RFI USSOCOM J3 SOF Ready 240903.docx

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

U.S. Special Operations Command

September 3, 2024

Overview/Purpose/ Description of Information Request The Government is in the process of conducting market research to assist US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in understanding the capabilities available in the marketplace relevant to commercial secure messaging solutions.

Scope of Request This RFI seeks commercial secure messaging solutions capable of supporting USSOCOM’s 85000+ user Enterprise around the world.

USSOCOM is researching secure messaging solutions that supports unclassified peer-to-peer and group communications.

Functional Characteristics Proposed solution should address the following objectives (Note: All elements of your solution must comply with DoD and USSOCOM Information Assurance policies and processes):

· Support the ability to conduct text, voice, video, and file transfer secure communications with individuals, organizational groups, functional groups, and individually created groups, via government issued and non-government issued commercially available laptop computers, desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phone devices. The communications need to occur over and across public, government, and DoD terrestrial and radio frequency (RF) based networks.

· Support two-way alert, recall, and messaging communications securely over public, commercial, select government, and military unclassified networks using personal, temporary commercial “burner”, and government issued phones, tablets, and personal computers.

· Supports centralized provisioning/management and user self-provisioning

· Supports secure peer-to-peer and group audio and video conferencing.

· Supports end-to-end encryption (E2EE).

· Ability to segregate communications between “Internal” and “External” user communities.

· Optional location sharing with individuals and groups.

· HIPAA and PII compliant. Enables Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) messages, and real-time information exchanges with medical providers.

· Ensure interoperability with basic intelligence file and text chat systems by using interface standards such as IRC, XMPP, Cursor on Target (CoT), and WebRTC.

· Must meet all DoD cyber security requirements.

· Quantum Resistance Capability

· Support on-premises and cloud deployments

· The ability to protect identities by being able to provide alias accounts and tearing them (room/data) them down upon completion of travel/event.

· Able to operate on NIAP validated devices to leverage Bring Your Own Approved Device (BYOAD) policies.

· Can be approved for limited Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) Category of CTI (Controlled Technical Information) based on FEDRAMP PA at IL2-IL4 with other compensatory controls

· Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) support

Requested Information

1. Highlight relevant functionality and past performance in delivering a DoD approved secure messaging solution in support of a worldwide organization supporting 85000+ internal and external users.

2. Discuss how your solution supports secure communications over public, commercial, and unclassified DoD networks across multiple types of end-user devices.

3. Discuss your support for E2EE.

4. Describe your solutions ability to conduct text, voice, video, and file transfer secure communications. What file formats are supported?

5. Describe how your solution supports two-way alert and recall.

6. Describe how your solution supports secure communications with individuals, organizational groups, functional groups, and individually created groups made up of individuals from within the USSOCOM and those outside of USSOCOM.

7. Describe any direct integration with M365 if applicable.

8. How does your solution prevent transmission of malicious URLs or files?

9. Describe your licensing model.

10. Describe your deployment model (On-premises, IaaS, PaaS) Response Guidelines Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with a white paper. Submissions cannot exceed 10 pages, single spaced, 12-point type with at least one-inch margins on 8 1/2” X 11” page size. The response should not exceed a 5 MB e-mail limit for all items associated with the RFI response. Responses must specifically address the vendor’s capability to meet the requirements outlined in this RFI.

Companies, large or small, who wish to respond to this RFI must send responses via email to roberto.m.mendez.ctr@socom.mil and CC penny.rice@socom.mil, no later than November 23, 2024 by COB.

Industry Discussions USSOCOM representatives may choose to meet with potential offerors and hold one-on-one discussions. Such discussions would only be intended to obtain further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements, including any development and certification risks.

Questions Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to roberto.m.mendez.ctr@socom.mil and CC penny.rice@socom.mil before October 31, 2024. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Answers to questions will be posted to SAM.gov.

PLEASE NOTE:

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify sources that can provide commercial secure messaging solutions. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. USSOCOM has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. The Government will not reimburse companies for any costs associated with the submissions of their responses. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

image1.jpeg