SP4701-23-S-C001 Questions and Answers.pdf

Question and Answers to SP4701‐23‐S‐C001

1. Point #3 in this section states that "The solution brief must ‘stand alone’." and that "...DLA

WILL NOT AND CAN NOT consider material not stated in the solution brief itself." Can DLA please confirm that the only document expected to be, and required to be, submitted as a response to the RFP is the Solution Brief document "DLA CSO Solution Brief

Application.docx"?

The only document required in response to the solicitation due date is the DLA CSO Solution

Brief Application.docx

2. What are the current 6 simultaneous deployment sites (location and region specific) specifically utilizing Ku‐Band?

The 6 simultaneous deployments do not have fixed locations and are based on mission requirements. SATCOM planning is for global, minus Polar.

3. In reference to Ku‐Band, are the sites FDMA or TDMA, and what is the current allocated bandwidth & latency at the sites?

The Ku‐Band network is TDMA, 4 Mbps Forward X 8 Mbps return shared among all missions.

4. Per Site Specific: Can DLA provide the number of VOIP phones, peripheral devices, VTC(s), and users.

10 IP phones & 1 conference phone 10 laptop users, 2 VTC users, 1 SIPR laptop, up to 10 printers. A total number of network ports ranges from 25 to 35.

5. The DLA Q&A response from the RFI stated "Latency requirements are 300 milli‐seconds (ms) or less on SATCOM and Mi‐Fi." Given this requirement, will the Primary communication method be considered as Metro‐Ethernet (point‐to‐point or point‐to‐multipoint) single fiber connection with the Secondary communication method as Fixed‐Internet ISP, and with the

Tertiary communication method as 5G commercial, thus eliminating SATCOM completely?

When deploying, the CITOP team assumes that the deployment location does not have any cable based over land connections available.

6. Do the austere locations have feasibility to meet the commutation options described in

Question #5 above or does DLA expect that one of the options will be primary with Satcom as secondary?

Wireless/SATCOM should be considered primary solutions.

7. Can DLA confirm that the deliverable from a proposal response to problem Statement (i)

Deployable Terminals is one prototype terminal that meets the requirements as specified in the RFP?

DLA’s goal is to have a successful prototype terminal, or possibly more than one. This is dependent on the solution being provided by the vendor, details discussed throughout the pre‐ award phase, costs, and ultimately based on the success throughout the period of performance.

8. The RFP states "The present budget for this project is approximately $250,000." Is it DLA's intent that the $250,000 budget will be awarded between two separate contracts, one for

Problem Statement (i) Deployable Terminals and one for problem Statement (ii) Automated IT

Connection?

DLA has an initial budget of up to $250,000 total for both problem statements. These funds will be divvied out based on solutions that provide the most value for the two problem statements.

Additionally, the funding amounts are only for milestone 1 and additional funds could be made available based on the success of this milestone.

9. If it is DLA's intent that the $250,000 budget will be awarded between two separate contracts, one for Problem Statement (i) Deployable Terminals and one for problem Statement (ii)

Automated IT Connection, can DLA provide guidance as to what percentage of the budget DLA expects to award between the two problem statements?

See answer to question 8.

10. If the deliverable from a proposal response to problem Statement (i) Deployable Terminals is one prototype terminal, does DLA have an expectation of the cost to DLA for additional production terminals?

It is too early in the process for DLA to have an expectation of cost for production terminals.

This is a prototype effort and predicting the final, production costs is not possible currently. DLA subject matter experts are familiar with the satellite communication space and conducted market research into where the industry is heading. All of which will inform the evaluation of proposals submitted.

11. How many production terminals does DLA expect to procure over what timeframe?

Predicting the number of production number of terminals is not possible at this time as many factors will go into this decision (cost, mission need, technical aspects). However, the background section of the CSO outlines the current scope of DLA’s mission in this space and informs what the need is as of now. Historically, DLA has not reduced its contingency IT operations, it’s only increased.

12. Can DLA describe the equipment currently used for CITOPs deployment teams?

Baseband components include; routers, switches, and server packages. Refer to the answers for question #4 for more details.

13. Is DLA currently tying back to one or all five ARMY Regional Hub Nodes (RHN) with their current solutions? If so, do the RHNs have the DLA needed infrastructure installed so that they can connect to a DoD network?

DLA connects directly back to the DLA enterprise network when using commercial ISP including

Ku Band SATCOM. The Army RHN are not a part of the network design.

14. If DLA is currently tying back to one or all five ARMY Regional Hub Nodes (RHN) with their current solutions, do the RHNs have the DLA needed infrastructure installed so that they can connect to a DoD network?

N/A. Reference answer to question #13.

15. Is the 50 pound individual carry capacity for all equipment for the new solution or is it per case?

This carry capacity is per case with a strong preference for no more than 3 cases in total.

16. Can you clarify the statement in paragraph 2.i under “Solution Considerations” that “Terminal solutions should adhere to commercial air regulations for size, weight, and component makeup?”

The DLA Contingency Team often uses commercial air to travel a majority of the way to the final location. Any solution should meet commercial airline guidelines and regulations to be able to travel using this mode of transportation. Preference is for equipment to be checked, vice fly as cargo, but all methods of air transportation will be considered.

17. Is DLA seeking solutions that will meet regulations for carry‐on, checked baggage, or air cargo?

Reference answer to question #16.

18. Is there a limit on the number of cases included in the solution?

No more than (3) cases, preferably.

19. The RFI for this effort referred to the SATCOM Deployable Kit + multiple uplink capabilities.

Can you provide a description of DLA’s current communications equipment/methods supporting deployed environments?

Reference answer to question #4.

20. Is there a required number of physical network switch connections?

Reference answer to question #4.

21. Is there GFE/GFP that will be paired with this solution (e.g. encryptors) to provide classified network access?

Agency owned and operated communications security equipment is only authorized.

22. Is there a projected award date?

Estimate is April 2023. However, this is not a firm date. Just an estimate.

23. Section 1 states "Moreover, the DLA enterprise solutions demand more bandwidth and lower latency which increases the impacts felt by personnel supporting contingent missions.". Can

DLA provide more information on what bandwidth/data rates they are receiving today and what they anticipate the high bandwidth requirements to be?

DLA is currently testing multiple solutions with different data rates to better understand the specific bandwidth requirements to better provide a better client experience. Current data rates range from 8/4 mbps on Satcom infrastructure.

24. Section 3 states "Communication equipment includes...", with different types of hardware included. Does DLA only intend to purchase hardware, or is service (specifically satellite service) part of what is being procured?

DLA is only intending to purchase hardware or software for these problem statements. A new service is out of scope for this CSO.

25. Section 2 states "DLA Contingency IT operators need deployable terminals capable of using multiple communication methods, such as satellite constellations (GEO, MEO, LEO, etc.)and cellular technologies (4G, 5G), in order to establish internet connectivity in austere locations with less equipment.". Are there any specific terminal requirements related to size, power, etc.?

DLA is looking for the best in breed solution to reduce overall size and power requirements.

26. Section 3 states that the equipment shall be "Capable of complying with TRANSEC satellite communication encryption standards". Could DLA further elaborate on the TRANSEC requirement? TRANSEC is defined by 7 key tenets, with traffic flow security being only one of them.

At a minimum the capability must comply with FIPS 140‐2 level 3 requirements.

27. Will this be a single award contract?

The Government reserves the right to issue multiple awards.

28. Are any set asides being considered?

No.

29. The solicitation requests a Technical Proposal and Price Proposal, but a Solution Brief Application is also provided separately. Is the application also required with proposal submissions?

The Government only needs the solution Brief Application by the due date of the CSO.

Additional proposals will be needed at the request of the Government

30. Can the Government define additional connected peripherals (i.e. WiFi, IP phones)?

See question #4.

31. Can the Government define enclaves to be connected to and port count required for each?

Only 1 enclave per deployment will be connected. Details for equipment typically deployed are covered in question #4

32. As the Government identifies they utilize a Ku band VSAT backhaul, can the Government identify preference for commercial or military SATCOM?

DLA currently uses both services in its deployments. There is no preference details.

33. Can the government identify the intent to use 4G/5G cellular capability as a backhaul? To connect when in country or will it be supplied to the end users for connectivity? Or Both?

Cellular connectivity is considered for the backhaul communication method if it’s available in the deployed location.

34. Can the Government define the DLA WAN entry point(s) as all devices are not IPSEC VPN compatible?

DLA WAN entries points comprise of DMVPN architecture.

35. Can the Government clarify if the budget represents a qty of 1, 6 (refernce #teams) or some other quantity?

See answers to questions #7 and #8.

36. What SATCOM networks is the Government currently using?

DLA is currently utilizing Fixed Satellite Services located in geostationary orbit.

37. How many terminals does the Government expect to procure with this CSO?

See answer to questions #7 and #8

38. Can the Government clarify if terminals are to be deployed at one site or six sites or some other number?

DLA deploys these terminal worldwide in a dynamic state. These are not static deployments.

39. The CSO indicates that the mission is to “develop and operate deployable IT capabilities…”

Would the Government please clarify if this CSO is for terminal hardware only or if communications services (SATCOM bandwidth and/or cellular service) are also required?

See answer to question #24.

40. Can the Government provide locations and/or countries of deployment?

See answer to question #2.

41. Can the Government clarify if the terminals can operate in multiple frequencies? Are both Ku and Ka‐bands acceptable?

Yes, DLA is capable of operating in multiple frequency bands. Frequency use‐case is based on requirement and satellite service contracts.

42. Can the Government clarify if multiple communication methods (GEO, MEO, LEO and Cellular) and seamless switching need to be supported at each location?

Locations are unknown, multiple communication methods must be supported at any deployed location. Available services will be determined by the Government or contracted service providers at the time of deployment. The equipment should be capable of utilizing any service in order to support the mission.

43. Can the Government clarify if multiple communication methods (GEO, MEO, LEO and Cellular) and seamless switching need to be supported by one terminal or a combination of terminals at each location?

DLA’s strong preference is that multiple communication methods be included in as little equipment as possible. This will reduce the amount of equipment to deploy with and allow for the best communication method to be used based on the forward location.

44. Will the Government accept terminals that use a subset of the multiple communications methods listed? Is a GEO/MEO terminal acceptable?

DLA will review all solution briefs submitted that meet the criteria of an OTA. Preferred communication methods are those that provide lower latency to improve end user communications.

45. Can the Government clarify if all traffic is terminated at the public Internet at a Telecom Point‐ of‐Presence at each location?

Locations and available services are unknown and determined at time of mission assignment. It is expected that the service available will provide the deployed team access to public Internet.

46. Would the Government clarify whether respondents need to provide WAN technologies and

Tier 3 support or if they are in place for the terminals to use?

DLA has routers capable of connecting to the enterprise network from field locations.

47. TRANSEC for LEO and MEO systems are still under development and may not be in deployable states at the time of submission. Can the Government clarify if encryption methods equivalent to TRANSEC can also be considered?

DLA provides the necessary encryption for data traffic. The TRANSEC is meant to protect identifying terminal information such as location. So long as any terminal identifying information is protected to DISA accepted standards FIPS 140, etc... the solution should be sufficient.

48. Terminals and equipment with multi‐orbit (LEO, MEO, GEO) and 5G capabilities and new technology features can be expensive. Can the Government clarify if $250,000 is for one terminal or for all terminals or for all terminals and services expected in the full program?

See answer to question 8.

49. Would the Government please share the methodology used by which the pricing was deduced? Would the Government also provide a ceiling price for required goods and services?

The methodology was independently developed by the Government Technical Team and driven by information gathered from industry. The Government cannot provide a ceiling price.

50. Can the Government provide a period of performance (PoP) for this project including a start‐ of‐service and end‐of‐service?

To be clear, this is a prototype contract. The period of performance shall not exceed 24‐months from date of award. There isn’t a specific start date.

51. Requesting a 3‐week extension to respond to this important RFP so that the Government may benefit from the best industry has to offer.

The Government does not accept this request.