Statement of Objective - Connectivity for MIDN at Sea.docx pdf.pdf

Statement of ObjecƟve (SOO): ConnecƟvity for USMMA Midshipmen on Sea Year

ObjecƟve

To ensure uninterrupted, secure, and real-Ɵme communicaƟon between the Academy and USMMA midshipmen during Sea Year, including anywhere on Earth, including remote locaƟons, enabling academic, safety, and operaƟonal coordinaƟon through satellite-based communicaƟon soluƟons.

Scope

This iniƟaƟve seeks to implement a flexible mariƟme communicaƟon soluƟon that ensures conƟnuous connecƟvity between the Academy and students on Sea Year, located anywhere on Earth. The soluƟon may include:

• Dedicated satellite communicaƟon devices (e.g., Iridium, Inmarsat); or

• Satellite-enabled mobile services (e.g., Starlink Direct-to-Cell, AST SpaceMobile)

The selected soluƟon must meet all funcƟonal requirements, including:

• Reliable two-way voice and text communicaƟon

• Group messaging capability from USMMA staff to discrete selecƟons of midshipmen, or all midshipmen on Sea Year

• Real-Ɵme locaƟon trackings

• Emergency alerƟng, e.g., one-touch SOS buƩon

• Service Level Agreement (SLA)-backed reliability

• Centralized monitoring and support

The Academy requires that any chosen opƟon—whether hardware-based or service-based— must fully comply with the performance, visibility, and support standards outlined in this document.

Requirements

1. ConnecƟvity

• 100% coverage in internaƟonal waters, remote mariƟme zones, and anywhere else on Earth.

• Support for both voice and SMS.

• Low-bandwidth data for academic updates and alerts.

• OpƟonal: Ability to tether to or connect wirelessly to device as a hotspot for access to the internet

2. Device Flexibility

• CompaƟbility with both:

• Ruggedized satellite phones

• Standard smartphones with satellite add-on services

3. LocaƟon Visibility

• Real-Ɵme GPS tracking of all student devices.

• Centralized dashboard is highly desirable for live monitoring, including:

• Live map view

• Device status (online/offline)

• Last known locaƟon

• Emergency alert status

• Centralized interface for sending bulk messages to large groups,

• Display of real-Ɵme delivery reports to track successful and failed deliveries

• CategorizaƟon of replies, e.g., green for "safe," yellow for "contact needed," and red for "immediate assistance," to enable rapid and prioriƟzed response management

If a provider does not offer a naƟve dashboard, they must supply structured data feeds or APIs that allow the Academy to build its own dashboard with equivalent funcƟonality.

4. Service Level Agreement (SLA)

• UpƟme Guarantee: 99.9% minimum availability.

• Latency: ≤ 120 seconds for SMS, ≤ 5 seconds for voice iniƟaƟon.

• Response Time: 24/7 support with <15-minute response for criƟcal issues.

5. Support & Maintenance

• 24/7 technical support with escalaƟon procedures.

• Device provisioning, acƟvaƟon, and training support.

• Regular firmware and soŌware updates.

• Replacement policy for faulty devices within 48 hours.

6. Security & Compliance

• Encrypted communicaƟon channels.

• Compliance with mariƟme and educaƟonal data protecƟon standards.

Deliverables

• Fully operaƟonal communicaƟon system for all students at sea.

• Web-based dashboard for Academy staff.

• Training materials and onboarding support.

• Monthly performance and usage reports.

QTY of what? Sources sought for satellite phone. $0 PR, draw SOO, quesƟonnaires. GSA posted than SAM.gov. Then you revise you requirement based on the responses. Then you need the enƟre PR package and how we are going to compete based on the findings and responses.

Market research report, IGCE, then a PWS. Up to $50k you need an acquisiƟon plan.

Try to provide a 30 day post. End of September have the PR. End of Oct…have your responses.

Availability of funding…sources sought. SOW, quesƟonnaire. EsƟmated cost for job. Give a roundabout qty….1,000 may be less may be more. Are you a GSA vendor…if so please provide your contract number?

GSA can do market research on your behalf but it is very Ɵme consuming.