TCS SATCOM C2 RFI Questions and Answers - 29 August 24.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

Eglin Air force base Florida

Date: 22 August 2024 (Version 2)

Notice ID: FA8678-24-R-0TCS

Description: Request for Information (RFI) for Aerial Targets Branch (EBAY) Targets Control System (TCS) Satellite Communications (SATCOM) Command & Control (C2) Capabilities

Question and Answers:

1.) Q: In the description paragraph, it states AFLCMC/EBAY is seeking potential solutions for proliferated LEO (Low-Earth Orbit). Are you also interested in responses focused on SATCOM in Highly Elliptical and/or Medium Earth Orbits (HEO/MEO)?

A: Our primary focus is on latency, coverage, availability, throughput, and minimal impacts to target integration. We believe Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is the best solution to address our minimum capability needs however, we will not rule out Medium Earth Orbits (MEO) without proper data. Therefore, we are interested in comparing the vendors HEO/MEO capabilities against other submissions.

2.) Q: Paragraph 1.0 mentions a desire to understand the market availability and maturity in preparation for a projected release of a DRAFT RFP in Q1FY25. Are you able to provide a timeline for release of a final RFP and expected award date?

A: The timeline for any potential RFP release and award is unknown at this time.

3.) Q: Are you able to provide an expected quantity or range of quantities of TCS systems requiring upgrade w/ LEO service?

A: The Target Control System is one system while the target inventory is around 100 attritable (disposable) targets at any one time with 100s expected over the next 10 years.

However, we do not anticipate having more than 10 targets active at one time.

4.) Q: This RFI includes questions about SATCOM terminals. Does the scope of this RFI include just ground-based, land-mobile SATCOM terminals supporting TCS C2, or does it also include SATCOM antenna/terminals for aerial targets and aircraft?

A: We are interested in the full data path to include ground to aerial target and back.

5.) Q: Are you able to provide an OV-1 like diagram that depicts the employment of TCS, to include cases where SCPC or Point-to-point links may be employed?

A: Please see attached OV-1 diagram titled “Aerial Targets (EBAY) OV-1 Graphics”

6.) Q: Can you provide the TCS tolerance for latency or some examples of systems that are sensitive to latency (e.g. a particular system/component requires a latency < 500ms)?

A: The TCS tolerance for target latency is <100ms round trip.

7.) Q: What are the minimum bandwidth requirements (kbps) that need to be maintained, or do you have a min/max that can you provide to us?

A: The minimum bandwith requirements to be maintained are min Uplink 0.5Mbps, Downlink 2Mbps with future expansion expected.

8.) Q: What is data throughput of the current system being used?

A: The data throughput of the current system being used is 0.5Mbps.

9.) Q: Will this be data only, or is there a need to stream high-res video or imagery from sensors?

A: At this time our requirement will be data only.

10.) Q: What is the maximum weight, dimensions and power draw for each of the platforms?

A: This has not yet been determined for each platform. The objective is minimal weight and dimensions with power draw not to exceed 100W.

11.) Q: Who will complete the integration and air worthiness assessments for the SATCOM systems being installed?

A: The integration of SATCOM onto aerial targets is projected to be completed through an agreement between the SATCOM provider and the appropriate aerial target vendor, as applicable. The integration plan will be subject to approval by the respective Government program office. The process of airworthiness assessment will start during the acquisition/planning phase and will be overseen by a DoD airworthiness certification authority or technical area expert.

12.) Q: Does the government expect respondents to provide air worthiness data for approval?

A: Yes. Airworthiness requirements will be implicit in the Contract Data Requirements Lists (CDRLs) and verification, hazard, and compliance criteria.

13.) Q: What bands are priority? KU, KA?

A: Any satellite band that meets the requirements for execution

14.) Q: Has the government identified a Threshold/Objective for data through put or CIR?

A: Seeking data from commercial industry on what is possible

15.) Q: What are the MIL-STD or DO-160 requirements for systems to be installed?

A: Specifics not known at this time. See MIL-HDBK-516 for potential MIL-STDs and other testing requirements.