Final CfWP Topic 0001.pdf

Solicitation: BAA-25-R-C2CFT Call #: 0001 Topic #: N2101 Unified Network

FEDERAL AGENCY NAME: Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) on behalf of the Army Futures Command (AFC), Command and Control Cross-Functional Team (C2-CFT)

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: BAA-25-R-C2CFT

Originally published on SAM: 24 MARCH 2025 Last Updated: N/A

CALL ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 0001

CALL SCHEDULE:

Event Date BAA Released on SAM.gov 24 March 2025 Call:

White Paper (WP) Submission Opens 07 July 2025 WP Submission Closes 25 July 2025 Government begins notifying Vendors of WP evaluations: 29 August 2025

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

• Not Selected for Further Consideration Technological Demonstration 08-12 September 2025 Government begins notifying Vendors of results of technological demonstration: 03 October 2025

• Selected for Further Consideration (Invitation to submit proposal)

• Not Selected for Further Consideration Government begins accepting proposals from selected Vendors 14 October 2025 Government begins notifying Vendors selected for award (if any) 17 November 2025

*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-25-R-C2CFT. Offerors that submit a proposal without first submitting a WP will not be eligible for award.

TWO-STEP BAA, CALL ANNOUNCEMENT

BAA-25-R-C2CFT, WHITE PAPER CALL # 0001

Title: Waveform Agnostic, Software Defined Bridging Solution Date: 27 June 2025

Call #: 0001 Topic #: N2101 Unified Network

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

*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: All WPs shall be submitted via Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) Joint Communications Marketplace (JCM) Technical Exchange Meeting (TEM) Industry Community, via https://jtnc.experience.crmforce.mil/JTNC/s/limited-public

TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST:

The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command Control Communications, and Network (PEO C3N), in support of Network Modernization priorities, is issuing this call for WPs in association with Topic Number 0001. 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. BAA TOPIC NUMBER: N2101: Unified Network

WHITE PAPER CALL #0001

Operational Description of the Problem:

The prototype solution will address critical communication challenges faced by the Army, including interoperability among proprietary radio waveforms and non-standardized voice encoding across disparate networks. This solution aims to bridge analog voice, digital voice and IP data seamlessly, facilitating efficient communication between units and enabling greater mission flexibility incorporating as few hardware changes as possible. By providing a software-based, hardware-agnostic bridging solution, transport diversity will be enhanced which will ensure seamless integration of new waveforms to optimize the Army’s tactical communications portfolio. This effort is in direct support of Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) priorities.

Technical Description of the Problem:

The prototype system is designed as a modular, small form-factor solution that leverages an adaptive PACE (APACE) routing technology to enable interoperability across multiple radio networks. It supports bi-directional analog-to-digital voice conversion, transcoding between various voice codecs, and advanced traffic filtering to optimize network performance. Configurable settings allow adaptability to mission needs, while serverless voice and data capabilities provide robust communication options. The platform operates as a software container with minimal compute resource requirements, enabling deployment on both dismounted and mounted configurations while avoiding hardware lock-in.

Important Please assess the entire solicitation carefully prior to any response. The C2-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)

Call #: 0001 Topic #: N2101 Unified Network

Required Capabilities:

The prototype shall provide seamless digital, analog voice and IP data bridging across multiple tactical networks, ensuring efficient communication and coordination at all relevant echelons. The intent of this effort is to be able to employ the solution at any echelon as operationally required, incorporating sensitive but unclassified-encrypted (SBU-E) traffic. The Army desires a flexible solution capable of integrating voice and data from disparate transports/waveforms and is keen to understand resulting cost and performance tradeoffs.

• The prototype shall be defined as a software-based solution deployed on a low SWaP Soldier-worn hardware form factor for the purpose of demonstrating the capability.

• No less than 5 prototypes shall be delivered to the Army.

o Prototype deliveries shall include relevant software licenses (if needed).

o The Army desires this to be a software-based solution. However, to demonstrate full functionality, the vendor shall include relevant hardware and ancillaries.

• The prototype shall provide a software-based solution supporting Analog to digital and digital to analog conversion (ADC/DAC) as well as digital vocoders (e.g. analog to voice over IP and vice-versa).

o The prototype shall include any necessary hardware to achieve the ADC/DAC functions.

• The prototype shall provide bridging between disparate waveform vocoders.

o The prototype shall be designed to create a modular bridging solution capable of integrating future waveforms with minimal integration.

o The prototype shall bridge traffic between the same classification level.

• The prototype shall integrate advanced traffic filtering to effectively manage network capacity and quality of service (QoS).

• The prototype shall not require a centralized server to bridge voice capabilities.

• The prototype shall operate on minimal compute/network overhead traffic while ensuring scalability, configurability, and adaptability for diverse operational environments to include dismounted and mounted formations.

• The prototype software shall have a graphic user interface that runs on EUD and/or Tablet devices.

• The prototype shall minimize collocation of communications devices as much as possible.

o The Army suggests but does not require the use of wireless capability to achieve this solution.

• The prototype shall support bridging of at least 2 radios/networks.

o Desired waveforms of interest include but are not limited to: TSM, MN-MIMO, WaveRelay, 3GPP+ family, and SINCGARS

• The prototype shall include program management activities to include, but not limited to monthly Technical Exchange Meeting, Integrated Master Schedule, Post Award Conference, Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, Test Readiness Review, Demonstration/Assessment, Training Materials, QAPP, etc.

Call #: 0001 Topic #: N2101 Unified Network

** The vendor shall identify any current ongoing same/similar efforts associated with the proposed white paper solution/technology area. The vendor shall provide the contract/agreement number and a brief description of the effort.

WP QUESTIONS/ANSWERS: Government will publish WP Q&As in the JCM TEM Industry Community applicable Topic Collaboration Group area. Instructions for the Q&A session will be posted to the JCM TEM Industry Community (https://jtnc.experience.crmforce.mil/JTNC/s/limited-public) 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 III, Paragraph B of the baseline BAA, BAA-25-R-C2CFT. The submitted white paper shall not exceed eight (8) pages.

TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVEL (TRL): For all the subtopic areas listed above, the maturity of the proposed technology shall be at a TRL 6 or higher (please see enclosed TRL definitions). The end state of the effort shall 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 C2-CFT’s needs utilizing a two-part evaluation criterion 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 receives 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 Cost. The Government will review the Offeror’s Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for compliance with the BAA. ROM must be broken out by Base and Option, to include applicable cost elements.

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 at a minimum 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 up to 12-month base period, which means vendors can deliver their prototype before

Call #: 0001 Topic #: N2101 Unified Network

12 months, and one up to 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.

o Compliance with all white paper submission requirements outlined in BAA-25-

R-C2CFT

• 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 an offeror to showcase the proposed characteristics of the offered product described in the whitepaper as well as expand on aspects of the product 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.

Call #: 0001 Topic #: N2101 Unified Network

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 observed during a 45-minute session. Time slots will be provided to afford Contractor’s time to prepare for the demonstration at the venue.

The technology demonstration evaluation 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.

Please note, the Government reserves the right to eliminate the technical demonstration and go directly to a Request for Proposal OR hold the technical demonstration virtually.

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 a base period with an option period as follows:

• Base Period: Design and Build a Prototype (Up to 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.

Call #: 0001 Topic #: N2101 Unified Network o In support of the training/operational assessment, the Offeror shall conduct a training for Government personnel (i.e., C2-CFT, PEO C3N, 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.

o Contractor shall specify exact prototypes.

Before the completion of the base period, the Government will assess 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 (Up to 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.

NON-GOVERNMENT ADVISORS: Offerors are advised that employees of the firms identified below may serve as Non-Government advisors in the evaluation/source selection process. These individuals will be authorized access only to those portions of the proposal data and discussions that are necessary to enable them to perform their respective duties. The Non-Government advisors will not have access to the non- sanitized cost/price volumes of the proposals. Such firms are expressly prohibited from competing on the subject acquisition:

No specific firm has been identified at this time. In the event Non-Government Advisors are required to support this requirement, offerors will be notified immediately.

In accomplishing their duties related to the evaluation process, the aforementioned firms may require access to proprietary information contained in the Offerors proposals. Therefore, pursuant to FAR 9.505- 4, these firms must execute an agreement with each Offeror that states that they will (1) protect the Offerors information and (2) refrain from using the information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished. To expedite the evaluation process, each offeror must contact the above companies to effect execution of such an agreement prior to submissions of proposals. Each offeror shall submit copies of the agreement with their proposal.

The companies identified above are prohibited from submitting proposals either as a prime contractor or as subcontractors at any tier or partner and from entering into contractual arrangements as subcontractors at any tier or as consultants or partners in response to this call for white paper

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: The Government reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the WPs received, subject to the availability of funds. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. Potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget

Call #: 0001 Topic #: N2101 Unified Network 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) up to 12-month base period and one up to12-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://sam.gov/, and Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) Joint Communications Marketplace (JCM) Technical Exchange Meeting (TEM) Industry Community, via https://jtnc.experience.crmforce.mil/JTNC/s/limited-public for additional notices to this Call that may permit extensions of the WP submission date or otherwise modify this announcement.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION TURNAROUND TIME: Selected offerors will be expected to respond to proposal requests with a short turnaround time. The Government is prioritizing a rapid award schedule to align with current initiatives. To facilitate this, acquisition methods such as alpha negotiation may be employed.

APPLICABILITY OF BASELINE BAA: All requirements of BAA-25-R-C2CFT apply. For complete information regarding BAA-25-R-C2CFT, refer to the BAA announcement as posted on SAM.gov. 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 instructions contained herein takes precedent over the BAA.