RFI_Sources Sought_22Apr24.pdf

The Government is seeking industry feedback, recommendations, and best practices during the market intelligence phase of this effort. Please DO NOT provide generic capability statements; they will be deleted. The Government is seeking well defined responses with supporting documentation to assist with developing the acquisition strategy. All responses must be submitted via email to the contacts identified below. This is for informational purposes only and the Government will not be obligated to award to any interested vendors that present information in response to this RFI/ Sources Sought. The Government does not intend to pay for information received in response to this RFI/Sources Sought. Responders to this invitation are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI/Sources Sought. Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received in this RFI/Sources Sought that is marked “Proprietary” will be handled accordingly.

***All information provided is optional; however, it will be used to assist the Government in determining its acquisition strategy***

Title: Secure Voice Equipment (SVE) Current Contract: HC1013-19-D-0004 Current Contractor: General Dynamics Mission Systems Prior Acquisition Strategy: Sole Source

Description(s):

The United States Space Force (USSF) / Commercial Satellite Communications Office (CSCO) / Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) / Program Management Office (PMO) provides the Department of Defense (DOD), United States Government (USG), foreign partners and other sponsored with satellite communication services through a dedicated, EMSS-controlled Service Center. EMSS is a value-added specialization of unique infrastructure and services made available to the DOD, Government agencies and the foreign partner community. EMSS is a service, enabled by satellite ground systems, which interface with the commercial Iridium mobile satellite system, consisting of a 66 satellite, a mesh-network Low Earth Orbit constellation. Offered EMSS services currently include Iridium voice (standard and secure), one-way paging, Short Burst Data or “SBD” (two-way acknowledged data transmission), Global Data Broadcast or “GDB” (one-way multicast), and the Distributed Tactical Communications System (DTCS), a one-to-many push-to-talk voice and data service. Additionally, the EMSS PMO provides for the sale and provisioning of EMSS devices, 24/7/365 dedicated help-desk support, Field Service Representative support and other services.

The EMSS architecture is comprised of the following three (3) segments: Commercial Space Segment, EMSS Ground Segment, and a Mobile Segment. The Commercial Space Segment is currently comprised of the Iridium commercial product (i.e., satellite infrastructure), while the EMSS Ground and Mobile segments include both commercial elements and non-commercial elements tailored for EMSS customers. Each segment evolves over time to provide greater capability and additional services.

A Follow-On Secure Handset (FOSH) contract (contract HC1047-13-D-4006) developed the 9575 handset modifications (9575A) and new Iridium Security Module, identified as the ISM2. The ISM2 interoperates with the 9575A, and together these components comprise a Secure Iridium Subscriber Unit (SISU). The ISM2 fits into an Iridium phone, the 9575A, which is specially designed to house and operate with the ISM2. The architecture and hardware developed in the initial phase was intended to maintain current secure call capabilities utilizing the same cryptographic algorithm used by the 9505A and the original Iridium Secure Module (ISM). The 9575A and ISM2 are available for order on the DISA

Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) Program Management Office

SECURE VOICE EQUIPMENT

(SVE) Request for Information/Sources Sought

United States Space Force Space Systems Command Commercial Service Office

Storefront. The efforts under this contract are required to fulfill the orders for the ISM2 devices, repair services and other support services.

The EMSS Program Management Office (PMO) is seeking information for potential sources from the vendor community that will deliver a supply of various Iridium-certified secure voice equipment and products (e.g., “items”) to all authorized EMSS customers, including the Department of Defense (DoD) and federal government, state and local government, approved foreign and allied governments, and other sponsored customers.

Sought After Qualification’s for Possible Upcoming Requirement:

*SEE ATTACHED PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) FOR DETAILS*

1. Describe your experience and knowledge in delivering a supply of various Iridium-certified secure voice equipment and products (e.g., “items”) to all authorized EMSS customers, including the Department of Defense (DoD) and federal government, state and local government, approved foreign and allied governments, and other sponsored customers.

2. Describe your experience and knowledge in providing comprehensive order fulfillment for all items in listed in the PWS. All communications equipment must be certified by Iridium and approved by the EMSS PMO for use on the EMSS gateway. All communications equipment must be delivered provisioned to immediately communicate with the EMSS gateway, (assuming the SIM card was activated previously, and the customer has a 9575A in their possession) or be eligible for activation in accordance with the order as requested. All cryptographic equipment must be certified by National Security Agency (NSA) and the vendor shall comply with all NSA requirements that pertain to the secure voice devices.

3. Describe your experience and knowledge in receiving and securely storing all information pertaining to EMSS orders as received through the Government’s prescribed ordering processes.

4. Describe your experience in delivering NSA-approved Type 1 Secure compatible ISM2. Each ISM2 shall be based on commercially available items to the maximum extent practical. Describe how you work with the NSA in accomplishing this effort.

5. Describe your experience and Knowledge in working with the NSA and related Government accreditation agencies to ensure the Government User ISM2 is certified for each phase of Type 1 Secure operation.

6. Describe your experience in maintaining a stock of two hundred (200) or more Type 1 Secure Modules compatible with the Government User 9575A handset, which is procured under separate cover.

7. Describe your experience and knowledge in providing factory repair services for all warrantied items with Turn-around-times from receipt at the depot repair facility and receipt back at the Government using organization shall be no greater than 20 working days.

8. Would this effort be considered commercial or non-commercial? Explain.

9. Would this effort be better suited as a ‘C’ Type contract, IDIQ or BPA? Explain.

10. Is there any aspect of this requirement that may limit or restrict your ability to bid?

Requested Information:

In addition to providing a tailored capability statement indication the ability to provide the above services, interested vendors are asked to submit the following information:

A. Vendor Information Requested

a. Name of Business

b. Cage Code

c. Business Type SB/Large

d. POC: Name/Phone number/email

All responses shall be submitted NLT 7 May 2024 by 12:00 pm EST. Please submit your response to the following individual:

Mr. Terrance Starks, Contracting Officer. Email: Terrance.Starks@spaceforce.mil

Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to the contact above. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after 29 May 2024 at 12:00 pm will be answered.

Response Guidelines:

Interested vendors are requested to respond to this RFI/Sources Sought with a white paper. Submissions cannot exceed 15 pages, single spaced, 12-point type with at least one-inch margins on 8 1/2” X 11” page size. The response should not exceed a 5 MB e-mail limit for all items associated with the RFI/Sources Sought response. Responses must specifically describe the contractor’s capability to meet the requirements outlined in this RFI/Sources Sought. Oral communications are not permissible. SAM.gov will be the repository for all information related to this RFI/Sources Sought.

Upon conclusion of market research efforts, the Government anticipates releasing a formal solicitation for this effort.

Should you have any questions please reach out to the individuals above.

TERRANCE D. STARKS, NH-IV, USSF

Senior Contracting Officer Space Systems Command COMSO mailto:Terrance.Starks@spaceforce.mil