SSN_SOW_Draft.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

FOR

Code 5590 Center for High performance computing, RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT Efforts

Naval Research Laboratory 4555 Overlook Ave., SW Washington, DC 20375

1.0 INTRODUCTION

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Center for Computational Science (CCS) Code 5590 has a requirement to procure research and development, engineering, technical and transition support services.

2.0 BACKGROUND

NRL investigates and provides services in the areas of information technology architecture, high-performance computing (HPC), high-performance networking, related digital streams technology and policy. These areas include design, development and functional-deployment of information processing systems, decision support systems, database structure and mining, library services, application of parallel and distributed computing, high-performance computing, hardware acceleration technology, high-performance networking, the design of software to efficiently use such systems/concepts, the Information Assurance (IA) and usage policies required test/transition such systems/concepts for operations, and the training to facilitate transition to the operational user. The scope of these efforts includes the development of both systems and architectures that utilized both Type I and commercial cryptographic devices in working toward a viable comprehensive Data Centric Security based data collaboration environment. The information technology architecture includes the communications and networking research required to provide fast, reliable, and robust, authenticated, assured and secure transfer of data among various parts of the overall system, incorporating assets ranging from massively parallel computing systems to Naval and Department of Defense (DoD) assets deployed in hostile military environments. Human interface capabilities ranging from voice and video to the development of interactive virtual environments are an integral part of the work. Information processing research includes traditional signal analysis and other high-performance computing applications.

This SOW describes a variety of tasking which incorporate the areas of work commensurate with CCS work at NRL and NRL sponsors: Research and Development of computing and networking devices, systems and architectures; Scientific and Engineering programming of high-end computer and network systems; Administration of High Performance Computing and network systems; Development of Information Assurance policy and procedures; Quantum; and Transition Support in moving systems from development to initial fielding. The CCS is seeking Contractor technical assistance in a variety of disciplines and related applications.

A wide range of experience in Computer Science (CS), Computer Engineering (CE), Information Assurance (IA), System Security, and a variety of scientific, engineering and transition support backgrounds will be necessary to be successful. The required services include a number of interrelated tasks that vary in both their technical dimensions and deliverable product. Personnel clearances requirements range from uncleared (but submitted for a clearance) to SECRET to TOP SECRET/SCI.

3.0 SCOPE

The scope of this effort is to provide research and development, engineering, technical and transition support services in accordance with Section 4.

4.0 Requirements

4.1 High-Performance Computing and Next Generation Network Protocol Design

4.1.1 Research in the Management, Use, and Application of High-Performance Networks, including the Development of Next Generation Network Protocols

4.1.1.1 The Contractor shall perform research and development in the area of algorithms and tools for the management of emerging high-performance networks. The research will evolve new techniques for information flow and control that will eventually lead to standards against which hardware and software will be developed, with emphasis on native stream communications channels.

Such channels include, but are not limited to, Ethernet (and all its variations), Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET), G.709, Packet-over-SONET (POS), Fibre Channel, InfiniBand, and wireless (802.11 and all its variations). Resultant protocols will also be integrated over transparent all-optical core network fabrics. The Contractor shall investigate the routing services, addressing, network management and signaling issues, but with particular attention to reliable, low-latency and assured communication at multi-gigabit speeds. The Contractor shall develop mathematical models for network performance and test suites that are appropriate for various modes of operation that consist of 100/1000/10000/100000 Ethernet devices, SONET network fabrics ranging from Optical Carrier (OC) 3c to OC 768c link speeds and higher, and InfiniBand data links from 4x/12x Single Data Rate (SDR) to Next Data Rate (NDR) and beyond, as well as transparent multi-gigabit-per-second all-optical wavelength division networked core devices. The Contractor shall ensure that the information flow is consistent with Storage Area Networks and file servers that include Network File System (NFS), Zettabyte File System (ZFS), Andrew File Systems (AFS), Hierarchical Storage Management (HSM) and high-performance extensions to AFS, Lustre and other clustered file systems. Common means of authentication will be utilized on networked, heterogeneous systems developed utilizing distributed key services based on Kerberos (V5), DoD Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), and the DoD Common Access Card (CAC). Network control plane research will be conducted using protocols such as those developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force’s (IETF) to include Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). The Contractor shall explore solutions for monitoring/auditing performance, scaling capability, end-to-end quality-of-service and robustness in the research environment, and subject the best developed models to rigorously test unpredictable, high traffic loads (both real and simulated) as the necessary step for evolving effective, lowest latency protocols. Successful results will be transitioned to more operational NRL components as well as other Navy and DoD systems.

4.1.2 Hardware and Software System Design and Maintenance, including Data and Files Storage Systems

4.1.2.1 The Contractor shall maintain and participate in the evolutionary development at NRL of a variety of heterogeneous, highly distributed networked systems for the development of technical programs. These systems consist of Gigabit Ethernet (GigE), InfiniBand, Fibre Channel, POS streams and optical networks with high-end workstations, servers and parallel processing systems. These networked systems are often clustered within a workgroup as a number of workstations running off a server with a storage farm.

4.1.2.2 The Contractor shall implement scalable state-of-the-art capabilities, design, reconfigure and maintain distributed systems; update older configurations and generally maintain systems at current or recent versions of the operating systems and file managements systems. The overall systems include:

º GigE, SONET, Protocol G.709, POS, Fibre Channel and InfiniBand

º Multi-Protocol Layer Switching (MPLS), Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), IPv6 and multicast

º DWDM (Dense Wave Division Multiplex and “all-optical” ((OOO) All Optical-to-Optical-to-Optical) networks, GMPLS (Generalized Multi-Protocol Label Switching)

º SMPTE 292M networked imagery

º Ethernet: 100/1000/10000/100000 Ethernet Local Area Network (LAN)/Wide Area Network (WAN)

º Remote access systems: modems, virtual private network (VPN), etc.

º NFS, AFS, ZFS, Lustre and other clustered distributed file systems

º Kerberos (v5), DoD Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Common Access Card (CAC) and SIP (Session Initiated Protocol) distributed authentication services

º Solaris, macOS, Windows, Linux (SuSe, Red Hat, CentOS), other OS’s

4.1.2.3 The Contractor shall design, configure, reconfigure, update and maintain individually networked groups (either by personnel, function or technology), maintain currency in operating systems versions (while matching project needs) and adapt to the full range of available local and wide area networks. The Contractor shall ensure that all information is backed up at defines intervals and that future needs are planned for and reported as needed.

4.1.2.4 The Contractor shall develop and maintain complete site documentation for the configuration of the systems and provide on-line documentation for start-up and shutdown of all systems. The contactor shall develop growth plans based on current usage so that future system and software needs can be identified.

4.1.2.5 The Contractor will support development of HPC file systems include AFS, Lustre, and other clustered file systems. The primary development focus at NRL is Open Lustre. Development efforts will focus on federated, distributed file systems; file systems performance; Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) protocol enhancements over generic transmission control protocol; real-time hardware cache coherency; System Administration of a distributed, Peer-to-Peer; and the general evolution and use of leading-edge file systems.

4.1.3 Support for Development of Information Assurance Tools and Performance Monitoring Techniques

Using both IPv4 and native IPv6, the Contractor shall develop new tools for performance assessment; control plane monitoring; network use; Service Level Agreement validation in local and wide area networks; and, End-to-End Quality-of-Service/Quality-of-Protection. This task will support NRL’s role in developing native tools in both software and Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) firmware for monitoring flows to 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) today, with a need to scale to 400 Gbps in the near-term and 1 terabyte per second (Tbps) or higher by the end of this task. This task includes the development of concepts for deployment of high-speed encryption for 100-Gbps and higher that is intended to scale to terabit flows. This task will support NRL’s role in pioneering new flow constructs in performance networking.

4.1.4 Large Data Federated, Distributed Infrastructure Technology and Global Information Grid Demonstrations

4.1.4.1 The Contractor shall support NRL’s Joint Capabilities Technology Demonstration (JCTD) projects or its equivalent Rapid Defense Experimentation Reserve (RDER) projects including planned spirals of demonstrations of leading-edge technology for the war-fighter. This will include new and continued work with NRL and its Government partners: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, United States Strategic Command, Army Intelligence and Security Command, Defense Information Systems Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency and others to deploy a wide area federated, distributed storage network as the backbone of these activities. Design end-systems with NRL and equipment developers and vendors to accomplish JCTD and or RDER goals. This activity includes supporting installation and upkeep of optical networking within NRL, the Defense Research and Engineering Network, Internet2, Defense of Defense Information Networks and similar organizations, development of technology for distributed large archival sites (multi-petabyte and higher); visualization of situational awareness from multi-Intelligence data; and other activities to accomplish time-phased demonstrations of JCTD or RDER technologies.

4.1.4.3 The Contractor shall provide engineering support for experimentation and testing in laboratory and field environments. This includes hardware and software support, planning and logistics for large field demonstrations, operators for mobile communications equipment, and data analysis. The Contractor shall possess full knowledge of network protocols including IPv4, IPv6, Ethernet, InfiniBand and MPLS.

4.1.5 Other Engineering Support

The Contractor shall provide specialized engineering support to meet other Navy RDT&E requirements. As examples of such support, personnel with specialized qualifications and background may be required in order for NRL to provide support to the National Reconnaissance Office , National Security Agency , Office of Naval Intelligence and other external organizations. Skills such as technical writing and presentation development may be crucial to providing the requisite technical support on this task. Such support may involve hardware and capability analysis, program planning and test resource planning/development. Travel and special clearances may be required. Work may be performed alone or in conjunction with NRL staff. Sponsor personnel may be involved, along with personnel from other Navy/DoD components, other U.S. Government personnel, other Government Contractors, and foreign Government Personnel and Contractors.

4.2 Area 2: Requirements and Performance Analysis of Concepts and Systems

The Contractor shall assist with the definition of system concepts, conduct analyses of Concept of Operations , Concepts of Employment , and evaluate Tactical Situations in establishing the basis for requirements. The Contractor shall conduct threat analysis and identify shortfalls in current capabilities considering operational requirements. The Contractor shall conduct requirements definition studies and analysis of mission needs to specify system/subsystem objectives and key performance parameters that are traceable system to operational capability requirements. The Contractor shall identify technical alternatives, carry out performance trades, conduct engagement time-line analysis and perform engineering feasibility studies. The Contractor shall be required access to intelligence data up to the Secret classification level and may require access to intelligence data up to the SCI classification level.

4.3 Area 3: Research in the Organization, Management and Application of High-Performance Computing systems, Massively Parallel Processors and Progressive Motion Imagery

The Contractor shall participate on the development teams extending OpenFabrics Alliance InfiniBand technology to OC-768c Packet-over SONET, GigE and beyond by extending InfiniBand to 12x EDR Technologies. Initial research efforts will focus on single-stream data rates in the 100’s of Gbps range. Near-term efforts will move towards 400 Gbps. Before the end of this task we expect to achieve single-stream data rates that exceed 1 Tbps. Included in this task is development of RDMA Sockets Direct Protocol protocols deploying the available OpenFabric stack; Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Descriptive Language Xilinx Field Programmable Gate Array development of firmware to augment/expedite software RDMA, IP version 6 default support, deployment of an overarching common file system (i.e., either Lustre or other clustered file systems) and demonstrating levels of achievement through planned nationwide access activities such as Super Computing (SC23 and subsequent years), or Optical Fiber Conference (OFC2023 and subsequent years) professional tradeshows.

4.4 Area 4: Cryptographic testing, prototyping, demonstration and transition ranging from Type 1 to Commercial Solutions

The Contractor shall assist in the development, development and transition of cryptographic solutions for computer and network security ranging from unclassified to TOP SECRET/SCI, and from U.S.Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to Coalition Forces like the Battlefield Information Collection and Exploitation System (BICES). Architectures will support devices that range from Type 1 cryptography to Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) to generic commercial solutions. Existing Information Assurance (IA) policies and procedures will be examined and either adopted or modified to match requirements against performance. Prototyping and deployment of successful architectures to sponsor environments, including assisting in transition and training, will be required. This includes technical development work related to Data At Rest (DAR) and Zero Trust.

4.5 Area 5: Staff Assisted Visit (SAV) Policy, Technical Evaluation and Reporting

4.5.1 General Evaluation

The Contractor shall travel to the NRL sponsor facilities for weeks at a time. The work shall require experienced DoD operations process analysts with experience in Command Summary Report writing or Subject Matter Expertise in computer network architecture, Knowledge Management, Database Management, or Information Assurance.

4.5.2 Tools Development for Transition Work

4.5.2.1 The Contractor shall develop and maintain web related documents and applications. Projects can potentially support any NRL function and will range from simple web pages to lab-wide web-accessible e-mail systems to more complicated application programs utilizing backend databases. Web service integration requires application of Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP), DoD PKI/CAC authentication and access techniques, and Kerberos. Development of web services will require the development and integration of individual applications in coherent web architecture, using open source programming tools and open source server platforms. This effort requires that the Contractor have the ability to interact and communicate with individuals (managers, customers, users, team members and support staff) that have a broad range of technical expertise.

4.5.2.2 For each project, the Contractor shall ascertain requirements, develop an implementation plan (including a breakdown of required resources and timelines), provide weekly status updates through email during execution, and upon completion produce documentation that details any code, maintenance procedures or usage requirements.

4.5.3 Writing and Training

4.5.3.1 Writing

The Contractor shall the support the writing of user manuals, training material, white papers, power point presentations, policy documents, and journal articles to facilitate the transition of all efforts in section 4.

4.5.3.2 Training

The Contractor shall conduct training on transitioning efforts from section 4.0. This may include but is not limited to, creation of online training for DoD, U.S. Government and potential NATO approved sites (e.g. Joint Knowledge Online (JKO), NATO E-Learning, etc.), and onsite training.

4.6 Area 6: Test and Evaluation, and Transition, of Concepts and Systems

4.6.1 The Contractor shall perform assessments of the prototype systems through various phases of test and evaluation efforts to determine that design goals are achieved. Representative tasks include, but are not limited to participation in Protocol and Policy field operational testing. The methodologies developed in all other section 4 areas result in non-traditional results requiring ingenuity in crafting Test and Evaluation (T&E) methodology to identify performance issues based on protocol and policy deficiencies. The Contractor shall use DoD best practices to develop new T&E methodologies for the Network and CSfC protocols and policies developed. These tasks shall be performed at Government and/or Contractor sites or a Government exercises when NRL sponsor requires.

4.6.2 The Contractor shall provide technical and engineering support for NRL facilities and experiments. The Contractor shall design, fabricate or acquire, and deliver to NRL incidental software required for the support of research within the scope of tasks issued within this task area.

4.6.3 The Contractor shall provide support to NRL engineering staff to establish requirements for functional performance testing. The Contractor shall develop test plans and procedures for the integration and test of systems, networks and subsystems into an operational platform at NRL or other NRL-designated facilities. The Contractor shall perform system level functional performance testing, and implement corrective actions resulting from testing when warranted.

4.6.4 The Contractor shall provide all assistance necessary to successfully execute experiments of prototypes at both on-site and, for field experiments at off-site locations. The Contractor shall conduct site surveys install and operate equipment, perform equipment maintenance, and perform system diagnostics. Tasking support shall require travel to sites and activities world-wide; it may require working aboard military aircraft, ships, and submarines; and at US military and NATO installations. Equipment handling/installation may require heavy lifting (in excess of 50 lbs.).

4.7 Area 7: Quantum

4.7.1 Contractor shall possess a foundational and fundamental understanding in quantum information science ranging from resource requirements and estimations of both hardware components and protocols to practical implementation of protocols.

4.7.2 Contractor shall possess experience in theoretical and experimental aspects of quantum information sciences and technology including quantum computation, quantum networks, and quantum sensing. Specific skill sets include those with expertise in one, or a combination, of functional analysis, linear algebra, quantum mechanics, quantum optics, quantum information theory, quantum algorithms, quantum metrology, and quantum error correction.

4.8 Area 8: Research Management Support

4.8.1 The Contractor shall provide technical and administrative support in maintaining programmatic material, communicating with program participants, preparing technical briefings, development of work plans, annotation and promulgation of action items resulting from meetings, and general programmatic support of a technical nature.

4.8.2 The Contractor shall track and document all project and program actions and the documentation to all program participants.

4.8.3 The Contractor shall develop technical reports, briefing materials, resource tracking, and any other necessary program information.

4.8.3 The Contractor shall ensure reporting requirements are adhered to and deliverables are timely delivered to the Government.

4.8.4 The Contractor shall procure necessary hardware and support items.

4.8.5 The Contractor shall obtain prior approval for travel and travel related costs.

4.8.6 The Contractor shall provide administrative support for the planning, negotiation, and implementation of meetings/conferences/seminars for the dissemination of scientific materials and research information. Meetings will be held in various cities and military installations within the United States.

4.8.7 Contractor efforts shall include all facets of planning and execution of the meetings including, but is not limited to, event planning; securing meeting venues and billeting facilities; acquiring required equipment; meeting management; execution of agenda; and event management.

4.8.2 The Contractor shall perform as liaison with the NRL Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and perform the following functions in support of all contract tasks: Provide task leader support along identified functional areas and coordination of task leader technical activities. Assign personnel to meet specific task requirements in the areas of staff knowledge, experience, and demonstrated performance. Provide continual refinement of schedule, resource requirements, approach methodology, and identification and resolution of problems areas. Produce and deliver a monthly comprehensive contract status report in accordance with CDRL A001. Contractor shall establish budgets and monitor the financial status of the individual Statement of Work tasks and the total program. Perform as liaison to Subcontractors for technical tasking, technical and financial performance monitoring and compliance review of deliverable items. Deliver concise but accurate weekly e-mail summaries from participants outlining contributions made to the task, progress during that week and goals for the coming week. Final summary report will be delivered to NRL at the end of this effort to document the cumulative task effort.

4.8.3 The Contractor shall provide technical and engineering support in maintaining programmatic material, communicating with program participants, preparing technical briefings, conducting technical conferences, symposia, workshops and other meetings, development of work testing, annotation and promulgation of action items resulting from meetings and general programmatic support of technical nature in the execution of technical and engineering programs for research and development efforts under this contract. The Contractor shall track and document all project and program actions and provide to all program participants. The Contractor shall provide support to all program participants. The Contractor shall provide support in the development of technical reports, briefing materials, resource tracking and all other programmatic information required.

5.0 Data Rights

5.1. Data Rights.

The Contractor shall deliver all products, information, source code developed and modified, and documents from this effort with unlimited rights to the Government unless specifically identified and asserted otherwise and approved by the Contracting Officer (Refer to DFAR 252.227 for details). Accordingly, and subject to specific exclusions, all data and reports shall contain the following:

This material may be reproduced by or for the U.S. Government pursuant to the copyright license under clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.

The U.S. Government retains Unlimited Rights. Unlimited rights means right to use, modify, perform, display, release, or disclose technical data in whole or in part, in any manner and for any purpose whatsoever, and to have or authorize others to do so.

5.2. Limitations on Release.

The Contractor shall protect all data and information from dissemination or disclosure without specific prior approval by the Government. This includes but is not limited to data or information provided to the Contractor by the Government and/or developed by the Contractor for the Government regardless of the document markings, or method of dissemination; information relating to the items, products or data to be delivered or services to be performed; publication of technical or scientific papers; advertising; or, any other proposed public release. The Contractor shall provide adequate physical protection to all information to preclude access by any person or entity not authorized access by the Government.

5.3. Destruction Notice. The Contractor shall include the following destruction notice on all documents.

“DESTRUCTION NOTICE – For classified documents, follow the procedures in DOD 5200.22-M, Industrial Security Manual, Section 11-19 or DOD 5200.1-R, Information Security Program Regulation, Chapter IX. For unclassified, limited documents, destroy by any method that will prevent disclosure of contents or reconstruction of the document.”

6.0 Deliverables

7.0 Security

7.1 All Contractor personnel who require NRL base access or access to NRL unclassified material and/or unclassified systems shall possess a favorably completed DoD National Agency Check with Law and Credit (NACLC). Contractors who require access to Secret material must have, at a minimum, a favorably completed DoD NACLC and final DoD granted Secret security clearance at the time of proposal submission, and those who require access to Top Secret/SCI material must have, at a minimum, a favorably completed DoD NACLC and final DoD granted Top Secret security clearance with the eligibility of SCI at the time of proposal submission. The Contractor shall ensure that all classified material is handled in accordance with the issued DD 254, the National Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) (DoD 5220.22M) and all NRL and applicable Security Program Guides/Directives.

7.2 Contractors issued a DoD interim secret security clearance may ONLY work on unclassified tasks as outlined in the SOW. Unclassified IA or IT positions are NOT authorized with a DoD issued interim secret clearance. Contract Facility Security Officers (FSOs), and/or NRL CORs, are required to report immediately to Code 1230 any derogatory information regarding a Contractor holding an interim Secret clearance, either on- or off-site. FSOs and NRL CORs shall also notify Code 1230 when a Contractor’s interim or final clearance has been declined or revoked.

7.3 Contractor personnel performing any function designated as a component of the Cyber Security Work Force (CSWF), and/or having privileged user access to NRL information systems will require background investigations and security clearances commensurate with the access level and security classification of the system being accessed as specified in DON 5239.2M (2009). System Administrators with privileged access may work in the computing, network and/or enclave environments. System Administrators with privileged access shall meet the training and certification requirements for IAT level I at the computing environment (CE), IAT level II at the network environment (NE), and IAT level III for the enclave environment as specified in DON 5239.2M (2009). The initiation of a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) is required for all System Administrators with privileged access serving in these positions.

7.4 All Contractors (including Subcontractors) identified in Contractor’s proposal shall supplement their current security practices by requiring any personnel involved in executing the contract to complete Government-sponsored and administered Operations Security (OPSEC) training, OPSE-1301.

8.0 DD Forms 254

The Contractor shall be granted access to classified information necessary for performance of this contract upon contract award as specified in the base contract DD Form 254. All Contractor personnel with access to unclassified information systems, including e-mail, require at a minimum a NACLC.