RFI - SBC Network Solution - Final.docx

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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI): Session Border Controller (SBC) Network Solution

DESCRIPTION: This Request for Information (RFI) is for informational and market research purposes only. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) and does not constitute a solicitation. This RFI shall not be construed as a commitment by the U.S. Government. Responses in any form are not offers, and the Government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement. No funds are available to pay for the preparation of responses to this announcement. Any information submitted by respondents is strictly voluntary.

The Directorate of Contracting, Test Range and Specialized Contracting Division at the Air Force Test Center (AFTC), Edwards Air Force Base, CA, 93524, is conducting market research. The purpose is to identify available and mature information system network or on-premise network solutions that include comprehensive life-cycle support. The AFTC would acquire the solution to issue as Government-Furnished Equipment (GFE) to small business contractors supporting the various service and research and development efforts for the AFTC.

BACKGROUND: The AFTC is seeking information on available information system network or on-premises solutions that include comprehensive life-cycle support. Such a solution, acquired by AFTC, would ensure that all Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)—whether provided by the government or generated by AFTC contractors and their subcontractors—resides on a government-owned platform. The express purpose is to maintain AFTC control over all contractor-related CUI.

This RFI explores a new paradigm where the responsibility for protecting Department of Defense (DoD) CUI remains with the DoD, rather than being distributed across multiple small business networks. Consequently, small business contractors using this AFTC-owned and furnished solution would not be subject to CMMC Level 2 assessment, as the CUI would reside on a government network, not a contractor network. This model is similar to existing networks, such as the one used by PEO Carriers, which centralizes all shipbuilding CUI on the PEO’s network instead of distributing it across contractor and subcontractor systems. Other similar networks are currently used to protect sensitive information in various fields.

The ideal solution would be comparable to the federal NIPRnet but offer greater flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs of small business contractors supporting the AFTC. The solution must provide life-cycle support compliant with NIST SP 800-53 and all other government requirements, encompassing hardware, firmware, software, provisioning, training, help-desk support, monitoring, and governance. Furthermore, the solution must meet all requirements for protecting ITAR and EAR data and be capable of qualifying for a DoD Authority to Operate (ATO).

SOLUTION REQUIREMENTS: Potential contractors with a comprehensive solution to the challenge described are requested to submit an entry in the attached spreadsheet, detailing how their solution meets the requirements below. These characteristics are intentionally open-ended to encourage unique and innovative proposals:

· Scalable from a pilot program to tens of thousands of contractors.

· Acquirable by the government in its entirety.

· The network must contain contractor-generated and government-provided CUI while enabling small business contractors and their subcontractors to perform work on a wide range of contract deliverables for the AFTC, including manufacturing, software development/testing, R&D, and other services.

· The solution must comply with NIST SP 800-53 and other government network requirements to ensure it is acceptable for acquisition and can achieve an ATO from the AFTC.

· The solution must be a stand-alone, comprehensive solution that includes life-cycle services/support, training, governance, a helpdesk, monitoring, and all other related functions.

· The solution must provide life-cycle support in the form of personnel and hardware/firmware/software. It should also include the knowledge and expertise to adapt the network to the needs of AFTC contractors and to remain compliant with AF IT acquisition and life-cycle requirements.

· The stand-alone solution must comprehensively include all management, personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to sustain the network or on-premises solution.

· If a proposed solution has challenges in meeting the full requirements detailed in this RFI, respondents should provide suggested methods for overcoming those challenges.

INSTRUCTIONS:

INDUSTRY DAY (PENDING RESPONDENT INTEREST): Based on interest generated by this RFI, the AFTC may hold an industry pitch day. This event would serve to present the AFTC's mission and objectives for the anticipated services and to receive comments from industry. The government will determine whether to schedule an industry day after reviewing RFI responses.

WHERE: Virtual WHEN: To Be Determined (TBD) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This is a Request for Information announcement only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a solicitation for bids. No contract will be awarded from this notice, and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. All submissions are voluntary, and the Government assumes no financial responsibility for any costs incurred in responding to this market survey. The Government is not obligated to acknowledge receipt of any information or to provide feedback to respondents. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted or acknowledged.

Interested parties are requested to submit a capability statement demonstrating their experience in meeting all or part of the Solution Requirements. These statements should not be proposals, but rather a summary of the entity’s existing technical and management capabilities to perform the work as outlined. Respondents should clearly indicate which requirements their solution can meet. All submitted information must be in writing and contain sufficient detail to allow the government's technical representative to evaluate the state of the industry. All information is for market research purposes only and is provided on a voluntary basis.

1. Scope and Objective: The critical objective is to determine if secure network or on-premises information system solutions are available for procurement by the AFTC. These solutions would be for use by small business contractors and their subcontractors who provide a wide array of services and research and development efforts to the AFTC.

2. Purpose: This RFI supports market research being conducted by AFTC to identify the current state of the industry for network or on-premises solutions designed to protect DoD Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) that is provided to or generated by small business contractors and their subcontractors.

3. Requirements: See SOLUTION REQUIREMENTS.

4. Requested Information: The Government requests capability statements from interested parties demonstrating their experience in meeting all or a majority of the SOLUTION REQUIREMENTS. Submissions should include:

a. Company name, UEI Number and CAGE Code, address, points of contact with phone number and email address.

b. Responses should be provided by completing Column B of the attached spreadsheet to illustrate the state of the industry for this type of solution. The information package must be clear, concise, and complete. The Air Force is under no obligation to provide feedback or contact any company for clarification.

5. Inquiries: Requests for further information will not be honored.

6. Submission Instructions: Please submit responses via email to the Points of Contact listed below. If you need to submit proprietary information or large files, please request a DoD SAFE link from the POCs.

POINTS OF CONTACT:

Contracting Officer 1st Lt Austen Siegler, AFTC/PZZF Austen.siegler.1@us.af.mil Contracting Officer Mr. Tylan J. McBride, AFTC/PZZ Tylan.mcbride.2@us.af.mil

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