BAA-21-R-NCFT - Call 0003 Topic 3 N2014-B Intra Command Post Node Wireless.pdf

Solicitation: BAA-21-R-NCFT Call #: 0003 Topic #: N2104

FEDERAL AGENCY NAME: Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) on behalf of the Army Futures Command (AFC), Network Cross-Functional Team (Network-CFT)

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: BAA-21-R-NCFT

Originally published on beta SAM: 30 OCT 2020 Last Updated: N/A

CALL ANNOUNCEMET NUMBER: 0003

CONTRACTING POINT OF CONTACT:

Mr. Brian C. Bosmans Procurement Coordinator/Contracting Officer/Agreements Officer E-mail: brian.c.bosmans.civ@mail.mil

CALL SCHEDULE: Note, all dates are subject to change.

Event Date & Time BAA Released on beta.SAM.gov 30 Oct 2020 Call 0001:

White Paper (WP) Submission Opens 17 Nov 2020 WP Submission Closes (open for 3 weeks) 07 Dec 1200 EST Government begins notifying Vendors of WP evaluations: 8 Jan 2021

• Selected for Further Consideration (Invitation to participate in the no-cost technological demonstration)

• Not Selected for Further Consideration Technological Demonstration 26-28 Jan 2021 Government begins notifying Vendors of results of technological demonstration: 29 Jan 2021

• Selected for Further Consideration (Invitation to submit proposal)

• Not Selected for Further Consideration

Government begins accepting proposals from selected Vendors 8 Feb 2021 Government begins notifying Vendors selected for award (if any) 1 Apr 2021

*White papers received after the due date/time shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c) (3).

BAA TYPE: This is a call for WPs only, and will be governed by the two-step process described in General Information of the BAA-21-R-NCFT. Offerors that submit a proposal without first submitting a WP will not be eligible for award.

WP INSTRUCTIONS: Detailed instructions on format for WPs and the two-step submission process can be found in the overarching BAA.

TWO-STEP BAA, CALL ANNOUNCEMENT

BAA-21-R-NCFT, WHITE PAPER CALL # 0003

Title: Intra Command Post Node Wireless

Date: 16 NOV 2020 mailto:brian.c.bosmans.civ@mail.mil

*Please note the Government reserves the right to skip step two of phase one and go directly to Phase Two after white paper evaluations.

WP SUBMISSION: WPs shall be submitted via email to the Network-CFT Mailbox, usarmy.apg.futures-cmd.list.ncft-market-research@mail.mil and via the JCM Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) site, via https://jtnc.force.com/. Please use the subject line: Network-CFT BAA (i.e., Call for WP Number and Topic/Subtopic Number (example: Call for WP 0001, Subtopic #: N2104A).

TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST:

The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command Control Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T), in support of Network Modernization priorities, is issuing this call for WPs in association with Topic Number N2104 Command Post Mobility/Survivability. To be eligible for consideration and possible contract award, the WP shall be of basic research, applied research, and/or that part of development not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement in the following “Technology Areas of Interest” specific to this call:

A. Topic Number N2104: Command Post Mobility/Survivability:

N2014-B: Intra Command Post Node Wireless

Operational Description of the Problem: The future Army command post needs to be able to operate in any terrain and the network needs to support the commander’s intent. How do we establish an always available, compact, easy to configure, interoperable, dynamic node connection between disparate command post elements that is difficult to detect and influence?

Technical Description of the Problem: In order for future command posts to be more survivable against near-peer adversaries, the Army is moving away from the traditional tent-based command post to a vehicle-based command post that allows the command post to be more dispersed. By doing this, the ability to communicate between vehicles becomes imperative for collaboration between the different unit mission function groups. To allow for effective communication, a wireless local area network (LAN) with wireless radios and antennas that operate in 2.5 gigahertz (GHz), 5 GHz, and 60 GHz has been established and integrated on the vehicle platforms.

The current radio/antenna solution has limited capability to share data (Internet Protocol (IP), voice, data) vehicle to vehicle in multiple operating environments (i.e. desert, jungle, urban) and has no Low Probability of Intercept / Low Probability of Detection (LPI/LPD) characteristics built into the waveforms. The unit must switch between radio/antenna types based on the environment they are operating, i.e., Line-Of-Sight (LOS) in open environment, 802.11 mesh in areas with high foliage. This causes set-up and tear-down constraints and size, weight, and power concerns as the vehicles have limited space available for mounting systems, and adds complexity to network operations.

Important Please assess the entire solicitation carefully prior to any response. The Network-CFT BAA utilizes a two-phase process to solicit offers and select a source for award.

• Phase One – Step One: Submission of White Papers *Step Two: Technological Demonstration (By Invitation Only)

• Phase Two – Submission of Proposals (By Invitation Only) mailto:usarmy.apg.futures-cmd.list.ncft-market-research@mail.mil mailto:usarmy.apg.futures-cmd.list.ncft-market-research@mail.mil https://jtnc.force.com/

The Army is in need of a wireless communications system that can provide vehicle-to-vehicle communications that can operate in multiple frequency bands that can be defined by the terrain and operating environment while limiting Radio Frequency (RF) signature. The ideal solution would be an integrated radio/antenna solution with low Size Weight and Power (SWaP) so it can be integration on the vehicle platform and operate using vehicle power. The solution is should be able to operate at a minimum at the quick halt, but ideally will be able to operate on the move. The system must be able to integrate into the existing Tactical Network and be Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) capable so it can be managed by the Army’s Unified Network Operations tool suite. The solution should be C5ISER/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) compliant or have a path to becoming CMOSS compliant.

Technical Constraints/Dependencies: SNMP capable; IP capable

Highly Desired Capabilities: Networked radio capable of operating in at least two spectrum bands

• Fully automated spectrum agility

• LPI/LPD/Anti-Jam (AJ)

• Covers a dispersed command post at 1000 meters across

• Capable of operating in a network of 10 nodes

• “Always on” network connectivity between command post redeployments

Desired Capabilities:

• CMOSS compliant

• Limited user intervention/self-healing

WP QUESTIONS/ANSWERS: Government will publish WP Q&As in the JCM. Instructions for the Q&A session shall be posted to the JCM when the call is issued.

WP PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, AND REVIEW PROCESS: Instructions for submissions of WPs, including response content and format, are covered in Section B of the baseline BAA, BAA-21-R- NCFT. The submitted white paper should not exceed eight (8) pages.

TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVEL (TRL): For all the subtopic areas listed above, the maturity of the proposed technology should be at a TRL 6 or higher. The end state of the effort should be a set of demonstration/proof-of-concept systems that can be tested in a field environment.

WP EVALUATION CRITERIA:

The Government will evaluate WPs to determine which have the potential to best meet the Network-CFT’s needs utilizing a two-part evaluation criteria as follows:

• Part One (1): WPs will be evaluated using “Go” or “No-Go” gate criteria listed below.

The “Go” or “No-Go” requirements are listed below which will determine if the WP will receive further consideration. If during the evaluation one of the “Go” or “No-Go” requirements is not met, that evaluation will automatically receive a “No-Go” determination and will not receive further consideration.

o Affordability. The Government will review the Offeror’s Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for affordability. Affordability targets for any single award will be capped at $2M, however the Government will review the ROM’s to determine best value based on the proposed approach.

o TRL. The Government will review the Offeror’s TRL to ensure it meets requirements as detailed in the Call for WP. Offeror must meet TRL 6+ at delivery.

o Schedule. The Government will review the Offeror’s proposed schedule to ensure the

Offeror meets the period of performance, when the Government specifies a Not-to- Exceed schedule. The Not-to-Exceed schedule for this effort is 24 Months (one 12 month base period and one 12 month option period). If either the base or option period proposed exceeds 12 months, the white paper will be considered “No-Go” and not receive further consideration.

• Part Two (2): WP will be evaluated using the following factors, which are listed in descending order of importance:

o Importance to Agency Programs (Relevance/Potential for Impact). The Government will review the Offeror’s description of the technology proposed on how it solves the capability/gap/problem presented, the relevance to the Highly Desired/Desired Capabilities, scalability of the solution, and assess its worth in relation to the stated “Technology Areas of Interest.” WPs will be scored as highly likely, likely or marginally likely to address the stated operational and technical descriptions of the problem.

o Technical Merit/Challenge (Innovative or Revolutionary Technology (Scientific & Engineering Viability)). The Government will review the Offeror’s technology proposed to satisfy the technical challenges and design objectives by reviewing the Offeror’s enabling technology (innovative or revolutionary approach); feasibility;

technical risk and mitigation plan; alternatives (other technical data/information conveyed); technology maturation (the ability to achieve technology maturity); and time to field solution. WPs will be scored as fully or partially meeting or exceeding the stated Highly Desired and Desired capabilities.

o Schedule. The Offeror’s schedule will be evaluated based on the reasonableness of the allocation of time to meet major activities/milestones, deliverable, metrics measures of success, potential risks, and mitigation plans. WPs will be scored as having a preferable, acceptable, or questionable schedule for delivery.

TECHNOLOGICAL DEMONSTRATION EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Note: The process outlined below is subject to change

“Technology demonstration” entails a prototype sample presented by a offeror to show those characteristics of the offered products that cannot adequately be described by specifications, purchase descriptions, or white paper (e.g. ease of use, quality of user experience, etc.). Demonstrations of capabilities not yet ready for a practical demonstration may be provided by an in-person paper or slide show presentation. This demonstration is also an opportunity to clarify and expand upon concepts not fully explored in the white paper and to field Government questions about the proposed prototype solution.

The Contractor must present the technology demonstration during the time specified in the Invitation to Demo. Individual time slots will be allotted to the Contractors selected to attend. If the Contractor fails to present the technology demonstration on time the Government will reject the invitation to continue through the selection process

1. Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, technology demonstration shall be:

(1) Presented at no expense to the Government.

(2) Operated and maintained by the Contractor during technology demonstration evaluation.

2. The Government will not be liable for any damages to technology demonstration during evaluation or shipping.

Rules & Expectations The Contractor’s technology demonstration will be presented during a 45 minute session. Time slots will be provided to afford Contractors time to prepare for the demonstration at the venue.

The technology demonstration presentation will consist of the following:

Activity Time Allotted Setup/Tear Down: Up to 5 min Technology demonstration Fixes: 10 min if needed Presentation: 45 minutes Total Technology demonstration Time:

45-60 Minutes

The Government will allow the Contractor to prepare their equipment in a classroom prior to beginning of the event. It is recommended not to show up more than 60 minutes prior to demonstration time to prevent crowding of the classroom.

The Government will allow each Contractor up to 5 minutes to move their equipment from the classroom to the demonstration area which is approximately 30 feet from the classroom door.

The Government will allow each Contractor up to 10 minutes to fix any problems encountered between the classroom and demonstration area. After 10 minutes has elapsed, the timer will start for the 45 minute formal evaluation.

The Government will provide the Contractors a space to deliver their technology demonstration. This area will consist of a table, podium, and a projector with screen. The Contractors should expect 3-4 Government leaders presiding over the demonstration event with supporting technical evaluators seated behind.

Contractors invited to attend the event will only be allowed in the demonstration area during their allocated time until the day has concluded.

EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS: The Government reserves the right to award as many (or as few) contracts as it deems appropriate. There are no set percentages of funding allocated to each investment category.

AWARD INFORMATION: The Army may elect to award of a base period with an option period as follows:

• Base Period: Design and Build a Prototype (12 Months)

(a) The Offeror shall deliver the prototype(s) necessary to prove their technology proposed.

o A Safety Assessment Report (SAR) shall be delivered with the prototype.

(b) The Offeror shall provide training after prototype delivery that will allow the Government to conduct an operational assessment of the technology proposed.

o In support of the training/operational assessment, the Offeror shall conduct training for Government personnel (i.e., N-CFT, PEO C3T, and other C5ISR representatives) onsite at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) and provide draft training materials.

Note: Training during Phase 1 is for the program office and support organizations only.

Soldier touch-point training will occur during Phase 2 as delineated below.

Before the completion of the base period, the Government will conduct an assessment of the technology proposed, looking at the broad areas of technical performance and suitability for experimentation with Army units. Based on this assessment, the Government may decide to exercise the option period.

• Option Period: Follow-On Training and Experimentation (12 Months)

(a) The Contractor shall provide follow-on training and experimentation for the prototype solution at a location in the Continuous United States (CONUS) with an equipped Army unit. Contractors shall provide:

o A training and experimentation session at a U.S. military installation and/or facility.

Contractor shall propose the number of days required to train an Army unit on their proposed solution(s).

o User and training manuals.

o Technical support necessary to make repairs and replace parts as required to keep the proposed technology operational throughout this phase.

The Rough-Order-of-Magnitude (ROM) shall be broken out by base and option period, as the Government may only fund the base period and not the option period.

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: Base period awards under this call are expected to range from $0 to $2M;

however, the Government reserves the right to award smaller or larger contracts or assistance instruments.

The Government reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the WPs received, subject to the availability of funds.

NOTE: The funding profile is an estimate only and not a contractual obligation for funding. All funding is subject to change due to Government 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.

ANTICIPATED TYPE OF CONTRACTS/INSTRUMENTS: The Government reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The contract(s) will have one (1) 12 month base period and one 12 month option period. The option period is not guaranteed and is subject to funding availability.

CALL AMENDMENTS: Offerors should monitor the beta SAM site, via https://beta.sam.gov/, and Joint Communications Marketplace (JCM) Joint Tactical Networking Center site, via https://jtnc.force.com/, for additional notices to this Call that may permit extensions of the WP submission date or otherwise modify this announcement.

APPLICABILITY OF BASELINE BAA: All requirements of BAA-21-R-NCFT apply. For complete information regarding BAA-21-R-NCFT, refer to the BAA announcement as posted on beta SAM. It contains information applicable to all calls issued under the BAA and provide information on the overall program, proposal preparation and submission requirements, proposal review and evaluation criteria, award administration, agency contacts, etc. If there is conflicting information, this call for white paper and http://www.fbo.gov/ https://jtnc.force.cm/ instructions contained herein takes precedent over the BAA.

Rules & Expectations