QandA_Round1_20190215.docx

DARPA Blackjack Pit Boss Reference: HR001119S0012

Question & Answer #1

Question 1: Is the Satellite Integrator ultimately responsible for the development and operation of this demonstration environment, or is the Pit Boss developer (A block diagram showing basic components of the lab and which party is responsible for them would be helpful)?

Answer 1: The Pit Boss performer is responsible for demonstrating mission function. The satellite integration performer (separate BAA) is responsible for demonstrating node function. Therefore, the Pit Boss performer is responsible for development and operation of the demonstration environment in accordance with page 20, "Proposers should describe a process for integration of the Pit Boss models with multiple bus and payload models in a mission demonstration environment to show mission function through a series of ground simulations, progressing to a full on-orbit demonstration event." Hardware in the loop representations of Pit Boss, bus, and payload are anticipated to add value to this environment. Since the satellite integration performer will receive these hardware in the loop representations for integration risk reduction testing, the Pit Boss performer is expected to work with the satellite integration performer to either incorporate copies of these hardware representations directly or to incorporate the real-time inputs and outputs through remote communications.

Question 2: Can DARPA provide more detail on their concept of operations for the demonstration and test satellite operations ground environment?

Answer 2: See Answer 1.

Question 3: Figure 2 shows the presence of a “Comm Antenna” as subsystem in the Ground Segment: How is this antenna different from that required for the Subscriber Terminal? Is the “Comm Antenna” meant to communicate to the satellite bus via a conventional TT&C link, or via the CDDTL?

Answer 3: The information in Figure 2 shows an example of the items envisioned to be included at each level of decomposition of the System, Segment, Subsystem, and Component architecture. It is not meant to be prescriptive or exhaustive. Proposers will be expected to provide a more detailed decomposition in their proposals. See the Technical Area 3 – Human-Machine Subscriber Interface (HMSI) section for additional guidance on ground equipment and facilities.

Question 4: For the HMSI, what system elements are expected to be responsible for securing communication between the user terminal and the Blackjack constellation, and for securing the processing, input, and display of classified information by the user terminal?

Answer 4: The user terminal provides the uplink and downlink for the HMSI. The HMSI is expected to include any necessary cryptographic elements.

Question 5: Can DARPA clarify the role in systems integration issues (e.g. mechanical, electrical, thermal) for Pit Boss developers that would otherwise be the responsibility of Satellite Integrators for ensuring proper integration of Pit Boss hardware onto the satellite bus?

Answer 5: The satellite integrator is responsible for ensuring flight-ready satellite nodes via integration of the bus, payload, and Pit Boss. The Pit Boss performer will be responsible for working with the satellite integrator to ensure that their hardware and software support integration.

Question 6: Table 1 identifies “Constellation integration” as a role/responsibility of the Pit Boss. This term is only subsequently used on p. 13, B. Program Overview, and is not further defined. Please indicate what is mean by constellation integration as it pertains to the Pit Boss and how it differs from the integration role/responsibility associated with the Satellite Integrator.

Answer 6: Constellation integration involves the integration of communications between and/or among satellite nodes and CDDTL nodes. The satellite integrator is responsible for ensuring flight-ready satellite nodes via integration of the bus, payload, and Pit Boss.

Question 7: Does the Abstract require a ROM cost to be provided (in the cover sheet) and if so, should that be broken down by all phases and sub-phases?

Answer 7: A ROM is not required with the abstract. If provided, a breakdown by phases and sub-phases would provide greater insight into total estimated costs.

Question 8: Figure 1 shows Blackjack nodes communicating only via the CDDTL; will the platforms provide ISLs that allow direct communication between Blackjack nodes?

Answer 8: The primary data path is anticipated to be via the CDDTL. It is not yet known whether there will be direct Blackjack node-to-node ISLs.

Question 9: Can classified abstracts be submitted electronically?

Answer 9: To coordinate classified submission electronically, please e-mail HR001119S0012@darpa.mil for directions. Note that a summary page must still be submitted via BAAT to receive an abstract number.

February 15, 2019

February 15, 2019