CfWP Topic 0015 - Modular High Assurance Encryption to Optimize SBU-E Radios for Secret and Below.pdf

Solicitation: BAA-21-R-NCFT Call #: 0015 Topic #: N2101 – Unified Network

FEDERAL AGENCY NAME: Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG) on behalf of the Army Futures Command (AFC), Network Cross-Functional Team (Network-CFT)

BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: BAA-21-R-NCFT

Originally published on beta SAM: 30 October 2020 Last Updated: N/A

CALL ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 0015

CALL SCHEDULE: Dates: All dates are subject to change

Event Date BAA Released on beta.SAM.gov 30 Oct 2020 Call 0015:

White Paper (WP) Submission Opens 08 July 2024 WP Submission Closes 28 July 2024 Government begins notifying Vendors of WP evaluations: 30 Aug 2024

• Selected for Further Consideration (Invitation to participate in the no-cost technological demonstration)

• Not Selected for Further Consideration Technological Demonstration 09-13 Sept 2024 Government begins notifying Vendors of results of technological demonstration: 04 Oct 2024

• Selected for Further Consideration (Invitation to submit proposal)

• Not Selected for Further Consideration

Government begins accepting proposals from selected Vendors 15 Oct 2024 Government begins notifying Vendors selected for award (if any) 15 Nov 2024

*White papers received after the due date/time shall be governed by the provisions of FAR 52.215-1(c) (3).

BAA TYPE: This is a call for WPs only and will be governed by the two-step process described in General Information of the BAA-21-R-NCFT. Offerors that submit a proposal without first submitting a WP will not be eligible for award.

WP INSTRUCTIONS: Detailed instructions on format for WPs and the two-step submission process can be found in the overarching BAA.

TWO-STEP BAA, CALL ANNOUNCEMENT

BAA-21-R-NCFT, WHITE PAPER CALL #0015

Title: Modular High Assurance Encryption to Optimize SBU-E Radios for Secret and Below Date: 28 June 2024

*Please note the Government reserves the right to skip step two of phase one and go directly to Phase Two after white paper evaluations.

WP SUBMISSION: All WPs shall be submitted via Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) Joint Communications Marketplace (JCM) Technical Exchange Meeting (TEM) Industry Community, via https://jtnc.experience.crmforce.mil/TEMIndustry/s/.

TECHNOLOGY AREAS OF INTEREST:

The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command Control Communications-Tactical (PEO C3T), in support of Network Modernization priorities, is issuing this call for WPs in association with Topic Number 0015. To be eligible for consideration and possible contract award, the WP shall be of basic research, applied research, and/or that part of development not related to the development of a specific system or hardware procurement in the following “Technology Areas of Interest” specific to this call:

A. BAA TOPIC NUMBER: N2101: Unified Network

WHITE PAPER CALL #0015

Operational Description of the Problem:

Project Manager Tactical Radios (PM TR) enables tactical communications by providing a range of products that are capable of terrestrial and celestial communications for secure data and voice. The current approach embeds cryptographic systems required to provide up to SECRET level communications in a single radio system. This approach enables both unclassified and classified communications by loading National Security Agency (NSA) provided Communication Security (COMSEC) keys at the appropriate classification level. This means that no matter what the classification requirements are for the given mission, echelon, or role, the Soldier is issued a single box solution that is highly controlled, must be stored in a secure location, and must be loaded with an NSA generated COMSEC key prior to being used for either training or for operational missions.

In large-scale combat operations (LSCO), the Units will require the flexibility to shoot, move and communicate over a number of different communications links at different classification levels. A modular approach that separates the encryption from the radio will allow freedom of movement for most of the formations without being always encumbered by COMSEC changes that may be otherwise required.

Currently available radio products offer the ability to either communicate SECRET and Below or Sensitive But Unclassified-Encrypted (SBU-E), but there are no options to modularly elevate encryption levels of an SBU-E radio as mission dictates or reduce the administrative burden of a SECRET and Below radio if the network requirements are SBU-E only. As the Army proliferates the implementation of SBU-E enclaves within the network, it lacks the ability to rapidly shift from choosing SECRET as the baseline network and lowering the classification level as needed or choosing SBU-E as the baseline

Important Please assess the entire solicitation carefully prior to any response. The Network-CFT BAA utilizes a two-phase process to solicit offers and select a source for award.

• Phase One – Step One: Submission of White Papers *Step Two: Technological Demonstration (By Invitation Only)

• Phase Two – Submission of Proposals (By Invitation Only) https://jtnc.experience.crmforce.mil/TEMIndustry/s/ network for their mission and elevating the classification levels as needed.

Technical Description of the Problem:

Current Tactical Radios systems have both COMSEC and Transmission Security (TRANSEC) embedded into a single box system. Internally, these radio systems have physical separation between the COMSEC and TRANSEC system processors that make up the radio. COMSEC is NSA provided/approved and TRANSEC requires implementation in the waveform. They are not directly coupled but integrated into the same hardware. If the COMSEC or TRANSEC requires an upgrade, the entire system must change even though only one component may be modernized, causing increases to cost and schedule. The Army is seeking to physically separate COMSEC and TRANSEC outside of the single box system and develop additive hardware encryption layers that can be used in conjunction with Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) Tactical Radios to provide users the ability to baseline a network as SBU-E and elevate the classification level to SECRET where and when necessary.

Required (Threshold) Capabilities:

This project will develop a stand-alone encryptor device that can be connected to an SBU-E Tactical Radio to allow the SBU-E radio to transport Classified Voice and Data

• The encryptor shall support encrypting/decrypting analog voice.

• The encryptor shall provide encrypted analog voice to the separate physical voice port of a radio.

• The encryptor shall support encrypting/decrypting IP data.

• The encryptor shall provide encrypted IP data to the separate physical data port of the radio.

• The encryptor shall support networks with a minimum total aggregate throughput of 50

Kbps, and a minimum total node count between 16-20 nodes.

• The encryptor shall be small enough to be worn by a dismounted Soldier (e.g. on their gear and not in a backpack).

• The encryptor shall be completely external to and independent of the radio.

• The encryptor shall have the ability to be modified to support any COTS / SBU-E radio.

• The encryptor shall provide capability to use external power, common primary batteries, and rechargeable batteries.

• The encryptor shall provide internal power to support a mission of no less than 12 hours.

• The encryptor shall be able to obtain NSA certification for Up to SECRET for both voice and data, based on Industry’s whitepaper recommended NSA certification pathway. This includes considerations such as, but not limited to, QUADRANT, TEMPEST, zeroization, access controls, authentication, alarms, etc. as defined by the specific certification pathway.

• The encryptor shall be capable of using the Next Generation Load Device (NGLD) and Simple Key Loader (SKL) to load COMSEC.

• The project shall include program management activities to include, but not limited to monthly Technical Exchange Meeting, Integrated Master Schedule, Post Award Conference, Preliminary Design Review, Critical Design Review, Test Readiness Review, Demonstration/Assessment, Training Materials, etc.

• No less than three (3) prototypes shall be delivered.

Desired (Objective) Capabilities:

• The encryptor shall be able to obtain NSA certification for Up to TOP SECRET for both voice and data, based on the whitepaper recommended NSA certification pathway. This includes considerations such as, but not limited to, QUADRANT, TEMPEST, zeroization, access controls, authentication, alarms, etc. as defined by the specific certification pathway.

• The encryptor shall be compatible with the Key Management Infrastructure (KMI) and follow-on KMI systems.

** The vendor shall identify any current ongoing same/similar efforts associated with the proposed white paper solution/technology area. The vendor shall provide the contract/agreement number and a brief description of the effort.

WP QUESTIONS/ANSWERS: Government will publish WP Q&As in the JCM TEM Industry Community applicable Topic Collaboration Group area. Instructions for the Q&A session shall be posted to the JCM TEM Industry Community (https://jtnc.experience.crmforce.mil/TEMIndustry/s/) when the call is issued.

WP PREPARATION, SUBMISSION, AND REVIEW PROCESS: Instructions for submissions of WPs, including response content and format, are covered in Section B of the baseline BAA, BAA-21-R- NCFT. The submitted white paper should not exceed eight (8) pages.

TECHNOLOGY READINESS LEVEL (TRL): For all the subtopic areas listed above, the maturity of the proposed technology should be at a TRL 6 or higher (please see enclosed TRL definitions). The end state of the effort should be a set of demonstration/proof-of-concept systems that can be tested in a field environment.

WP EVALUATION CRITERIA:

The Government will evaluate WPs to determine which have the potential to best meet the Network- CFT’s needs utilizing a two-part evaluation criterion as follows:

• Part One (1): WPs will be evaluated using “Go” or “No-Go” gate criteria listed below.

The “Go” or “No-Go” requirements are listed below which will determine if the WP receives further consideration. If during the evaluation one of the “Go” or “No-Go” requirements is not met, that evaluation will automatically receive a “No-Go” determination and will not receive further consideration.

o Cost. The Government will review the Offeror’s Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for compliance with the BAA. ROM must be broken out by Base and Option, to include applicable cost elements.

o TRL. The Government will review the Offeror’s TRL to ensure it meets requirements as detailed in the Call for WP. Offeror must meet at a minimum TRL 6 at delivery.

o Schedule. The Government will review the Offeror’s proposed schedule to ensure the Offeror meets the period of performance, when the Government specifies a Not-to-Exceed schedule. The Not-to-Exceed schedule for this effort is 24 Months (one 12-month base period, which means vendors can deliver their prototype before 12 months, and one 12-month option period). If either the base or option period proposed exceeds 12 months, the white paper will be considered “No-Go” and not receive further consideration.

o Compliance with all white paper submission requirements outlined in BAA-21-

R-NCFT.

• Part Two (2): WP will be evaluated using the following factors, which are listed in descending order of importance:

o Importance to Agency Programs (Relevance/Potential for Impact). The Government will review the Offeror’s description of the technology proposed on how it solves the capability/gap/problem presented, the relevance to the Highly Desired/Desired Capabilities, scalability of the solution, and assess its worth in relation to the stated “Technology Areas of Interest.” WPs will be scored as highly likely, likely, or marginally likely to address the stated operational and technical descriptions of the problem.

o Technical Merit/Challenge (Innovative or Revolutionary Technology (Scientific & Engineering Viability)). The Government will review the Offeror’s technology proposed to satisfy the technical challenges and design objectives by reviewing the Offeror’s enabling technology (innovative or revolutionary approach); feasibility;

technical risk and mitigation plan; alternatives (other technical data/information conveyed); technology maturation (the ability to achieve technology maturity); and time to field solution. WPs will be scored as fully or partially meeting or exceeding the stated Highly Desired and Desired capabilities.

o Schedule. The Offeror’s schedule will be evaluated based on the reasonableness of the allocation of time to meet major activities/milestones, deliverable, metrics measures of success, potential risks, and mitigation plans. WPs will be scored as having a preferable, acceptable, or questionable schedule for delivery.

TECHNOLOGICAL DEMONSTRATION EVALUATION CRITERIA:

Note: The process outlined below is subject to change.

“Technology demonstration” entails a prototype sample presented by an offeror to showcase the proposed characteristics of the offered product described in the whitepaper as well as expand on aspects of the product that cannot adequately be described by specifications, purchase descriptions, or white paper (e.g.

ease of use, quality of user experience, etc.). Demonstrations of capabilities not yet ready for a practical demonstration may be provided by an in-person paper or slide show presentation. This demonstration is also an opportunity to clarify and expand upon concepts not fully explored in the white paper and to field Government questions about the proposed prototype solution.

The Contractor must present the technology demonstration during the time specified in the Invitation to Demo. Individual time slots will be allotted to the Contractors selected to attend. If the Contractor fails to present the technology demonstration on time the Government will reject the invitation to continue through the selection process

1. Unless otherwise specified in the solicitation, technology demonstration shall be:

(1) Presented at no expense to the Government.

(2) Operated and maintained by the Contractor during technology demonstration evaluation.

2. The Government will not be liable for any damages to technology demonstration during evaluation or shipping.

Rules & Expectations

The Contractor’s technology demonstration will be observed during a 45 minute session. Time slots will be provided to afford Contractor’s time to prepare for the demonstration at the venue.

The technology demonstration evaluation will consist of the following:

Activity Time Allotted Setup/Tear Down: Up to 5 min Technology demonstration Fixes: 10 min if needed Presentation: 45 minutes Total Technology demonstration Time:

45-60 Minutes

The Government will allow the Contractor to prepare their equipment in a classroom prior to beginning of the event. It is recommended not to show up more than 60 minutes prior to demonstration time to prevent crowding of the classroom.

The Government will allow each Contractor up to 5 minutes to move their equipment from the classroom to the demonstration area which is approximately 30 feet from the classroom door.

The Government will allow each Contractor up to 10 minutes to fix any problems encountered between the classroom and demonstration area. After 10 minutes has elapsed, the timer will start for the 45 minute formal evaluation.

The Government will provide the Contractors a space to deliver their technology demonstration. This area will consist of a table, podium, and a projector with screen. The Contractors should expect 3-4 Government leaders presiding over the demonstration event with supporting technical evaluators seated behind. Contractors invited to attend the event will only be allowed in the demonstration area during their allocated time until the day has concluded.

Please note, that due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the Government reserves the right to eliminate the technical demonstration and go directly to a Request for Proposal OR hold the technical demonstration virtually.

EXPECTED NUMBER OF AWARDS: The Government reserves the right to award as many (or as few) contracts as it deems appropriate. There are no set percentages of funding allocated to each investment category.

AWARD INFORMATION: The Army may elect to award a base period with an option period as follows:

• Base Period: Design and Build a Prototype (Up to 12 Months)

(a) The Offeror shall deliver the prototype(s) necessary to prove their technology proposed.

o A Safety Assessment Report (SAR) shall be delivered with the prototype.

(b) The Offeror shall provide training after prototype delivery that will allow the Government to conduct an operational assessment of the technology proposed.

o In support of the training/operational assessment, the Offeror shall conduct a training for Government personnel (i.e., N-CFT, PEO C3T, and other C5ISR representatives) onsite at Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) and provide draft training materials.

Note: Training during Phase 1 is for the program office and support organizations only.

Soldier touch-point training will occur during Phase 2 as delineated below.

o Contractor shall specify exact prototypes.

Before the completion of the base period, the Government will conduct an assessment of the technology proposed, looking at the broad areas of technical performance and suitability for experimentation with Army units. Based on this assessment, the Government may decide to exercise the option period.

• Option Period: Follow-On Training and Experimentation (12 Months)

(a) The Contractor shall provide follow-on training and experimentation for the prototype solution at a location in the Continuous United States (CONUS) with an equipped Army unit. Contractors shall provide:

o A training and experimentation session at a U.S. military installation and/or facility.

Contractor shall propose the number of days required to train an Army unit on their proposed solution(s).

o User and training manuals.

o Technical support necessary to make repairs and replace parts as required to keep the proposed technology operational throughout this phase.

The Rough-Order-of-Magnitude (ROM) shall be broken out by base and option period, as the Government may only fund the base period and not the option period.

NON-GOVERNMENT ADVISORS: Offerors are advised that employees of the firms identified below may serve as Non-Government advisors in the evaluation/source selection process. These individuals will be authorized access only to those portions of the proposal data and discussions that are necessary to enable them to perform their respective duties. The Non-Government advisors will not have access to the non- sanitized cost/price volumes of the proposals. Such firms are expressly prohibited from competing on the subject acquisition:

VeriTech 1070 Hardees Drive Aberdeen MD 21001

In accomplishing their duties related to the evaluation process, the aforementioned firms may require access to proprietary information contained in the Offerors proposals. Therefore, pursuant to FAR 9.505- 4, these firms must execute an agreement with each Offeror that states that they will (1) protect the Offerors information and (2) refrain from using the information for any purpose other than that for which it was furnished. To expedite the evaluation process, each offeror must contact the above companies to effect execution of such an agreement prior to submissions of proposals. Each offeror shall submit copies of the agreement with their proposal.

The companies identified above are prohibited from submitting proposals either as a prime contractor or as subcontractors at any tier or partner and from entering into contractual arrangements as subcontractors at any tier or as consultants or partners in response to this call for white paper.

ANTICIPATED FUNDING: The Government reserves the right to select all, part, or none of the WPs received, subject to the availability of funds. All funding is subject to change due to Government discretion and availability. Potential offerors should be aware that due to unanticipated budget fluctuations funding in any or all areas may change with little or no notice.

ANTICIPATED TYPE OF CONTRACTS/INSTRUMENTS: The Government reserves the right to award the instrument best suited to the nature of research proposed.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The contract(s) will have one (1) base period and one (1) option period, each of which will be up to 12 Months. The option period is not guaranteed and is subject to funding availability.

CALL AMENDMENTS: Offerors should monitor the beta SAM site, via https://sam.gov/, and Joint Tactical Networking Center (JTNC) Joint Communications Marketplace (JCM) Technical Exchange Meeting (TEM) Industry Community, via https://jtnc.experience.crmforce.mil/TEMIndustry/s/, for additional notices to this Call that may permit extensions of the WP submission date or otherwise modify this announcement.

http://www.fbo.gov/

APPLICABILITY OF BASELINE BAA: All requirements of BAA-21-R-NCFT apply. For complete information regarding BAA-21-R-NCFT, refer to the BAA announcement as posted on beta SAM. It contains information applicable to all calls issued under the BAA and provide information on the overall program, proposal preparation and submission requirements, proposal review and evaluation criteria, award administration, agency contacts, etc. If there is conflicting information, this call for white paper and instructions contained herein takes precedent over the BAA.

Rules & Expectations