RFI LEO.pdf
PDF 55 KB Posted
- Attached to
- Low Earth Orbit
- Solicitation number
- 70FA3025I00000007
About this file
This is a Request for Information (RFI) issued by FEMA's Office of the Chief Information Officer seeking market research on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite communication solutions for disaster response operations. FEMA currently uses traditional communications methods, including geostationary satellites and FIPS-compliant cellular solutions, but needs more reliable options for disaster areas where terrestrial infrastructure may be compromised.
The RFI requests information about LEO solutions that meet specific requirements: ground station equipment must be portable by one person, deployment should require no special tools or skills, and units should operate on standard commercial power (100-240V ~ 2.5A 50-60 Hz). Vendors must address network coverage (CONUS and OCONUS), redundancy, data service levels, congestion management, security features, potential issues in austere environments, cost model details (including licensing and usage fees), available training, end-user support capabilities, and warranty coverage. The RFI explicitly states it is for research purposes only and mentions that FEMA currently uses Starlink terminals in one of their programs.
View the file
On GovTribe
Work with this file
- Download the original file
- Contacts named in this file
- Similar government files
- Ask GovTribe AI about this file
Text version
Description:
The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) for the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) currently deploys several communications capabilities in response to declared emergencies. Many of FEMA’s currently utilized communication solutions are centered around traditional methods. Geostationary satellite systems have been deployed, but introduce correspondingly long latencies. Additionally, provisioning of a router and circuit to disaster sites can take days to weeks. For the last few years FEMA has deployed a FIPS compliant cellular solution which utilizes an array of high-gain antennae, however, these devices are reliant on terrestrial communication with cell towers, which can be compromised or unavailable in disaster areas due to the nature of the disaster. LEO satellite communications will fill in the gap by providing consistent high-speed internet connectivity that is less likely to be impacted by weather, terrain, and disasters. One of our programs currently utilizes Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
Starlink terminals.
This is a market research tool being used to determine the availability of Low Earth Orbit technologies that can provide these capabilities and services. FEMA is seeking contracting / acquisitions sources to meet this requirement.
This RFI is for research purposes only.
Questions:
USE CASE
What LEO solutions are currently available to support FEMA disaster operations within the following specifications/ conditions:
1. Ground station equipment (satellite receiver) must be of a size and weight so as to be easily transportable by 1 person.
2. Ground unit placement and deployment should not require any special tools or skills to set up and make operational within a nominal period of time.
3. Ground unit and associated equipment should utilize normal commercial power or generator power (100-240V ~ 2.5A 50 - 60 Hz).
GENERAL
1. The identified LEO solution should be commercially readily available.
2. The identified LEO solution should be readily scalable. (please describe)
3. Please describe the network in respect to coverage (availability CONUS and
OCONUS), redundancy, available data service levels, potential network congestion/ saturation and remediation, data prioritization capabilities and data service plans.
4. Please describe how network security is handled within the identified LEO environment?
5. Please identify any potential issues or shortfalls in using this LEO technology in an austere environment, assuming that adequate power is readily available? (possibly weather conditions, etc.)
COST MODEL and TRAINING
1. Please describe how the service is billed, for instance, are there any licensing fees, activation/ deactivation fees, monthly usage or managed fees, etc? What are the cost elements?
2. Is there any training offered and available if needed?
SUPPORT
1. Please identify/ describe end user support capabilities and availability?
2. Please describe the warranty coverage offered and the typical timeframe for replacement equipment delivery.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .