2018_BAA_ImprovedCommsHighLossEnviron_SOO_H.pdf

Improve Communications in High Loss Environments Statement of Objectives BAA 18-02/Call 0001/SOO H

April 1, 2019 Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

BAA 18-02/Call 0001/ SOO H Improve Communications in High Loss Environments

Table of Contents

Contents

1.0 Problem Statement

2.0 Purpose and Scope

3.0 Background Environment

3.1 Mission Scenarios

3.2 Current Technology Shortfalls and Threats

4.0 Potential Solution Attributes

5.0 Solution Capabilities and Requirements

5.1 Must Have Requirements (Key Performance Parameters, KPP’s)

5.2 Desirable Capabilities or Characteristics

6.0 System Support

6.1 Period and Place of Performance

6.2 System Affordability

6.3 Contract Deliverables

6.4 Support Concept

6.5 Training

6.6 Storage and Maintenance

1.0 Problem Statement

First responders lack the capability to effectively communicate in all high loss environments.

Effective actions in emergency situations require clear and constant lines of communication. It is not uncommon for responders to find themselves in situations where the quality and speed of communication can be significantly impaired. Whether responders are deployed to limited-access locations (e.g. underground subway tunnel, rural community, areas affected by disasters) or locations where available signals are already strained due to high local demand (e.g. sports stadium), it is critical for them to maintain continuous lines of communication to enhance life safety and efficiency.

2.0 Purpose and Scope

This technology will provide cellular and radio amplification to areas of degraded communication to assist first responder activities. This temporary solution will allow responders to work together in areas where they cannot currently communicate and provide the capability for radios to be operable on different channels.

3.0 Background Environment

3.1 Mission Scenarios

• Solution could be used by firefighters responding to an incident in areas where they are often unable to communicate, such as underground rail systems.

• Solution could be deployed by border agents operating in remote areas, who sometimes rely on personal cellular devices because they have stronger signals than radios; relying on multiple devices can hinder operations.

• Solution could be activated by emergency responders arriving at an area recently affected by a natural disaster who are working with different agencies each using different radio bands with little or no existing cellular service.

3.2 Current Technology Shortfalls and Threats

• Signal-boosting, in the form of well-established technologies like digital repeaters and distributed antenna systems, is a widely-used practice. Several companies currently make signal boosters for public safety frequencies or cellular frequencies; however, at this time, there appears to be a gap in the marketplace for devices with both capabilities.

• Currently, existing repeaters can have their channels pre-programmed depending on where the responders are located, so they don’t have to fine tune frequencies when they need it.

However, when working outside their normal operating area, updating the channels can be an issue, especially in emergency situations.

4.0 Potential Solution Attributes

This device will use existing cellular and radio signals and amplify them, so responders are able to better communicate. Enabling them to receive and relay information quickly and without interruption can improve responder safety and allow them to get critical feedback and orders with better situational awareness. Having strong signals will also make sure that no information is lost during communication due to static or dropped calls.

5.0 Solution Capabilities and Requirements

5.1 Must Have Requirements (Key Performance Parameters)

The proposed solution:

• Must be no larger than a standard suitcase and be able to be carried by an individual

• Must be impact-resistant

• Must have a 12V DC power supply

• Must have a ¼ to ½ mile range

• Must have Automated time synchronization

• Must be compatible, interoperable, and work with the following:

o All public safety communication frequencies, including Ultra High Frequency (UHF), Very High Frequency (VHF), 700/800MHz o All cellular frequencies, including Global Systems for Mobile Communications (GSM)/Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) o FM Analog and Project 25 (P25) Digital (Voice) o Mesh capable o User programmable

5.2 Desirable Capabilities or Characteristics

In addition to the must-have requirements reported in subsection 5.1, the following performance and/or system standards exceed the proposed solution requirements, but are desirable:

• Universal programming

• Interface that identifies location, frequency reliability and ease of use

• Radio auto-update based on frequency/channel being used or use voice commands

Functionality and System Characteristics

Proposed Solution Must Have (Threshold) Ideal (Objective) Weight 50 lbs. 30 lbs.

Dimensions 27" x 21" x 14" 22"x 14"x 9"

Proposed Solution Must Have (Threshold) Ideal (Objective) Performance Capability • All public safety communication frequencies, including

UHF, VHF,

700/800MHz

• All cellular frequencies, including GSM/LTE and

CDMA

• FM Analog and P25 Digital (Voice)

• Interface that identifies location, frequency reliability and ease of use. Radio auto-update based on the frequency/channel or voice commands.

Operational Characteristics • Mesh capable

• User programmable

• Automated time synchronization

• Universal programming Compatibility Needs See Performance Capability Physical Requirements Easy to carry (handles) Contains wheels

6.0 System Support

6.1 Period and Place of Performance

The length of time of the contract shall be between 15-18 months and shall not exceed 18 months.

All developmental activities will be performed at the contractor-designated site(s). DHS may require the contractor to perform critical design reviews and/or product presentations at DHS-specified locations.

6.2 System Affordability

First responder agency budgets are limited and should be taken into consideration when developing and determining a price per unit cost model.

6.3 Contract Deliverables

DHS is committed to ensuring the success of their technology by requiring the project performer to provide DHS a minimum of three (3) prototype deliverables which will be used for post-contract testing and evaluation.

6.4 Support Concept

The technologies that are required to support this system are already in place.

6.5 Training

Training information shall be provided on any specialized equipment, and shall include how to properly store, clean, deploy, and maintain the basic ensemble/unit. Any specialty requirements of personnel conducting maintenance, storage, extraction, or delivery will be identified including certification requirements. Training material shall be available initially in hard-copy, and subsequently in soft-copy format.

6.6 Storage and Maintenance

The contractor shall identify all necessary storage and maintenance requirements for the proposed solution including: the required maintenance schedule, identification of the specific components of the ensemble that requires maintenance, the type of maintenance required, and whether the maintenance can be performed in the field by operational personnel or if it will be required to be returned to the manufacturer for the required maintenance.

If the proposed solution is virtual, describe any storage or maintenance requirements, including archival activities, and the personnel performance needs associated with the solution.