FA564120SC001 - Questions and Answers - 17 Jul 20.pdf

USAFE FA564120SC001 – Q&A

17 July 2020

AOI # Question # Question/Comment Answers n/a 1. Will innovative solutions and gap closers be considered that are not directly in line with the specified AOI's?

No, at this time USAFE-AFAFRICA is only seeking solutions pertaining to the published Areas of Interests (AOIs). However, the list of AOIs appended to this solicitation has been updated to include two additional areas identified by USAFE-AFAFRICA– see Attachment 1 Areas of Interest (Rev 1 – dated 16 July) for more information. Given these additional AOIs and a variety of questions received from offerors unanswered at this time, the deadline for receipt of white papers will be extended to 7 Aug 2020.

1 1.

Given the geographic location in Europe and current restrictions for Americans traveling from the US to Europe, would it be acceptable to leverage foreign (NATO country) experts with relevant experience in the stated problem set?

Yes, utilization of foreign experts with relevant experience is acceptable.

4 1.

Is this a single requirement or are they mutually exclusive?

Yes, the redundant capabilities to publish and provide the ATO is desired, but the current TBMCS system is limited by local systems without prior engagement. Future requirements such as Kessel Run, will enable cloud technology to publish and pull the ATO from multiple locations/mediums/systems, but at this time, the target or goal is mobile, long-range, and secure comms for the AOC and its operators.

2. Is the RF restriction for within the AOC, or does that apply to the publishing of the ATO as well?

Yes, the redundant capabilities to publish and provide the ATO is desired, but the current TBMCS system is limited by local systems without prior engagement. Future requirements such as Kessel Run, will enable cloud technology to publish and pull the ATO from multiple

3. Can the ATO be sent out through SIPR via a JREAP-C pipeline?

Yes, the redundant capabilities to publish and provide the ATO is desired, but the current TBMCS system is limited by local systems without prior engagement. Future requirements such as Kessel Run, will enable cloud technology to publish and pull the ATO from multiple

4.

The CSO mentions “the AOC requires a long range wireless communications system”. Please specify what is meant by long-range?

Long range is concerning the theater concern to address ACE concepts to the AOC’s mission.

ACE meaning Agile Combat Employment. This is addresses the need for a mobile C2 solution for the AOC’s systems and operators.

5. For long range, are you expecting terrestrial only, ground to air, or both?

Long-range in this term would be terrestrial for the operators only.

USAFE FA564120SC001 – Q&A

17 July 2020

6. What is meant by “long range” telecom?

Long range is concerning the theater concern to address ACE concepts to the AOC’s mission.

ACE meaning Agile Combat Employment. This is addresses the need for a mobile C2 solution for the AOC’s systems and operators.

7. Long-range terrestrial or aerial? (airplane-ground links) Long-range in this term would be terrestrial for the operators only.

8.

While it is clear there is interest in long range wireless communications (WAN), is there also interest in local wireless communication capabilities (LAN)?

Yes, there is also an interest in wireless LAN capabilities and this is really more in the realm of the AOC’s primary goal with wireless WAN being a much larger scope project or goal.

9.

Is the topic about “projecting no more than 25-50ft” a concern about the LAN encroaching on host nation service provider spectrum and/or a concern about LPI/LPD and EW threat?

As far as the projection, the concern is with security and compliance. What this would entail is too varied to really identify, but the solution would need to be scalable as to keep compliance concerns under the responsibilities and authorities of the AOC, Special Program Office and local management.

10 Is the “projecting no more than 25-50ft” a concern about the WAN, connection between LAN in one or more buildings/facilities?

Potentially yes. The 603 AOC and ACOMS (under the AOC) manage multiple buildings.

Primary implementation would be where operations are run, but the opportunity for expansion is potentially necessary. These separate facilities are not necessarily in contiguous space real estate but also off-site (still on Ramstein AB).

Regarding “non-RF transmission”, is it possible to bring an RF solution with very low LPI/LPD characteristics that meets the 25 to 50ft requirement?

Yes, however full spectrum management is beyond our knowledge base at this point and time.