Chatter Box RFI 23 Nov 2021.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ANNOUNCEMENT

Project: Chatter Box 23 November 2021 THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) SYNOPSIS ONLY. THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.

THIS RFI SYNOPSIS IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE AIR FORCE TO ISSUE A SOLICITATION OR ULTIMATELY AWARD A CONTRACT. NEITHER UNSOLICITED PROPOSALS, NOR ANY OTHER KINDS OF OFFERS, WILL BE CONSIDERED IN RESPONSE TO THIS RFI.

I. Synopsis:

The Department of the Air Force, Space Systems Command, Missile Defense and Missile Warning Systems Division is conducting research to identify contractors with capability and interest in assisting the Government in achieving communication processor modernization for the Upgraded Early Warning Radar (UEWR) sites. The scope of this effort encompasses all services required to design, integrate, test and deploy a solution to replace the existing Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) messaging capability with one using Internet Protocol (IP) and provide the UEWR sites and systems the capability to readily interoperate with external communication systems. See Section II below for additional scope information.

The UEWR radar sensors are ground-based, computer-driven, phased array radars located at Beale Air Force Base, CA; Cape Cod Space Force Station (SFS), MA; Clear SFS, AK; Royal Air Force Fylingdales, United Kingdom; and Thule Air Base, Greenland. All information contained in this RFI is preliminary, as well as subject to modification, and is in no way binding on the Government. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this request. The information requested will be used solely within the Space Force to facilitate decision making and will not be disclosed outside of the Government. The determination of an acquisition/procurement strategy, based upon the comments submitted in response to this RFI, is solely within the discretion of the Government. This synopsis is open to all qualified prime contractors, regardless of size.

The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is: 541519 – Other Computer Related Services. If a potential offeror believes a different NAICS code is more applicable to this effort than the one noted here, an alternate NAICS and justification for its use should be noted in their response.

II. Scope of Work:

The scope of this effort encompasses all services required to design, integrate, test and deploy a solution to replace the existing Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) messaging capability with one using Internet Protocol (IP) to the UEWR sites and System Integration Lab (SIL). The solution will generate, transmit, and receive IP messages via Government furnished Defense Information Systems Administration (DISA) links. The Contractor shall deploy the design solution to the SIL at Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, and the five operational UEWR sites (California, Massachusetts, Alaska, United Kingdom, and Greenland).

The scope shall also include the removal and reorganization of legacy protocols and external communications equipment to enhance performance, reduce operating cost, and maximize supportability and reliability utilizing Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) hardware and software.

The scope will require the contractor to:

NOTE: To complete the Government’s requirement, the contractor will be required to have the ability to handle both Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and classified information.

The scope of this effort will provide the UEWR sites and systems the capability to readily interoperate with external communication systems.

RESPONSES: Contractors with capability and interest in this effort are asked to answer the questions below and reply by noon Mountain time on 9 December 2021, however, earlier submissions of responses are highly desirable.

III. Questions:

In addition to the information requested above in response to this RFI, the Government is seeking responses to the questions below:

1. Describe your expertise, experience and capacity in supporting: Cybersecurity, network data paths, and modernization of radar communication systems.

2. Describe your proficiency in developing software using C/C++, Java, Visual Basic, MATLAB, and Python using Windows and Red Hat Linux operating systems.

3. Describe your experience and competence, if any, with systems within the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Integrated Tactical Warning/Attack Assessment (ITW/AA) and Space Surveillance Network (SSN) environments. Note: experience with ITW/AA or SSN environments is desirable, but not required.

4. Describe your ability to evaluate security changes to impacted systems, including identification of vulnerabilities, risk, and threats to the application and relevant design and risk analysis affecting DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) Package Deliverables.

5. Describe your ability to provide qualified cybersecurity personnel trained in current DoD approaches for managing cybersecurity and able to perform cybersecurity functions with certifications IAW DoD 8570.01 M, DoD 8140.01 M, and DFARS 252.204.7012.

6. Describe your ability to manage equipment that requires compliance with applicable laws and regulations regarding export control as identified in DFARS 252.225.7048. Specifically, the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), export licenses, and Technical Assistance Agreements (TAA) authorizing foreign shipment and/or disclosure).

7. Describe your ability to modify, update or create Technical Publications, Technical Orders, drawings, and illustrations associated with the modifications being performed in this effort.

8. The Government desires to maintain unlimited data rights and not proprietary electronic solutions. Describe any privately developed items, components, processes, computer software, and/or technical data that a potential responder would require as part of a Government design package.

9. What is a notional timeline to complete the requirement above?

10. Would the contractor require a site visit(s) in order to respond to a formal Request for Proposal (RFP)? If so, provide required lead time in order to respond to a formal RFP?

11. Does the contractor have an existing contract vehicle to fulfill the requirement? If so, please identify. If not, what contract type would the contractor recommend given the strategic project risk?

12. Describe small business participation opportunities, if any.

IV. Response Information:

Submit your responses via email in a PDF or an MS Office compatible electronic format with “Chatter Box” in the subject line to James Lovely, Contracting Officer at james.lovely.1@us.af.mil, with a courtesy copy to Kurt Brunnemer, Contracting Officer (kurt.brunnemer@us.af.mil).

Response information shall contain only ONE electronic file, no larger than 7 megabytes (MB) in size that contains the following:

1) Cover letter

2) Company name, mailing address/website, location of facilities, CAGE Code, NAICS number(s), business size and any eligibility under the U.S. Government socio-economic programs and preference, and point of contact to include telephone number(s) and email address. Specify if responding concern is a U.S. or foreign-owned firm.

3) Responses to the RFI shall contain no more than 15 pages, using 11 point Times New Roman font (no smaller than 10 point when embedded within graphics)

4) Responses to questions in Section III (if desired)

Multiple electronic submissions to avoid the 7 MB size limitation will not be allowed.

Any response submitted by contractors to this RFI constitutes consent for their submission to be reviewed by Government personnel, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) employees and Advisory & Assistance Services (A&AS) contractor employees supporting SSC/ECQ, unless the respondent clearly objects in writing to the release of this information to FFRDC contractor employees and A&AS contractor employees supporting SSC/ECQ, in a cover letter accompanying your RFI Response Package.

The information received will assist in formulating an acquisition strategy decision. Responses are due no later than 9 December 2021, noon Mountain time, however, earlier submissions of responses are highly desirable. Responses received after this date and time may not be considered.

Address all contracting and acquisition strategy questions with Chatter Box in the subject line to the Contracting Officer James Lovely at james.lovely.1@us.af.mil.