planning system (customer’s current mission planning system is ForeFlight).

Questions will be due by 18 November 2024 and answers will be sent by 20 November.

Responses to this solicitation are due on 02 December 2024.

* A Technical Discussion teams meeting will be held on 22 November at 1000 CDT. To join, please email the Primary POC for this notice and he will forward you the calendar invite. If your company would like to add more people to the meeting, please feel free to send them the calendar invite.