DISA_IE_Tech_Refresh_and_Implementation_RFI_final_-_amend_01.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

November 2019

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Infrastructure Executive Directorate (IE) is seeking information from industry to assist with the development and planning of a new requirement to provide Technology Refreshment and Implementation Services for the DISA Infrastructure Executive Directorate Technology Refresh Program Office (TR) and IE Defense Information System Network (DISN) Implementation Program Office (IE4). The government is seeking innovative and proactive solutions to increase efficiency, speed to implementation, and decreased costs, as well as predictive and nimble solutions that enable increased speed of service and enhanced customer experiences while supporting Department of Defense (DoD) and non- DoD customers that consume services from the DoD Information Network (DODIN).

This RFI is requesting responses from small businesses including the following subsets: Small Disadvantaged Businesses (SDBs), Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Firms;

Certified 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and Woman Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs).

THIS IS A RFI NOTICE ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP). NO

SOLICITATION IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

1. Overview and Procurement Description

DISA has a worldwide telecommunications infrastructure that provides a full range of information services in support of DoD and other authorized users. This effort will include DoD Military Services Customers, National Security Partners, and non-DoD customers that consume services from DODIN.

The majority of these requirements were previously competed under fair opportunity competition (small business set-aside) under the Global Solutions Management – Engineering, Transition, and Implementation (GSM-ETI) contract vehicle.

2. Scope of Effort

DISA is seeking innovative approaches to the total contractor management of Technology Refresh and Implementation. Through the responses provided, the Government intends to obtain the following information:

• Feedback on refining and improving requirements and suggestions to improve the outcomes, costs, and timelines of Tech Refresh and Implementation efforts.

• Industry input and suggestions on improving the following elements through total contractor management:

• Speed of Installation and Delivery

DISA is looking for the contractor to be proactive in anticipating the next steps in the project lifecycle, prepare project elements i.e., IBOM, Engineering Plan, Site Survey, ASIs, ahead of the discrete request from Government, and maintain project momentum while waiting for government approvals; this may mean assuming government approval.

• Effective/Effective/Holistic site upgrades DISA would like the contractor to understand what needs the sites have for upgrades/Tech Refresh and evaluate what other needs there may be. DISA would like the contractor to evaluate a site for all the Tech Refresh/upgrade needs, provide DISA a list of what those needs are, and provide a clear lifecycle replacement strategy regardless of project or technology. This approach is considered a consolidated approach to help achieve a more consistent lifecycle refresh and\or insertion of technology. DISA is asking Industry to help determine whether these evaluations are more effective on a scheduled basis or another method. In addition, the Contractor would analyze and report what upgrades are required as well as those coming due at sites in their current configurations and what upgrades may be required to ensure a consistent posture in keeping the DISN Technical Evolution Plan (DTEP) and the DISN Technology Refresh Plan (TRP) which might be possible with a small expenditure of funding.

• Logistical Improvement DISA is asking industry to provide suggestions to improve project timelines continuously that are often delayed by long lead time parts and personnel and clearance issues.

• Proactive Customer Outreach DISA is seeking Industry suggestions on how the partner can be more engaged with sites and anticipate their tech refresh and upgrade needs with minimal impact to customer mission.

• Quicker Project Timelines Traditionally projects would reach a wait state through the project lifecycle where a government POC needed to grant permission to proceed to the next step, i.e, IBOM, ASI, Site Survey. DISA would like to hear from Industry on suggestions to improve these delays or how the vendor could be more proactive and assume government acceptance of a project and have the proper deliverables for the next phase prepared ahead of time as much as possible. Ideally planning and surveys will be performed a year or more in advance.

• Flexible Manpower Management Additionally, often manpower issues delay projects. DISA is looking to hear from Industry on methods which would enable the industry partner to be able to have available at the time of need the proper personnel with proper skills and access so that a project is not delayed for personnel issues as well as just in time delivery of hardware and software.

• Reduction in Costs to DISA and endpoint customer DISA continues to support and dynamic and growing infrastructure as well as a growing list of customers. DISA is working to effectively support this growing list without having to have a linear increase in labor/FTEs to support the Tech Refresh and Implementation efforts.

3. Technical Requirements

Tech Refresh

Execution of the DISN Tech Refresh Program includes the implementation of several technologies in the DISN in order to provide mission-critical voice, video, and data services in the Continental US (CONUS), Pacific (PAC), Europe (EUR)/AFRICOM and South West Asia

(SWA).

The Contractor shall deliver a complete, active, and operational service. This includes, at a minimum:

• Project management and project status reporting

• Technical reports and documentation

• Site surveys and site survey reports

• Engineering plans, implementation plans, “as installed” updates/changes to network diagrams (i.e., red line drawings)

• Site preparation

• Logistics

• Configuration management

• Circuit transitions

• Engineering site solutions (to include updating DISA’s network change control repository currently referred to as NCCM-R)

• Engineering Change Request (ECR) initiation and tracking

• IBOM procurement and handling of all equipment/materials (Major Bill of Materials

[MBOM] and IBOM) necessary for full operations (to include but not necessarily limited to computing/network equipment, computing center racks, network cabling, power cabling, power converters/rectifiers, patch panels, etc.)

• Pre-deployment configuration/staging of hardware to support DISN implementation projects

• Packaging and kitting of equipment, hardware, and materials in preparation for shipment

• Shipment of equipment, hardware, and materials from storage facility to the installation site in support of DISN implementation projects/effort

• Return Materials Authorization (RMA) processing

• Preparation of documentation required for shipping actions and DoD/DISA equipment accountability

• Management of Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI) hardware

• Configuration and testing of CCI hardware

• Day-to-day activities in support of the DISN COMSEC account

• Installation of all hardware (HW), software (SW) and materials (cables, connectors, etc.)

• Method of Procedures (MOP) generation

• System transitioning

• Tagging and labeling of lines and equipment

• Quality assurance and quality controls

• Coordination of ASI requests

• Compliance with all site change control requirements (e.g. the Navy’s Fleet Readiness

Change Board)

• Testing and turn-up

• Legacy equipment decommissioning and removal of hazardous material mitigation

• End-to-end circuit cut-over/migration End-to-end testing and turn-up

• Coordination of site visits and site access authorizations

• Compliance with all DoD/DISA/site security requirements

• Participation in DoD/DISA control board and change management processes and travel.

The DISN Tech Refresh Program consists of several distinct technology projects, each with its own distinct activities and expected outcomes. In addition, the tech refresh program requires flexibility as new technology insertion or upgrades may be required to ensure DISA utilizes and maintains the best technology to meet the computing requirements of the agency and its customers. To execute the requirements, the Contractor will require access to classified information at the Top Secret (TS) and Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) through Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) and Secret information through SIPRNet for some projects.

The known projects to be executed are below. Some tasks may be required to be performed after normal daily business hours (e.g., nights and weekends) to reduce mission impact to the customer. These Tech Refresh activities will take place at DODIN locations throughout CONUS, PAC, SWA and OCONUS. Each location may include one or more buildings. All tech Refresh projects for a DISA location will be expected to be executed at the same time where feasible. This is the preferred approach. In addition, the potential exists that one or more sites could be substituted with another location due to unforeseen changes in mission requirements and\or priorities.

Timing & Synchronization (T&S): The Government is performing a Tech Refresh of its current T&S infrastructure. The DODIN T&S Tech Refresh efforts will upgrade the existing T&S infrastructure and bring it into conformance with the DoD CIO recently mandated Timing and Synchronization System Capability (TSSC).

Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) Upgrade/Core Router Refresh: This project implements advanced MPLS and IP routing technologies on the DISN IP core to align with Joint Information Environment (JIE) modernization initiatives and satisfy diversity requirements with dramatically increased capacity. The MPLS equipment suite includes:

MPLS Provider Edge (PE) and Customer Edge (CE) routers, Encryption (Cisco M2/M6), DCN devices (2911 routers and 3560 switches) and ancillary equipment. Core Router Refresh will upgrade to 100 Gbps in CONUS and OCONUS.

Next Generation Optical Upgrade: The Next Generation DISN Optical Transport project will Tech Refresh end of service life (TR EoSL) DISN Optical Transport System (OTS), with a 10 Gbps operational and 100 Gbps capable Packet-Optical Transport System (P-OTS), migrating to IP-based Ethernet infrastructure. The project provides a robust optical infrastructure in support of the DODIN Long Haul Core Network by facilitating the build out of a DoD Wide Area Network (WAN) regional network design to provide 10 Gbps bandwidth ready and 100 Gbps capable, colorless, directionless, multi-degree reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) based technologies.

Next Generation Access Transport: COCOM sites will be migrated to Ethernet access, CONUS and OCONUS. The Network Access Consolidation Evolution Initiative will transition network access technologies (e.g., SONET/SDH/PDH) at non-fiber DISN locations for special users or services that cannot readily transition to Ethernet or where dedicated transport is needed separate from the IPT-PE provided MPLS services.

Transmission Security (TRANSEC): The TRANSEC project will deploy 100 Gbps link encryptors compatible with network technology evolution across CONUS. TRANSEC encompasses the measures (security controls) that are applied to classified and sensitive unclassified information prior to transmission to prevent interception, disruption of reception, communications deception, and/or derivation of intelligence by analysis of transmission characteristics such as signal parameters or message externals. The project provides a modern security framework by replacing TDM based transmission security.

SIPRNet Router Refresh (ESS, ACC Compliance): Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet) Router Refresh (SRR) continues the evolution of the SIPRNet to the ‘Secret IP Data Service’ into a unified communications infrastructure with Ethernet access and network encryption standardization/ consolidated to align with Joint Information Environment (JIE) initiatives, Advanced Crypto Capabilities (ACC) and DOD CIO Goals. The project will evolve the network from a legacy router Secret Aggregation routers to the Secret Joint-Provider Edge (SJ-PE). The network will evolve to a dual router vendor platform with customers homed to each vendor router platform for increased survivability. The SRR will continue the crypto ACC transition and TDM elimination for circuits associated with affected EOL routers.

Universal Gateway: The Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Converged Gateway (C2G) is a universal platform for transport integration services for all CSfC communications (voice, video and data) to all DODIN customers worldwide. This project will evolve legacy DoD Enterprise Classified Travel Kit-Gateway (DECTK) and DoD Mobility Classified Capability (DMCC-S) to latest CSfC standards. This capability will result in efficiencies and reduction of physical gateways, eliminates dependency on Type 1 encryption, and implements a gray network management enclave for DECTK and

DMCC-S.

Internet Access Point (IAP): This project will upgrade the IAPs in CONUS and OCONUS to 100G/10G to meet high global internet traffic demand.

Domain Name Service (DNS) G-Root and .MIL (and smil): This project will replace EOL components in the unclassified and classified network environments.

Software Defined Networking (SDN): This project will provision the application of SDN to control both the IP layer and optical layer through a single user interface.

Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN): This technology will replace the EOL/EOS Red Promina TDM transport network with an IP infrastructure.

SIPRnet Access Migration (SAM): This project will modernize the SIPRNet by leveraging MPLS and updating cryptographic technologies to increase performance and reduce deployed equipment quantity.

Tech Refresh Consolidated: This project will include a “site based” Tech Refresh plan where some or all components for Tech Refresh from the above list of technologies will refresh with a consolidated lifecycle approach per location rather than per technology.

This will result in increased speed of service, consolidated site surveys, reduced travel, time savings and reduced mission impact to the site.

Implementation

The government requires innovative solutions for implementations. The Contractor shall perform the planning, scheduling, coordination, management control, reporting, and communications necessary to successfully execute this requirement. The Contractor shall also provide the personnel to perform implementation work, which generally involves the following functions for successful execution: site-level engineering, logistics support for all equipment/materials, installation, de-installation, configuration management, and transition. The Contractor shall use qualified personnel (e.g., licensed electrician, as applicable) to perform implementation work in both classified and unclassified environments. All hardware/software (HW/SW) supplied to DISA shall be on the Approved Products List (APL), per DOD Instruction (DODI) 8100.04. Support require but not limited to the following:

• Project/Program planning and coordination

• Pre-implementation analysis/engineering and design support (evaluation, interpretation, consolidation of GFI into implementation request (IR) document)

• Documentation Management and Data Development, delivery and entry and information sharing support

• Site Surveys/Telecommunication Site Implementation Plans (TSIPs)/IBOM identification and procurement

• Site Preparation Activities (HVAC, Space, Power shortfalls and recommendations; Site

Concurrence Letter-SCL-Draft updates/revisions)

• Hardware/software installation and/or De-installation and Disposal requirements

• Site wiring implementation, inspection/testing, and removal

• Circuit end-to-end activation coordination and cutover management for transition action

• Site implementation testing and checkout and Implementation Completion Reports

Sustainment/Optimization:

DODIN Optimization and Site Support tasks provide installation of DODIN growth and sustainment requirements. The DODIN must remain in concert with evolving technology and dynamic interoperability concerns. The achievement of this objective requires the timely and accurate execution of various technical support activities. These actions must be completed on a global scale. This task will pre-fund multiple types and quantities of implementation actions.

Customer Projects:

The DODIN Customer Implementation Projects Support task will provide critical implementation functions that are required to execute the DODIN Release and Deployment process. The primary objective of this task order is the provision of support to perform the installation, configuration, upgrade, relocation, and removal of equipment as required to fulfill DODIN customer requirements.

Last Half Mile:

This project shall also include the installation support for customer circuits from A thru Z as needed (Site Support or “Last Half Mile” work). Meeting the above noted overarching objectives requires the timely and accurate execution of various technical support activities.

These actions must be completed on a global scale and include, but are not limited to, the following: pre-implementation analysis, implementation engineering, implementation planning, site preparation requirement documentation, material procurement, hardware installation, complete node installations, equipment upgrades/reconfiguration, card installation, circuit installation, circuit migrations, and site preparation if needed.

4. Requested Information

Tech Refresh

1. Describe the company’s experience and technical expertise to execute project activities in the RFI.

2. Describe your approach to support optional and/or new project insertions in a timely manner.

3. How would you execute a site survey for multiple technologies?

4. How would you execute a site based equipment lifecycle refresh deployment vs a technology based refresh?

5. Describe your approach and experience with customer outreach as it applies to DISA projects. (for example: communicating and scheduling ASIs with customers)

6. What quality management processes do you have in place to ensure consistency of quality and meeting deadlines?

7. Describe your stakeholder communication strategy.

8. List the types of certifications, expertise, and industry experience we could expect from the implementation staff and engineers.

9. Provide an example of how you would perform legacy equipment decommissioning and removal of hazardous material mitigation.

10. Describe your experience with procuring complex IT IBOM or MBOM.

11. Provide an explanation of a challenged installation and how you resolved the situation constructively.

12. Provide an example of a telecommunication site implementation and execution plan.

13. What efficiencies would you utilize to perform integrating technologies at multiple locations into an integrated master schedule and how would you define the critical path to ensure timely project completion?

Implementation

14. List the types of certifications, expertise, and industry experience the Government could expect from the implementation staff and engineers and what other certifications or expertise the government should anticipate over the term of the next five to ten years.

15. What is your understanding of the GIG/DODIN Infrastructure and standards?

16. How would you evaluate government furnished information (GFI) and provide the appropriate and optimum solution to complete the required DODIN implementation activity and bring to full operation? The activity must include, but not limited to, pre-implementation analysis, implementation engineering, implementation planning, site preparation and requirement documentation, material procurement, hardware installation, circuit installation or migrations, and testing.

17. What efficiencies would you utilize to perform multiple implementation tasks on a global basis at multiple locations?

Small Business

18. Do you feel a small business can accomplish all the tasks listed in this RFI? Please explain why or why not.

Acquisition

19. What can DISA do (from acquisition and technical requirements standpoint) to incentivize contractors to meet the Government’s acquisition objectives.

a. Predicative maintenance

b. Reduced downtimes

c. Lower labor costs

Special Requirements

20. Does your company have NIPRNet/SIPRNet access at its facility?

21. Does your company have a facility cleared up to Top Secret level with Sensitive

Compartmented Information (SCI) access eligibility for some personnel?

5. Response Guidelines

Please provide your company’s name, with a point of contact, title and contact information.

Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with a white paper. The government is seeking innovation to increase efficiencies, pricing, and speed and we welcome suggestions on how to do it better. NOTE: Companies that plan to respond as a Joint Venture should be aware that all Joint Ventures must be unpopulated and have a facility clearance in the name of the Joint Venture to be eligible to propose on any future requirements that materialize from this RFI.

Submissions cannot exceed 20 pages single spaced, 12-point type with at least one-inch margins on 8 1/2” X 11” page size. The response should not exceed a 5 MB e-mail limit for all items associated with the RFI response. Responses must specifically address the questions listed above and, if space permits, any additional information that is relevant to the requirements outlined in this RFI. Oral communications are not permissible except as identified in section (d.) below.

FedBizOpps will be the sole repository for all information related to this RFI.

Companies who wish to respond to this RFI should send responses via email no later than Tuesday, November 19 at 12:00pm CST to lara.k.huegle.civ@mail.mil and brooke.n.winkeler.civ@mail.mil mailto:lara.k.huegle.civ@mail.mil mailto:brooke.n.winkeler.civ@mail.mil

6. Industry Discussions

DISA representatives may choose to meet with potential offerors and hold one-on-one discussions. Such discussions would only be intended to obtain further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements, including any development and certification risks.

7. Questions

Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to lara.k.huegle.civ@mail.mil and brooke.n.winkeler.civ@mail.mil . Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Answers to questions will be posted to FBO. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 12:00pm CST will be answered. The Government will not reimburse companies for any costs associated with the submissions of their responses

8. Disclaimer

This RFI is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals nor will any award be made as a result of this synopsis.

All information contained in the RFI is preliminary as well as subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government. FAR clause 52.215-3, “Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes”, is incorporated by reference in this RFI. The Government does not intend to pay for information received in response to this RFI. Responders to this invitation are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. This RFI will be the basis for collecting information on capabilities available. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received in this RFI that is marked “Proprietary” will be handled accordingly. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned nor will receipt be confirmed. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract.

mailto:lara.k.huegle.civ@mail.mil mailto:brooke.n.winkeler.civ@mail.mil