PWS (draft).docx

Performance Work Statement (PWS) Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Dynamic Optimization for Defense of Ground Bases using Electromagnetic Warfare) DODGEBall Hardware-In-The-Loop (HWIL) Validation 03/12/2025

C.1 Background

The United States (U.S.) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) Advanced Electronic Warfare Laboratory (AEWL) Radar and Target Emulator (RATE) system is a critical component of the Army’s research and development (R&D) in Electronic Warfare (EW). The RATE system was initially developed as a prototype under Other Transaction Authority (OTA) number NSC-16-0300 and subsequently refined under contract W911QX-21-C-0039. The system now requires enhancements, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance to transition from a prototype to an operational system capable of supporting advanced EW experiments and testing. This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for the continued development, enhancement, and support of the RATE system.

C.2 Objective

The objective of this contract is to ensure the operational readiness and technical advancement of the RATE system. This involves the enhancement of hardware and software components, the implementation of bug fixes, the provision of engineering support for advanced EW testing, and the establishment of a framework replicable at other government R&D facilities. The goal is to enable ARL to assess and enhance the technical feasibility and performance of the RATE system within field conditions and broader operational contexts.

C.3 Requirements

C.3.1 The Contractor shall provide all necessary personnel, equipment, materials, supervision, and other resources to perform the requirements specified herein. Work shall be conducted in compliance with applicable regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).

C.3.2 The Contractor shall develop and implement hardware and software enhancements to improve the performance and scalability of the RATE system. The Contractor shall ensure the RATE system’s compliance with all applicable Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 201 requirements. The Contractor shall document all enhancements and provide detailed technical reports.

C.3.3 The Contractor shall provide routine and on-demand (onsite/remote) maintenance for the RATE system’s hardware and software components. The Contractor shall conduct bug fixes and performance optimization to ensure system reliability. The Contractor shall provide network support services to maintain connectivity and operational readiness.

C.3.4 Maintenance Support Services: This section outlines the Contractor's responsibilities for maintaining the operational readiness and functionality of the RATE system. The Contractor shall provide both on-site and remote support services as detailed below.

C.3.4.1 On-Site Support: The Contractor shall provide on-site technical personnel at the Government's facility to perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair services for the RATE system hardware and software components. On-site support shall include, but not be limited to:

C.3.4.1.1 Hardware Repair/Replacement: Repair or replacement of faulty hardware components, including but not limited to servers, workstations, networking equipment, and specialized RATE system components.

C.3.4.2.2 Software Troubleshooting & Updates: Diagnosis and resolution of software errors, application conflicts, and operating system issues. This includes applying software patches, updates, and security fixes as necessary.

C.3.4.3.2 On-Site Personnel: On-site personnel shall possess the necessary technical expertise, security clearances, and experience to effectively perform the required maintenance tasks on the RATE system.

C.3.4.2 Remote Support: The Contractor shall provide remote support services to supplement on-site maintenance activities and address issues that can be resolved remotely. Remote support shall include, but not be limited to:

C.3.4.2.1 Remote Diagnostics & Troubleshooting: Utilizing remote access tools and techniques to diagnose and troubleshoot system issues, analyze log files, and identify the root cause of problems.

C.3.4.2.2 Remote Software Configuration & Updates: Applying software patches, updates, security fixes, and configuration changes remotely to address vulnerabilities, improve performance, and maintain system integrity.

C.3.4.3.3 Remote System Monitoring: Implementing and maintaining remote monitoring tools to proactively identify potential system issues, track performance metrics, and provide early warning of potential failures.

C.3.5 Engineering Support Services: In addition to maintenance support, the Contractor shall provide engineering support services to enhance the RATE system's capabilities, address technical challenges, and support the Government's R&D efforts. These services shall include:

C.3.5.1 System Enhancements & Upgrades: Designing, developing, and implementing hardware and software enhancements to improve the RATE system's performance, scalability, functionality, and security posture.

C.3.5.2 Hardware-In-The-Loop (HWIL) Testing Support: Providing technical expertise and assistance in setting up, configuring, and executing HWIL testing and other advanced EW experiments.

C.3.5.3 Technical Documentation: Creating and maintaining comprehensive technical documentation for all system enhancements, upgrades, bug fixes, and custom scenario developments. This documentation shall be delivered to the Government and serve as a reference for future maintenance and development activities.

C.3.6 The Contractor shall support ARL in conducting HWIL testing and other advanced EW experiments. The Contractor shall develop and implement custom radar scenarios and EW techniques as required by ARL. The Contractor shall provide detailed analysis and reporting on the results of all tests and experiments.

C.3.7 The Contractor shall ensure compliance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) standards, including routine access of contractor personnel to Government-controlled facilities, access to Government-controlled information systems, and the return of Government-issued identification and building passes upon contract completion or termination of individual employment. The Contractor shall ensure that all personnel meet the required National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) clearance or higher, as applicable.

C.3.8 The Contractor shall provide detailed technical and operational documentation for all enhancements, maintenance activities, and testing efforts. The Contractor shall deliver quarterly progress reports to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Contracting Officer (KO).

C.4 SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

C.4.1 Personnel. All Contractor employees supporting this contract shall be U.S. citizens. Contractor personnel shall be required to obtain and maintain security badges and adhere to the installation security requirements. All Contractor employees shall have Secret clearances with acceptable T1 background investigations and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) III prior to starting work.

C.4.2 Facility Security Clearance. The Contractor shall have a facility security clearance at the Secret level in accordance with the DD254.

C.4.3 Handling of Classified/Sensitive Information. The performance of this requirement requires access to classified information. The Contractor shall handle all classified and sensitive information in accordance with the DD254.

C.4.4 Physical Security. The Contractor shall be responsible for safeguarding all government equipment, information and property provided for contractor use. At the close of each workday, government facilities, equipment, and materials shall be secured in accordance with a DD254.

C.5 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT (GFE) / GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION (GFI) / GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY (GFP) / OTHER GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS

C.5.1. GFE

The Government will provide the Contractor with access to the existing systems and development software and hardware to facilitate performance of this contract.

C.5.2 GFI

The Government will provide the Contractor with access to the existing systems, development software and hardware, and common architecture, in order to facilitate performance of this contract.

C.5.3 GFP

The Government may provide off-site GFP, including computers for off-site Contractors working at the Contractor facility. Coordination for all off-site equipment will be the responsibility of the COR. For this contract, the Government will provide the Contractor access to GFP computers in accordance with the signed/approved GFP document in the contract file.

C.5.4 Government Furnished On-Site Facilities Materials

Any Contractor working at a Government owned and operated worksite shall adhere to all standard operating practices and procedures in place at that particular facility. The Government may provide workspace, furnishings, and equipment, including office automation (e.g. computers, printers) and telephones for on-site Contractors. The COR will provide the coordination for space, furnishings, and equipment needed for this contract.

C.5.6 Property Management Plan

The Contractor shall provide a Property Management Plan in accordance with FAR 45.201(c)(4) including a description of the property management system to be used in managing Government property. No later than 60 days after contract award, the Contractor shall submit the Property Management System procedures in accordance with FAR 52.245-1(f) and supported by Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) DI-MISC-80508B. The Contracting Officer and Government Property Administrator shall be included in the submission. Changes thereafter to the Property Management System must be concurred by the Property Administrator prior to implementation.

C.6 ANTI-TERRORISM/OPERATIONAL SECURITY (AT/OPSEC)

The Contractor shall comply with Army Regulation (AR) 70-13 and the ARL AT-OPSEC Approval Sheet requirements, including ensuring the secure handling of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), following approved procedures for the protection of sensitive information and materials, and returning all Government-furnished equipment, information, and materials upon contract completion.

C.6.1 AT Level I Training. This standard language is for contractor employees with an area of performance within an Army controlled installation, facility, or area. All contractor employees, to include sub-contractor employees, requiring access to Army installations, facilities and controlled access areas shall complete AT Level I awareness training within 30 calendar days after contract start date or effective date of incorporation of this requirement into the contract, whichever is applicable. The contractor shall submit certificates of completion for each affected contractor employee and subcontractor employee, to the COR or to the contracting officer, if a COR is not assigned, within seven (7) calendar days after completion of training by all employees and subcontractor personnel. AT Level I awareness training is available at the following website: http://jko.jten.mil.

C.6.2 Access and general protection/security policy and procedures. This standard language is for contractor employees with an area of performance within Army controlled installation, facility, or area. Contractor and all associated sub-contractors’ employees shall provide all information required for background checks to meet installation access requirements to be accomplished by installation Provost Marshal Office, Director of Emergency Services or Security Office. Contractor workforce must comply with all personal identity verification requirements (FAR clause 52.204.9, Personal Identify Verification of Contractor Personnel) as directed by DoD, HODA and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any individual facility or installation change, the Government may require changes in contractor security matters or processes.

C.6.3 AT Awareness Training for Contractor Personnel Traveling Overseas. This standard language required US based contractor employees and associated sub-contractor employees to make available and to receive government provided area of responsibility (AOR) specific AT awareness training as directed by AR 525-13. Specific AOR training content is directed by the combatant commander with the unit ATO being the local point of contact.

C.6.4 For contracts that require a formal OPSEC program. The contractor shall develop an OPSEC Standing Operating Procedure (SOP)/Plan within 90 calendar days of contract award, to be reviewed and approved by the responsible Government OPSEC officer. This plan will include a process to identify critical information, where it is located, who is responsible for it, how to protect it and why it needs to be protected. The contractor shall implement OPSEC measures as ordered by the commander. In addition, the contractor shall have an identified certified Level II OPSEC coordinator per AR 530-1.

C.6.5 For contracts that require OPSEC Training. Per AR 530-1 Operations Security, the contractor employees must complete Level I OPSEC Awareness training. New employees must be trained within 30 calendar days of their reporting for duty and annually thereafter.

C.6.6 For information assurance (IA)/information technology (IT) training. All contractor employees and associated sub-contractor employees must complete the DoD IA awareness training before issuance of network access and annually thereafter. All contractor employees working IA/IT functions must comply with DoD and Army training requirements in DoDD 8570.01, DoD 8570.01-M and AR 25-2 within six months of appointment to IA/IT functions.

C.6.7 For information assurance (IA)/information technology (IT) certification. Per DoD 8570.01-M, DFARS 252.239.7001 and AR 25-2, the contractor employees supporting IA/IT functions shall be appropriately certified upon contract award. The baseline certification as stipulated in DoD 8570.01-M must be completed upon contract award.

C.6.8 For contractors authorized to accompany the force. DFARS Clause 252.225-7040, Contractor Personnel Authorized to Accompany U.S. Armed Forces Deployed Outside the United States. The clause shall be used in solicitations and contracts that authorize contractor personnel to accompany US Armed Forces deployed outside the US in contingency operations; humanitarian or peacekeeping operations; or other military operations or exercises, when designated by the combatant commander. The clause discusses the following AT/OPSEC related topics: required compliance with laws and regulations, pre-deployment requirements, required training (per combatant command guidance), and personnel data required.

C.6.5 For contracts that require handling or access to classified information. Contractor shall comply with FAR 52.204-2, Security Requirements. This clause involves access to information classified “Confidential,” “Secret,” or “Top Secret” and requires contractors to comply with— (1) The Security Agreement (DD Form 441), including the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (DoD 5220.22-M); (2) Any revisions to DOD 5220.22-M, notice of which has been furnished to the contractor.

C.6.6 Threat Awareness Reporting Program. For all contractors with security clearances. Per AR 381-12 Threat Awareness and Reporting Program (TARP), contractor employees must receive annual TARP training by a CI agent or other trainer as specified in 2-4b.

ISALUTE: https://www.inscom.army.mil/isalute IWATCH: https://www/myarmyonesource.com Spy Hotline: 1-800-CALL-SPY C.7 Enhanced Security Protections

C.7.1 If applicable, the Contractor shall comply with DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements for safeguarding covered defense information. This includes implementing adequate security measures to protect controlled technical information and adhering to cybersecurity protocols as specified by the Department of Defense (DoD).

C.8 Deliverables

C.8.1 The Contractor shall provide technical reports on hardware and software enhancements, documentation of maintenance and bug fixes, test plans, scenarios, and analysis reports for all EW experiments, quarterly progress reports, and a final summary report at the conclusion of the contract period.

C.8.2 The table below summarizes the technical deliverables as required by this PWS.

C.8.3 Monthly Status Report

The Contractor shall provide monthly status reports summarizing all software and hardware issues encountered and addressed or backlogged. The Contractor shall provide a code “diff” to document changes made to source code. The Contractor shall deliver the monthly report to the COR on the tenth (10th) day of each month.

C.8.4 Final Summary Report

The Contractor shall provide a final report summarizing all work completed during the PoP. The final report is due NLT 30 days after contract expiration.

C.8.5 Final Hardware Delivery Report

The Contractor shall provide a final report summarizing all the hardware delivered/completed during the PoP. The final report is due NLT 45 days after contract expiration.

C.9 DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT

C.9.1 Determination of Contract submission documents and information generated from the performance of the contract:

DISTRIBUTION C. Distribution authorized to U.S. Government Agencies and their contractors. Critical Technology, 20250217. Other requests for this document shall be referred to USA DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory, FCDD-RLA-LD, Adelphi MD, 20783.

Contracting Officer:

Legal Advisor:

image1.emf image2.emf