BOSS 2.0 Request for Information.pdf

Request for Information (RFI) - Presentations for Interoperable Communication

Technologies for Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Aerial Networks Division

(AFLCMC/HNA)

1. Introduction

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Aerial Networks Division (AFLCMC/HNA) is conducting Market Research by seeking information from vendors specializing in systems enabling communication by providing interoperable information exchange between disparate

Tactical Data Networks (TDN) systems, voice relay and bridging between unique tactical voice systems. The Government also seeks information on existing technologies in the Advanced

Battle Management System (ABMS) edge node space and Open Mission Systems (OMS) compliant air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-satellite communications systems. This Request for

Information (RFI) is solely for information and planning purposes; it does not constitute a

Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. The Government is not obligated to pay for the information received from respondents to this RFI.

2. Background

The AFLCMC/HNA is responsible for the development, acquisition, and sustainment of aerial network systems that support the United States Air Force (USAF) and its mission partners. The division is focused on enhancing communication capabilities and ensuring seamless information exchange between various Tactical Data Networks (TDN) systems and tactical voice systems to support operational requirements and support flexible, long-endurance, and multi-mission airborne communications capabilities. The objectives section provides further information below.

3. Objectives

The objective of this RFI is to identify potential vendors with experience in design, development, production and integration in the following technology areas:

• TDN translation/forwarding systems

• Tactical voice bridging systems

• ABMS edge node space

• Methodology for managing growing amounts of data

• Commercial satellite alternatives to provide terrestrial Secret Internet Protocol Router

Network (SIPRNet) connection

• GPS/ Military GPS (MilGPS) alternatives, such as accurate internal clocks

• Software defined radios

• Cosite filtering solutions

4. Submission Requirements

Interested vendors are requested to submit the following information:

a. Company profile, including size, capabilities, and experience in the development and integration of interoperable communication technologies.

b. Description of relevant products and solutions, specifically addressing:

• Aperture solutions, especially those that can provide dynamic operation over wide or extremely wide bands of RF spectrum

• Modular Open Source Architecture (MOSA) conformance, as well as Open Mission

System (OMS) compliance, including the OMS Tier level o Modular in design, non-proprietary interfaces

• Agile development, and/or a DevSecOps pipeline, is used to develop the software for these solutions

• Operating in various environments including the Continental United States (CONUS), Outside the Continental United States (OCONUS) and in various Combatant Commands

(COCOMs) and in contested environments

c. The descriptions should highlight hardware and software that may be rapidly integrated, work on multiple platforms, have design features that uses the latest technology, and use seamless methods of data metrics reporting.

d. Any additional information that may be relevant to the AFLCMC/HNA Division's objectives.

5. Submission Instructions

Please submit your response to this RFI in PDF format via email to: Martin Bamberg at martin.bamberg@us.af.mil no later than 5:00 PM EDT on 31 October 2023. The subject line of the email should read "RFI Response - Interoperable Communication Technologies for AFLCMC Aerial Networks Division." The target for the RFI response is no more than ten pages per each response.

The AFLCMC/HNAB Branch is planning on holding informal discussions of technical solutions available in industry that present flexible, long-endurance, and multi-mission airborne communications capabilities. The presenters will provide in writing technical solutions describing Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) voice and data relay providing greater range for communication links. Technical solutions will describe the facilitation of tactical edge information exchange by reducing communications issues associated with incompatible systems, adverse terrain and distance as well as effectively operate in congested and contested environments. It will offer the military a versatile means of exchanging information from multiple air, ground, and maritime sources, to include host nation, joint, and coalition forces via message relay, translation and forwarding and be able to link forces using incompatible systems ensuring agile and reliable communications support. It should be efficient and evolvable compatible with common data standards and architectures and employ highly developed security features. It will enable the transport of data and voice across the battlespace enabling network connectivity among weapon systems, sensors, warfighters, decision makers, platforms, and command centers at all echelons of command and control (C2) and increases interoperability, resulting in forces that execute; faster, more reliably, and with less risk. Discuss new methods of managing growing amounts of data, operating in various environments including CONUS, mailto:timothy.gatlin@us.af.mil

OCONUS and in various COCOMs. The discussions should highlight hardware and software that may be rapidly integrated, work on multiple platforms, modular in design, non-proprietary and have design features that uses the latest technology.

The forum for the in-person session is still being developed and will likely be 30-minute unclassified sessions followed by an opportunity for questions and answers. There may be an opportunity for remote unclassified presentations (e.g. MicroSoft Teams), but the desired format is an in person sessions at Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusettts.

6. Disclaimer

This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract. The Government will not reimburse any costs associated with the preparation or submission of responses to this RFI.

7. Point of Contact

For any questions or clarifications regarding this RFI please contact:

Mr. Martin Bamberg; Email: martin.bamberg@us.af.mil.

Ms. Nicole Gigli; Email: nicole.gigli@us.af.mil

Responses should include:

- Company name and address

- Name of company representative

- Title

- Contact information

- Category of business given NAICS 334220 (i.e. large business, small business, small disadvantaged business, 8(a) concern, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, women-owned small business, or HUBzone small business)

Responses should demonstrate your company’s knowledge of and experience with X comm systems, including contract numbers and efforts in which your company has performed on similar past efforts. Responses are due no later than 5:00 PM EDT on 31 October 2023

AFLCMC/HNAK will not release to any firm, agency, or individual outside the Government, any information marked with a proprietary legend without written permission from the respondent. Further, the Government is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this synopsis, nor will the Government compensate a respondent for any costs incurred in developing the information provided to AFLCMC/HNAK. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued.

mailto:martin.bamberg@us.af.mil mailto:nicole.gigli@us.af.mil