FA8629-21-RFI-5004_SSS VDL Radio_25FEB2021.pdf

SPECIAL WARFARE (SW)

Video Data Link Radios

FA8629-RFI-5004

Sources Sought Synopsis/Request for Information

1. NOTICE

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

2. BACKGROUND AND SCOPE

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special Warfare (SW) Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) is conducting market research to identify possible sources capable of providing tactical communications radios that can provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) essential to close air support, C4I, target identification, and situational awareness for United States Air Force (USAF) Special Warfare customers and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) partners. Prospective sources will provide existing and future production/sustainment capabilities for non-developmental (NDI) Video Data Link (VDL) systems that have transmit and/or receive capability either as a stand-alone radio, attached to a multi-channel radio in the form of a mission module (MM), or as selectable waveforms in a software defined multi-channel radio. The VDL capability utilizes devices to provide encrypted and/or un-encrypted interoperable data exchanges between C4I, operational platforms and ground users for USAF and International partners. These are man-portable, mounted, and airborne radios and accessories as defined below.

These VDL systems will include each of the following mandated Common Data Link enterprise capability improvements in accordance with 3 May 2018 CDL Enterprise Modernization Policy Memorandum:

i. Bandwidth Efficient CDL Revision C (BE CDL Rev. C) or later

ii. CDL Executive Agency (EA) designated BE-CDL Minimum Implementation

(MINIMP)

iii. Common Control interface for data link management as defined in the CDL

Capstone Revision A specification or later

iv. Cryptographic Core Modernization modular encryption

v. Joint Interoperability Test Command CDL compliance

These requirements are critical to Department of Defense (DoD) policy in prioritizing commonality, open architectures, and non-proprietary systems for current and emerging ISR platform, sensor, and weapons requirements.

3. INSTRUCTIONS TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS

Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS/RFI are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications to provide the system described above. Responses shall include the following information and address the topics below:

a. Respondent Data:

i. Company/Institute Name

ii. Address

iii. Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address)

iv. CAGE Code

v. Web Page URL

vi. Pursuant to NAICS Code 334220, Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing, (size standard 1250 employees) state whether the company is:

Small Business Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party

Women -Owned Small Business Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party

Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party

HUB Zone Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party

Veteran Owned Small Business Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party

Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party

8 (a) Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party

SBA Certification Date: SBA Graduation Date:

b. State whether the company is domestically or foreign-owned (if foreign, indicate the country of ownership)

c. Describe the ability of the company’s product(s) to meet the performance requirements listed. Unless otherwise noted, the requirements/specifications identified are specific to legacy handheld dismounted, mounted, and airborne VDL tactical radio solutions. The expectation is that any proposed solution will at a minimum, meet all requirements listed within the sources sought.

d. Describe anticipated lead/delivery times

4. GENERAL DISMOUNTED, MOUNTED, AIRBORNE RADIOS:

a. Dismounted VDL radios overall concept is to receive, and/or transmit, display secure and/or unsecure full motion video, annotated images, and data to Command and Control via a lightweight, ruggedized and reliable receiver/transceiver to the dismounted user. Dismounted VDL radios must have the ability to receive in L, S, Low-C, High-C, and Ku-bands, and data transmission (cursor on target event, etc.) in support of Close Air Support (CAS).

i. Will include new mandated BE-CDL US/international data rates and waveforms:

1. Bandwidth Efficient CDL Revision C (BE CDL Rev. C). Specify specific modes and/or associated data rates for proposed solution.

2. CDL Executive Agency (EA) designated BE-CDL Minimum Implementation

(MINIMP)

3. Common Control interface for data link management as defined in the CDLCapstone Revision A specification or later.

4. Cryptographic Core Modernization modular encryption

5. Joint Interoperability Test Command CDL compliance

ii. Software-programmable receiver for pre-mission configurations and automatic waveform search and acquisition

iii. List any optional displays for PCs/tablets, and other compatible displays with applicable software

iv. List any optional antenna and accessories (Ku band, GPS, cables, etc.)

v. Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

1. List battery Amp Hour, weight, and average operating time under normal operating conditions.

2. List power consumption under normal operating conditions.

vi. Provide range estimates for each variant (and the assumptions the estimate was based on, i.e. power, weather, antenna type, etc.)

vii. Software Communications Architecture (SCA) compliant. DoD radio modernization programs are committed to the objective of interoperable, secure, affordable, and modular tactical edge networking. To the maximum extent possible, the Government desires open systems architecture (SCA 4.1) solutions in accordance with DoDI 8330.01 and DoDI 5000.02. The guidance references for open systems standards are the following:

1. Software Communications Architecture (SCA) version 4.1; available from the Joint Tactical Networking Center at: https://www.jtnc.mil/Resources- Catalog/Category/16990/?Page=3 (public website).

2. Tactical Radio Application Program Interfaces (APIs) versions mandated in DISR 14-3.0 or later; available from the Defense Standardization Program at:

https://www.dsp.dla.mil/Specs-Standards/List-of-DISR-documents/ (Common Access Card (CAC) or Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificate required to access).

3. If currently not SCA 4.1 compliant, respondents must provide their plans to become SCA 4.1 compliant.

b. Mounted VDL radios overall concept is to receive, transmit, and display secure and unsecure full-motion video, annotated images, and data to and from C4I nodes via a lightweight, ruggedized and reliable transceiver. The system will be integrated into ground, maritime, low-altitude unpressurized air vehicles, and Tactical Operation Centers and must have the ability to receive in L, S, Low-C, High-C, and Ku-bands, and data transmission (cursor on target events, etc.) in support of Close Air Support (CAS) on L band.

i. Will include new mandated BE-CDL US/international data rates and waveforms:

1. Bandwidth Efficient CDL Revision C (BE CDL Rev. C) or later. Specify specific modes and/or associated data rates for proposed solution.

2. CDL Executive Agency (EA) designated BE-CDL Minimum Implementation

(MINIMP)

3. Common Control interface for data link management as defined in the CDL Capstone Revision A specification or later

4. Cryptographic Core Modernization modular encryption

ii. Software programmable receiver for pre-mission configurations and automatic waveform search and acquisition.

iii. Optional Laptop PCs/tablets, and other compatible displays with applicable software.

iv. Optional antenna and accessories (Ku band, GPS, cables, etc.).

v. List power options for proposed mounted solution:

AC power (what voltage settings are available?)

Rechargeable lithium-ion battery

1. List battery Amp Hour, weight, and average operating time under normal operating conditions.

2. List power consumption under normal operating conditions.

vi. Software Communications Architecture (SCA) compliant. DoD radio modernization programs are committed to the objective of interoperable, secure, affordable and modular tactical edge networking. To the maximum extent possible, the Government desires open systems architecture (SCA 4.1) solutions in accordance with DoDI 8330.01 and DoDI 5000.02. The guidance references for open systems standards are the following:

1. Software Communications Architecture (SCA) version 4.1; available from the Joint Tactical Networking Center at: https://www.jtnc.mil/Resources- Catalog/Category/16990/?Page=3 (public website).

2. Tactical Radio Application Program Interfaces (APIs) versions mandated in DISR 14-3.0 or later; available from the Defense Standardization Program at:

https://www.dsp.dla.mil/Specs-Standards/List-of-DISR-documents/ (Common Access Card (CAC) or Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificate required to access).

c. Airborne VDL radios overall concept is to receive, transmit, and display secure and unsecure full motion video, annotated images, and data to and from C4I nodes via a lightweight, ruggedized and reliable transceiver. The system will be integrated into pressurized & unpressurized air vehicles operating at various altitude ranges, which must have the ability to receive in L, S, Low-C, High-C, and Ku-bands, and transmission of data (cursor on target events, etc.) in support of Close Air Support (CAS) on L band.

i. Will include new mandated BE-CDL US and international data rates and waveforms:

1. Bandwidth Efficient CDL Revision C (BE CDL Rev. C) or later. Specify specific modes and/or associated data rates for proposed solution.

2. CDL Executive Agency (EA) designated BE-CDL Minimum Implementation

(MINIMP)

3. Common Control interface for data link management as defined in the CDL Capstone Revision A specification or later

4. Cryptographic Core Modernization modular encryption

ii. Software programmable receiver for pre-mission configurations and automatic waveform search and acquisition

iii. Airborne mounted VDL radio is a USG requirement only. FMS requirements for airborne VDL radio are being addressed by a different office.

iv. Software programmable receiver for pre-mission configurations and automatic waveform search and acquisition

v. List input power/watts

vi. Software Communications Architecture (SCA) compliant. DoD radio modernization programs are committed to the objective of interoperable, secure, affordable and modular tactical edge networking. To the maximum extent possible, the Government desires open systems architecture (SCA 4.1) solutions in accordance with DoDI 8330.01 and DoDI 5000.02. The guidance references for open systems standards are the following:

1. Software Communications Architecture (SCA) version 4.1; available from the Joint Tactical Networking Center at: https://www.jtnc.mil/Resources- Catalog/Category/16990/?Page=3

2. Tactical Radio Application Program Interfaces (APIs) versions mandated in DISR 14-3.0 or later; available from the Defense Standardization Program at:

https://www.dsp.dla.mil/Specs-Standards/List-of-DISR-documents/ (Common Access Card (CAC) or Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) certificate required to access).

5. OTHER GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

a. Security: National Security Administration (NSA) Type-1 certified and US crypto modernization compliant (TSVCIS) up to Top Secret (TS) and / or Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 128 – 256 compliant or up to 256-bit encryption applicable to US and international export variant. Physical Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) will be minimized to the greatest extent possible without compromising performance.

b. Environmental

i. Radios shall operate without degradation at ambient temperatures according to battery operating temperature range. State the battery operating temperature for the proposed solution.

ii. Radios shall operate immediately without degradation after experiencing shock and vibration encountered in the transmit case, during vehicular transport, rail transport, fixed-wing, aircraft loading, and maritime transport per MIL-STD-810G, Chg 1, Method 514.7, Procedure I (T)

iii. Radios shall operate without degradation after submersion to a depth of 1m for 30 minutes in accordance with MIL-STD-810G, Chg 1, Method 512.6, Procedure I (T)

iv. Radios shall operate without degradation during and after electromagnetic interference, with a maximum of 20W isotropic from military radios operating outside the selected frequency band of operation within 12 inches (T)

v. Radios shall operate without degradation during and after exposure to fine dust particles and blowing sand, as specified in MIL-STD810G, Chg 1, Test Method 510.6, Procedures I and II (T)

c. Describe how the proposed solution will be maintained and sustained. Describe available sustainment solutions in addition to description of warranties offered.

d. Provide a rough cost estimate i.e., rough order of magnitude (ROM) based on an optimum or varied pricing quantities for all products including VDL hardware, software, and accessories. This is for Government budget planning purposes and will not be considered a bid or binding in any manner.

e. Indicate whether the company is currently performing this type of work/whether the capability can be obtained under an existing Government contract. Provide the contract number(s) and Government points of contact accordingly.

f. Describe any possible product improvements or new items that could be made or are planned for future incorporation into product line within the next two years to include information, specs for these improvements or new products

g. Provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, would be achieved in the event the Government sets this requirement aside for small business. Include specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. if subcontracts are to be used, provide the anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses will be used. If this effort is not set aside for small business, small business utilization will be considered. Large and small businesses should provide a reasonable expectation for small business utilization as a percentage of total contract value as well as supporting rationale for the recommended percentage.

h. All proposed VDL radio solutions must meet Joint Interoperability Test Command CDL compliance

6. RESPONSES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

a. The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a company's response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc. to further the Government's understanding of a proposed solution, as well as a company's understanding of the Government's requirements.

b. List any Std-CDL international products currently in or near production. Provide timelines when product will be available and product specifications.

c. Responses shall not exceed 20 pages (including cover page). Include technical and descriptive text and photographs/illustrations to provide sufficient detail. The submitted documentation becomes the property of the United States Government and will not be returned.

d. Respondents shall clearly mark proprietary data with the appropriate markings. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. Any material that is not marked will be considered publicly releasable.

e. When submitting a response, please be aware that the Air Force workforce is supplemented by contracted support personnel. Any proprietary data submitted may be handled by contract support services personnel who have signed a Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).

f. Broad industry participation for this RFI is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond.

g. Please note that prospective offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be awarded a DOD contract; the NAICS code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM website at: https://sam.gov

h. Responses are due electronically, in Microsoft Word or PDF format, by 5:00PM Eastern time on 26 March 2021 via email to:

Amber Taylor

AFLCMC/WISK

Contracting Officer Amber.taylor.9@us.af.mil

This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Please check Beta.Sam.Gov site for updates to this announcement. For more information on this RFI, please contact the Contracting point of contact identified above. E-mail communication is preferred.