Request for Information - SDN PCO Signed Update.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE

October 25, 2024

Tracking No. FA8629-25-R-5033

FROM: AFLCMC/WISK

Special Warfare Contracting Office BLDG. 16, Rm 097 2275 D St., Area B Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7200

SUBJECT: Request for Information (RFI), Satellite Deployable Node (SDN) For Special Warfare

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/or 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 a single case with access to NIPER/SIPR containing a ruggedized router and ruggedized laptop for Command and Control (C2) operations.

3. CAPABILITY GAP

The Command and Control (C2) Laptop system or laptop and router system must allow radio Universal Serial Bus(USB) connections to establish network connection for ethernet traffic. Must be able to plug in radios with USB cables and create and modify network connections: PRC-167, PRC-163, PRC-117G, PRC-161, PRC-160, PRC-137, RT-1922. Shall be interoperable with a Satellite Deployable Node (SDN) with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) services / Medium Earth Orbit Services (MEO) and MANET radios at a ST element forward. It would be used as a Command and Control (C2) system to pass SA and target data using Curser on Target (CoT), Joint Range Extension Application Protocol (JREAP C), Variable Message Protocol (VMF), and Chat between the forward combat elements and command nodes. Special Tactics (ST) Forces will field a transit Commercial Solution for Classified (CSfC) kit to network and provide C2 data via TSM-X and other MANET data into SOFNET-S and translate this to JREAP-C data.

System Requirements:

T=Threshold O=Objective

KPP* / KSA**: THRESHOLDS (T) / OBJECTIVES (O):

Ruggedness * Threshold = Objective (T=O) Capabilities shall be able to survive the impact and pressure (positive and negative) experienced from an air drop mission and vibration experienced while hiking/driving in rough terrain or swim when packed in a standard strike/assault pack. Capabilities, after transit in these conditions, shall perform normally.

Cable Management * T= Capabilities will provide ability to manage cables to preclude entanglement and, if applicable, Include quick release safety features.

O= Cable-free, wireless

Materiel Availability * Operational Availability *

T=O Materiel availability of components shall be sufficient to maintain> 80% of the 34 8IAZT STT Global Access UTCs for 30 days of operations without failure.

T=O Each capability shall have an operational availability of> 80% over a 30-day period of 10 cycles of 72-hour missions.

Enter and managed in the network*

T=O Shall power-on < 2-mins, then < 2-mins to receive then < 2-mins to transmit Conditions: Continuous network connectivity

Effectively exchanges information **

T=O System shall be interoperable with a Satellite Deployable Node (SDN) with Low Earth Orbit (LEO) services / Medium Earth Orbit Services (MEO) and MANET radios at a ST element forward. It would be used as a Command and Control (C2) system to pass SA and target data using CoT, JREAP, VMF, Chat between the forward combat elements and command nodes. Mode 2 will provide the same capabilities as Mode 1 using a CSFC solution as the transport to SIPRNet. In Mode 3 the system will be connected to a MUOS radio and will provide the same capability as Mode 1 and 2 but with reduce through (Max 64 Kbps). The system must use username and password log in because the system will be used by multiple users and will be running 24/7 during operations. Mode 4 MOJO (mini-MOJO) net enable weapons / C2

Security * T=O NSA approved CSFC solution / implementation, Dual Data at Rest (DAR) capable

T=O Anti Tamper

T=O Full audit logging for all system, security and messages

T=O The system must meet the following capabilities: DAR (when powered off system is unclassified), ATO and ATC for SOFNET S, Must have username and password log in capability.

C2 Laptop Operating System**

T= Laptop must be able to support current version of AFSOC SAMS-C2 client (security configuration) and support manual load of SOACS firmware, OS, and program updates. Laptop will support Bit-Locker encryption.

O= Laptop must be able to support current version of SOMPE TACLAN client (security configuration) and support manual load of SOMPE firmware, OS, and program updates.

Threshold: Intel Core i9-13950HX vPRO (36 MB cache, 24 core, 32 threads) or equivalent processor. 128GB of system RAM or better

Objective: Energy efficient processor chipset that meets performance of Intel Core i9-13950HX vPRO (36 MB cache, 24 core, 32 threads) or equivalent processor.

C2 Laptop Ports / Protocols / Size and Weight**

T=O: 1 x HDMI, 2 x USB 3.2 Type C, 2 x USB 3.2 Type A, and 1 x Thunderbolt USB 4

T= H<1.40 inches, W<15.9 inches D<10.7 inches, Weight< 6.8 lbs.

O = H<1.13 inches, W<15.67 inches D<10.44 inches, Weight< 6.77 lbs.

Ruggedized Router T=O NSA CSfC solution, Intel Processors Black router / Red Router, Serial / E&M signaling voice over IP, two USB and two Ethernet ports.

T=O Size 8''X6"X5" weight 8lbs

Secure VPN CapabilityC20:L29

T=Shall have an NSA approved multi-layer VPN capability.

O=Shall have an NSA certified CSfC solution.

4. INSTRUCTION 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 also include the following information:

a. Respondent Data:

Company/Institute Name Address Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address) CAGE Code Web Page URL

Pursuant to NAICS Code 334220, Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing state whether the company is:

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

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified 8(a) Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified SBA Certification Date: SBA Graduation Date:

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

State whether the respondent is interested in being a prime or subcontractor for this requirement.

b. Describe the capability of your product or products and provide product information and specifications. Additionally, describe the capability of your product(s) to meet the desired performance requirements listed above. If you are proposing development to integrate existing or new subsystems, clearly describe your approach.

c. Responses may include but are not limited to:

1) Pictures

2) Training videos

3) Architecture views

4) Drawings

5) Associations or connectivity with other end items/systems

6) Test results to support meeting threshold and objective requirements

7) Ability to deliver 2 units within 6 months after receipt of order

d. Rough cost estimate (i.e. rough order of magnitude (ROM)) based on an optimum or varied pricing quantities (this is for Government budget planning purposes and will not be considered a bid or binding in any manner).

1) If development and/or integration is required to meet the system requirements, the Government also needs an estimate of the development cost based on complexity (for planning purposes only) to include PHS&T, such as warranties, portable storage, special tooling required, and training.

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. Indicate whether the company currently provides this type of work as a commercial solution. In this instance, “commercial item” means an item that is of a type customarily used by the public or non-Governmental entities for purposes other than Governmental purposes. Please indicate if this item has been sold, leased, or licensed to the public; or has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the public. Indicate whether all materials used are following the Buy American Act or Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 2533a), as applicable.

g. Please include product warranty terms as applicable, along with any warranty limitations. If product warranty terms are not applicable, please include N/A.

h. Include any spare parts that would potentially be included.

i. Provide the details of NET training including process and cost.

j. Describe any possible product improvements that could be made or are planned for the solution.

k. Describe any risks associated with the fulfillment of this projected requirement. This can include technical, or schedule risks associated with development, key performance parameters, etc.

l. Please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, and FAR 52.219-33, Non-Manufacturer Rule, 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, including foreign, 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 percent of total contract value as well as supporting rationale for the recommended percentage.

5. RESPONSES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

a. The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification 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. Responses shall not exceed 15 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.

c. 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.

d. Government-contracted contractor support personnel may handle proprietary data submitted in response to this RFI. These support personnel will have signed the same Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as Government personnel.

e. If you are currently providing your proposed capability on an existing government contract, please identify the contract and a government POC.

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 contractors 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://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM

h. Responses are due electronically by 12:00PM Eastern time on 09 December 2024 via email to:

Bryce Haney

AFLCMC/WISK

Contract Specialist bryce.haney.3@us.af.mil

Jared Rush

AFLCMC/WISK

Contracting Officer jared.rush@us.af.mil

William (Matt) Peters

AFLCMC/WISN

Program Manager william.peters.19@us.af.mil

i. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to the Contracting Officer identified above, with the other individuals identified above copied as a courtesy.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only to identify potential sources for the solution. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as creating such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.

Jared Rush Contracting Officer

AFLCMC/WISK

https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM