Data_Call_008_(S1812)_-_SATCOM_RT-RO_(Robust_Orderwire).pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) / DATA CALL

Broad Area Announcement (BAA)

Solicitation: BAA-18-R-STCD, Topic #: S1812

Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Resiliency Technologies (RT)

DATA CALL 008

Robust Orderwire (RO) – SATCOM RT/RO

1 INTRODUCTION

This call for White Papers (WP) is being issued under BAA-18-R-STCD, which was published on FedBizOpps.gov on 20 June 2018, and last updated on 18 April 2019.

Offerors must refer to the solicitation document entitled “BAA-18-R- STCD_Rev7_02Jul19,” which incorporates the latest BAA revisions, and must be read in conjunction with this Data Call for WP’s. All instructions set forth in the BAA- 18-R-STCD solicitation document apply to this call.

The United States (U.S.) Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC), Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center, Space and Terrestrial Communications Directorate (S&TCD) is soliciting this call for WP’s, in accordance with (IAW) Topic # S1812. To be eligible for consideration and possible contract award, the technology or methodology shall be in the nature of either basic research, applied research, or advanced technology development, not for a specific system/hardware, or demonstration and validation.

1.1 DATA CALL INFORMATION

S&TCD provides science and technology solutions to the Department of Defense (DoD), U.S. Army Joint Programs of Record, and the Warfighter. S&TCD performs research, development, and engineering functions in all aspects of terrestrial, avionics, and space-dependent communications technology to include adaptive, reliable seamless battlefield communications with full electronic counter-countermeasures capability and cybersecurity/information assurance.

S&TCD is interested in developing a SATCOM RT modem, capable of operating as a RO for wideband SATCOM, over the wideband global SATCOM (WGS) satellite and commercial Geo-Synchronous Satellites. S&TCD is interested in the technical concepts and ideas for RO modems. The development of the RO will directly support the U.S. Army’s modernization priorities for network transport control and technology integration, identified herein

1.1.1 BACKGROUND

In fiscal year (FY) 2015, the U.S. Army, CCDC, C5ISR Center, S&TCD, SATCOM Division initiated the protected SATCOM research and development (R&D) program to add resiliency to wideband satellite

Solicitation: BAA-18-R-STCD Data Call 008

Topic #: S1812 communications. This R&D program develops multiple technologies that enhance link robustness and increases their level(s) of diversity.

Additionally, S&TCD released Topic S1812, entitled “SATCOM Resiliency Technologies” (SATCOM RT), which seeks innovative, practical, and cost-effective solutions to improve the protection and resiliency of SATCOM capabilities. This data call provides additional information pertaining to an anti-jam (AJ) waveform for the purposes of satellite network management, IAW BAA Topic S1812; and, identifies pertinent information regarding the specific waveform requirements (i.e., form factor sought and data rates).

Satellite network management for wideband military SATCOM is performed by personnel located at the Wideband SATCOM Operations Centers (WSOC). In order for the WSOC to perform their control mission, the WSOC requires a resilient orderwire link robust enough to support operations in contested environments.

When operating over WGS, the orderwire will need to take into account the WGS channelizer routing for connectivity purposes. The channelizer provides a range of antenna and frequency band switching options for the WGS satellite. The channelizer will support both RO carrier fan-in and fan-out related to WGS satellite antenna(s) selection(s). The channelizer will support cross banding (i.e., X-band uplink to Ka-band downlink, Ka-band uplink to X-band downlink). In some scenarios, it is possible that a tactical terminal operating over WGS will not “see” its own uplink on the downlink side. In addition, the channelizer supports individual sub-channel gain control, therefore making it possible for a transponder gain variation across multiple contiguous sub-channels, contingent upon how the WGS satellite is “loaded.” This sub-channel gain variation can result in downlink amplitude variation of the RO carrier, when the bandwidth of the carrier is spread over multiple contiguous sub-channels.

1.1.2 KEY CAPABILITIES

The key capabilities in which an Offeror should focus for the development of a product and/or solution for BAA Topic S1812, for S&TCD, SATCOM Division include:

AJ waveform, such as Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum, for Satellite

Network management and control;

AJ waveform supporting low data rates for control signals that can co-exist with user communications, for instance Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) carriers.(i.e., share same channel bandwidth with minimal degradation to user traffic). Data rate range requirement is approximately 1.0 kilobits per second (kbps) to 128 kbps to each tactical terminal;

AJ waveform providing the required connectivity and scalability (≤ 400 tactical terminals per WGS satellite) from tactical user terminals to WSOCs; and, Small form factor (less than 1/3 rack unit (RU) for tactical users), low cost AJ waveform implementation that can be ported to commercial hardware.

This is a 24 month R&D effort projected to begin in 2020, developing a robust AJ waveform for the purposes of a dedicated wideband SATCOM control orderwire.

1.1.3 SATCOM RT/RO PROBLEM STATEMENT and OVERVIEW

The current wideband SATCOM control orderwire architecture consists of fixed forward carrier frequencies that utilize time-division multiple access.

The current architecture however is not resilient to electromagnetic interference. In addition, the current orderwire carriers utilize dedicated bandwidth planned separately from user communication carriers. The intended objective for wideband SATCOM control orderwire architecture is to operate in the same bandwidth as user communication carriers. The orderwire carrier should take advantage of available satellite bandwidth, however it should be noted that due to the nature of WGS satellite routing capabilities there are cases where the orderwire carrier will be limited to operating within a minimum of 2.6 megahertz (MHz) sub-channel. The orderwire carrier should take advantage of up to at least 19 contiguous sub-channels when available. The waveform also needs to include a multiple access scheme for the RO to provide a connection between many remote users to a common control center where operators can help with troubleshooting and accessing the satellite, for example. Network scalability (≤ 400 tactical terminals per WGS satellite) and connectivity are of interest. The objective architecture is Hub-Spoke and as such it is envisioned that the subsystem will consist of two end items, a remote modem and a hub modem. It is envisioned that remote modems will be installed in tactical terminals, for example in the Air Force’s Ground Multi-band Terminal. These tactical terminals have limited available size, weight, and power. Hub modems will be installed at sites with enterprise terminals, for example at DoD teleports/gateways.

The waveform should be able to support prioritization of up to four (4) types of internet protocol (IP) traffic, using class-marked packets, differentiated services code-points, or other router-supported prioritization scheme. In addition, the waveform should be able to support both IP version-4 and IPv6 packets. In general, the U.S. Government (USG) is interested in options that would offer flexibility in a contested environment to support continued connectivity and communications exchange.

Low end item unit cost is a key objective for both the remote and hub modems. The modem subsystem will be utilized to support users across the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force, each with their own unique requirements; as such, it is envisioned that the waveform may need to be modified or new waveform features added in the future. For this reason, the USG is interested in approaches to development that allow for extensibility and modifiability of the modem subsystem. The modem is required to provide a means of being controlled externally and hence needs to be capable of setting and reading all waveform parameters from an external entity, for example via Simple Network Management Protocol version-3. It is an objective requirement for the modem software to be updated remotely. The USG is interested in methods to efficiently manage remote modem connections to the hub modem. The modem subsystem must have the ability to interface with layer two (2) and layer three (3) networks. The USG is also interested in ease of user configuration for this modem subsystem and an objective requirement is to implement a standard configuration.

General characteristics of the modem include, but are not be limited to:

1) Hub-spoke architecture;

2) Scalability < 400 tactical terminals (nodes) per WGS satellite;

3) Node Throughput – 1 kbps to 128 kbps per tactical terminal;

4) Total System Throughput for a single WGS satellite and single Hub

Terminal and a network of 400 tactical terminals : 128 kbps to 512 kbps;

5) Provide AJ protection while operating within one (1) 2.6 MHz sub-channel up to 19 WGS contiguous sub-channels at the node throughput rates above;

6) Fast initial acquisition and re-acquisition modes for benign and contested operation;

7) Adaptive coding and modulation;

8) Support end-to-end latency when operating over WGS of < 6 seconds (including forward error correction latency);

9) AES 256 Transmission Security required per Federal Information

Processing Standard 140-2. Objective for simplified key management system;

10) Separate Ethernet IP data port and Ethernet IP control port;

11) Compliant with applicable portions of MIL-STD 188-165A. Applicable

MIL-STD 188-165A paragraphs include: applicable portions of paragraphs 5.1.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.3, 5.1.4, 5.1.5 and 5.1.6 and subparagraphs within section 5.1, applicable portions of paragraphs 5.2.1, 5.2.2, 5.2.3, 5.2.4, 5.2.5 and 5.2.6 and subparagraphs with section 5.2, applicable portions of paragraphs 5.3.1 and 5.3.2 and associated subparagraphs, and paragraph 5.4;

12) Preferred physical size of remote modem chassis for tactical users would occupy no more than one-third (1/3) width of a standard one

(1) RU chassis;

13) Multiple transmitter/receiver instances in a single hub modem chassis, ≥ eight (8) receivers per one (1) RU, for enterprise terminals are encouraged for sake of physical space and control efficiency;

and,

14) For test and evaluation purposes the form factor proposed should be designed to meet typical tactical environmental requirements including operating temperature, transportability shock and vibration and humidity.

Respondents of this Data Call who have current or in-development products possessing any of the key capabilities referred to herein, and IAW BAA Topic S1812, should include such information in their submission, and identify whether or not the applicable product(s) will be made available for demonstration and/or testing.

NOTE: For additional information regarding to SATCOM RT, please refer to BAA-18-R-STCD, Topic S1812.

1.1.4 TECHNICAL APPROACH

Interested parties are requested to respond to this call for WP’s by submitting a technical approach describing their technical capabilities, concepts, ideas, and, relevant experience in developing similar components.

All responses to this Data Call shall, at a minimum:

Provide sound reasoning, and a clear description of component level functionality to support the proposed component and/or architecture.

Address the technology readiness level information, technical performance, and the proposed approach to meeting end-unit low cost.

Clearly discuss an approach to allow for ease of extensibility and modification of the waveform.

Identify the proposed modem subsystems resiliency capabilities, to include achievable jamming to signal (J/S) ratio while operating in one

(1) 2.6 MHz sub-channel, shared with a user carrier at the lowest node throughput rate; and, the achievable J/S ratio while operating in 19 contiguous sub-channels, shared with user carriers at the lowest node throughput rate.

Discuss and provide the necessary information regarding the required approach to operate under environmental conditions (i.e., temperature, humidity, shock, and vibration) normally experienced by tactical terminals.

Interested parties providing proposed components or technologies shall also provide thorough technical content explaining the operation, and performance of the component or technology. This portion of the response may be marked with proprietary markings.

2 AWARD INFORMATION

2.1 ANTICIPATED AWARD DATE: 15 March 2020 (FY20, 2nd Quarter)

2.2 FUNDING AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Under this data call, the USG intends to award one (1) contract, with an approximate period of performance (PoP) of 24 months, with anticipated funding of up to approximately $6,000,000, broken down as follows:

18 months for development, integration, test and delivery; and, Six (6) months for USG test support.

It is anticipated that six (6) remote modems and four (4) hub modems, an interface control document for monitor and control, and radio frequency waveform functionality will be required for delivery at the end of the contract PoP.

An objective to provide accompanying general purpose processor and/or field-programmable gate array source code (e.g., Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language code) will be required for delivery at the end of the contract PoP.

NOTE: This funding profile is an estimate only, and is not a contractual obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to USG discretion and availability. Potential Offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations, funding, in any or all areas, may change with little or no notice. The USG reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the WP’s received, subject to the availability of funds.

2.3 BAA TYPE

This call for WP’s will be governed by the “two-step” process described in the General Information Sections of BAA-18-R-STCD. Offerors that submit a proposal without first submitting a WP may not be eligible for award.

2.4 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

All submissions shall be IAW the instructions provided within the baseline BAA- 18-R-STCD, via Section III, for instructions on WP Preparation, Submission, and Evaluation.

2.4.1 Exception to BA-18-R-STCD Submission Instruction – Page Limitation

All submissions shall be IAW the instructions provided within the baseline BAA-18-R-STCD, via Section III, with an exception to the total page count if the development of this topic area requires the demonstration of technology/products.

WP submissions for comprehensive research programs shall include the delivery of the applicable prototype to the USG. Submission inclusions may range from theoretical studies to proof-of-concept, to include fabrication and delivery of a prototype.

Submissions under this exception shall not exceed seven (7) pages in length (single sided, single spaced, with 12-size font). The seven (7) page limitation does not include the rough-order-of-magnitude or the cover page.

2.5 QUESTIONS DUE DATE AND TIME

Technical questions shall be submitted no later than (NLT) 3:00 PM EST, 10 July 2019, via email to the Acquisition Management Team (AMT) Mailbox, Technical Point of Contact (TPOC), with a carbon copy (CC) to the Contracting Officer (KO), Contract Specialist (KS), as listed below.

The USG will publish questions and answers received by industry to FBO, via a revision to this Data Call, per ADDENDUM 001, Technical Questions, and Clarifications, herein.

2.6 WHITE PAPER DUE DATE AND TIME

All WP’s shall be submitted NLT 3:00 PM EST, 02 August 2019, via email to the AMT Mailbox, TPOC, with a CC to the KO and KS, as listed below.

AMT Mailbox: usarmy.apg.ccdc-c5isr.mbx.stcd-amt@mail.mil TPOC, Saul Foresta: saul.n.foresta.civ@mail.mil KO, Brian Holman: brian.j.holman2.civ@mail.mil KS, Andrew Pilone: andrew.m.pilone.civ@mail.mil

If the submission will be classified, Offerors should contact the TPOC and KO for instruction on how to submit the WP via appropriate methods/channels. The KO shall be informed, in writing, that a classified WP has been submitted, referencing the submissions title and to whom it was submitted.

Contractual questions may be directed to the KO and/or KS at any time.

mailto:usarmy.apg.ccdc-c5isr.mbx.stcd-amt@mail.mil mailto:brian.j.holman2.civ@mail.mil mailto:andrew.m.pilone.civ@mail.mil