JRE_Q&A,_11-17.docx

Assumptions:

· It appears from the RFP that installation is required only on the three vessels, as CLIN0003 only calls for a quantity of 3 for the LSVs. Is this correct? Yes. No installation required (software should be preloaded on laptops) for 3 laptops going into HQ buildings. They will connect via IP

· The RFP calls for Link 16 terminals (TTR or equivalent) only on CLIN0001 for the vessels. Do you already have a terminal or terminals on shore? If so, where and what type? A system architectural diagram would be helpful to ensure we do not provide for equipment/materials you do not require, but also to ensure you are delivered what you need for a successful program. It seems strange that you require antennas and waveguide for the shore sites, but no terminals. If you already have an operational Link 16 terminal, we would assume you already have both a link 16 and GPS antenna, pulse shaper, and all of the cabling necessary for the terminal. Under those circumstances, you would only require the Laptop with system software. Is this correct? The Shore terminals will connect via IP and should not require any additional cabling, or antennas. The three shore systems will tie into a server to pull the connection feed. We do not have an operational Link 16 Terminal and the vessels on CLIN 0001 require the TTR for transport and all other accessories i.e. GPS antenna, cabling etc. to establish a connection to the Link 16 network.

· If the above is not relevant, we assume that for shore based sites you only require the laptop loaded with software, which will be connected to existing base infrastructure LAN/WAN and will accomplish data exchange via IP connection using SATCOM. In this case, no other equipment is required…Correct? Correct, but the connection will primarily use Fiber/Copper and SATCOM as backup.

· As no specification is provided, TCG assumes the government has no requirement for specific antennas. Correct. No specific requirement

· The government will provide, if necessary, any security measures and crypto devices necessary to support installation/operational requirements. Correct

· Equipment and Antennas will be installed in/on pre-existing locations designated by the government. Antenna installation assumes any required support structures, including masts, are already in place. Antenna installation height is not expected to exceed 10 meters above ground/deck. Contractors will install all antennas needed to establish connection to link 16 network. Antennas can be mounted in the best location for optimal performance as long as the antennas do not interfere with any systems currently in place or hinder the maneuvering capability of the vessel.

· As no specification is provided, TCG will provide Link 16 antennas with up to 150 feet of LMR 600 cable each…Acceptable? The cable will need to reach from the communication closet in the bridge of the vessel to the where ever the contractor deems is the best place to mount the Link 16 Antenna. A site survey from the contractor is recommended and will help with determining he cable length needed.

· As no specification is provided, TCG will provide GPS antennas with up to 100 feet of LMR 400 cable each…Acceptable? The cable will need to reach from the communication closet in the bridge of the vessel to the where ever the contractor deems is the best place to mount the GPS antenna. A site survey from the contractor is recommended and will help with determining he cable length needed.

· The government will support systems installation by allowing free access to work areas, provide sufficient space, and provide any facility and ship modifications necessary to accommodate successful installation. Contractors will not remove any antennas currently installed on vessel or make any structural changes. Contractors will need to ensure TTR can be installed securely in the Communications closet on the bridge. Communications room is small but has enough room to install TTR and connect GPS and Antenna cables. Site survey is recommended to verify space requirements.

· The government will ensure adequate power is available within 3 feet of the intended installation location (115v, 60hz standard grounded outlet rated for 15 Amps). We will ensure adequate power is within 6 feet install location.

· Systems installed under this contract are stand-alone and not integrated with any other land based or shipboard systems. No Issues

· TCG will procure the TTR terminals as required by the RFP, but they will be shipped directly from the OEM, DLS, to the designated government COMSEC account, presumably on or close to the installation location in Hawaii. Terminals will subsequently be provided to TCG for installation into the TCG Terminal Housing Cases at the installation location(s). Terminal custody remains with the government COMSEC custodians or their designated government representatives.

· TTR terminals will be provided with the standard vendor warranty. Warranty or other terminal issues will be handled via direct government to OEM contact. TCG will help facilitate issue resolution where possible. NO Issues

· Approval for Authority to Operate (ATO) is an inherently government DAA function. No contractor, including TCG, can deliver a system that has an approved ATO for your platforms for your installation/operations. What we can attest to is that TCG has numerous systems currently operating at the SECRET level in multiple government Link 16 networks around the world in support U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Army operations, as well as the military forces of Five Eyes, NATO, PFP, and other coalition partner nations. We are also on the Air Force Evaluated/Approved Product List and currently have systems operating on SIPRNET.

· As previously explained, we do not believe the stated requirement for JITC certified JREAP A/B/C is valid for RFP purposes. TCG understands the government will want/need both ATO and JITC certification once installation is completed and assumes the Army, perhaps through PACOM to the Joint Staff, will schedule JITC SCT/JIT appropriate testing at that time. TCG systems are already, as previously explained, operational at the classified level using JREAP A and C, and Serial J. While we have not implemented JREAP B, Serial J provides the same capability, is more stable, and has a higher throughput than JREAP-B. Other systems, including JRE, operate on and are interoperable with our systems using serial J. We will not schedule any testing. Product should be ready for deployment on government network upon completion of installation. There is no stated requirement for JITIC certified JREAP A/B/C. Contractors can provide whatever JTIC certifications they have with their bid.

· For shipboard installations, should we assume 3 separate installations in order to install in accordance with ship schedules, or will the government establish a window of installation when all ships are in port at the same time. We will try to get all three vessels completed together. If this cannot happen we will need to schedule separate installations.