MARARFISFFFinal.docx

M67854- 25-I-2031 Request For Information (RFI) Modular Advanced Radio Architecture (MARA) Small Form Factor In accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 10, the Marine Corps Systems Command is seeking market research from potential sources to satisfy its’ requirement for a Small Form Factor modular radio, for its Modular Advanced Radio Architecture (MARA) effort under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code 334220, of which includes, Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing. The proposed solution could include the implementation of the standard 3U VPX or a VNX+, or similar chassis and card, that is suitable for carry as a man portable and on-the-move capability. The target system’s Size, Weight, and Power (SWAP) should be similar to current tactical manpack radios which weigh approximately 10lbs and run for 8 hours using a BA/BB X90 style lithium battery. The MARA is a Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance / Electronic Warfare (C5ISR/EW) Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) based radio system that uses Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) standards to fill in system level specifications that are not covered by CMOSS and the other standards. Primary uses of a MARA radio system will be communications and supporting Command and Control, Fires and other warfighting functions as required by Fleet Marine Forces. Users will primarily be from the 03XX, 06XX, and 08XX occupational fields (infantry, communications, and fires). The MARA will provide tactical edge communications as the Radio Frequency transport on tactical voice radio networks and tactical data networks up to, and including, the Top-Secret level.

THIS RFI IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS OR PROPOSALS.

This RFI is a market research tool to determine the availability and adequacy of potential commercial sources prior to determining the prototyping/acquisition strategy and no issuance of a Request for Proposals/Quotations. The Government is not obligated to reimburse, and will not pay, for any information received from potential sources as a result of this RFI. This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for, or award, a competitive or sole source contract.

The Government requires the following information for the Small Form Factor (VNX+ or similar chassis and card) solution:

· What type of VNX+ cards are available (e.g. Software Design Review , Single Board Computer, Crypto, Position, Navigation and Timing, etc.)?

· For the available cards, what is the weight, power consumption, and thermal characteristics

· What is the SWAP for the chassis?

· How is thermal management accomplished for the components and chassis (conduction, passive airflow, forced airflow?

· What is the chassis path to MIL-STD-810 certification?

· What is the price of the proposed cards?

· What is the procurement Lead Time?

· Is Bailment available for the chassis and/or cards?

· What is the open standards alignment (e.g., SOSA for hardware and Joint Tactical Networking Center for software)?

· If the capability is not available today, please provide an estimated date and roadmap for availability.

In the event there is a vendor who is capable of meeting the above-listed criteria, please provide the following information and address the questions above by 14 February 2025, at 1500, EST:

· Name of Company;

· Company Point of Contact;

· Name;

· Phone Number; and

· Email Address.

· CAGE Code; and Contract

· Designate whether the company is a large or small business. Should the company be designated as a small business, please also provide the appropriate category/categories, if applicable:

· 8(a) certified

· Service-disabled veteran-owned

· Veteran-owned

· Woman-owned

· HUB Zone

· Native American

· Any other Small Business Administration approved designation

All unclassified documents and responsive information should be submitted to Mr. Eddie Young at eddie.young@usmc.mil and contracts POC, Ms. Victoria Downing, victioria.downing@usmc.mil. Should a submission require delivery of classified information, please coordinate delivery with the contracts POC, Ms. Victoria Downing at victoria.downing@usmc.mil, and the Technical POC, Mr. Eddie Young at eddie.young@usmc.mil.

Responses shall be limited to 10 pages, including slick sheets or product brochures. Proprietary information submitted, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that submissions will not be returned.

NOTICE

Vendors are advised, the Government may use non-government personnel to assist in collecting and reviewing market information and in providing technical advice to the MARA Team. Proprietary information submitted in response to this RFI will be protected from unauthorized disclosure as required by Subsection 27 of the Office of Procurement Policy Act, as amended (41 U.S.C. 423) (hereinafter referred to as “the Procurement Integrity Act,” or “the Act”), and as implemented in the FAR. Supporting personnel are procurement officials within the meaning of the Act and will take all necessary action to preclude unauthorized use or disclosure of vendor’s proprietary data.

By submitting a response, a company will be deemed to understand that, and agree to, the Government allowing its support contractor, with the appropriate Non-Disclosure Agreement in place, to access any information submitted in relation to this RFI.