A13 - Questions and Government Responses to NGH Solicitation Amendment 3.docx

Questions and Government Responses to NGH Solicitation W91CRB-20-R-0003 Amendment 3 Attachment: Q&A; Version B:

1) Contractor Question: The DD254 states the requirement for a COMSEC account. This seems like it would not apply to the hub, but maybe to the overall system. What is the reason that a COMSEC account is required for production of the Next Generation Hub?

Government Response: The COMSEC requirement is in support of requirements to conduct operational verification with a full Nett Warrior system. Some radios are handled via COMEC regardless of classification of cryptologic materials used.

2) Contractor Question: Is there any restriction on Foreign Entities as subcontractors or place of manufacture?

Government Response: Foreign entities will not be allowed access to the NW system as part of the qualification. They will not be allowed access to COMSEC equipment. Offeror will need to explain how they plan to execute the program and meet all the requirements in relation to this if they are including Foreign Entities as subcontractors or places of manufacturing.

3) Contractor Question: Could you share or point us in the direction of the ISW Protocol Specification? It was not referenced in the reference document section.

Government Response: The reference document has been changed to ISW Embedment Guide and attached per Amendment two to this solicitation..

4) Contractor Question: The link for referenced documents did not work: Caution-http://www.redstone.army.mil/amrdec/sepd/tdmd/Documents/ADS37APRF.pdf < Caution-http://www.redstone.army.mil/amrdec/sepd/tdmd/Documents/ADS37APRF.pdf > ;is there another way to obtain these?

Government Response: Document list has been updated per revised Performance Specs “A01” uploaded per Amendment two.

5) Contractor Question: What is the planned award timeframe (target quarter of FY20 or FY21)?

Government Response: Target is 1QFY21

6) Contractor Question: In regards to the subject solicitation, would it be possible to receive the following documents?

· SUP-PSM-ICD-06142018

· Small Unit Power (SUP) Power Systems Messaging (PSM) Interface Control Document (SUP-PSM-ICD) Revision 4.7 (Available from PM SWAR SS&I)

· ISPDS-C_EUD_V3_1

· ISPDS-C to EUD Communications Interface Control Document

· ISW Protocol Specification

· Per section 3.3.2.9 Intra Soldier Wireless (Objective)

Government Response: SUP-PSM-ICD-06122018 has been superseded by ISPDS-C_EUD_V3_1 (A11). ISW Protocol Specification has been changed to A12 - ISW Embedment Guide. A01 – Performance Specification updated to reflect these changes.

7) Contractor Question: While the first paragraph of Section C.2.5 states (in part) that: “The Government considers … information and documents handled or generated in conjunction with this acquisition to be Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU)…”, the second paragraph of Section C.2.5 of the Solicitation (Security requirement) states (in part) that: “Following contract award, the awardee will be required to complete a DD254 Form.”

It is our understanding that FORM DD254 is required ONLY IF the Solicitation involves access to classified information. If this assumption is accurate, we don’t believe FORM DD254 is required for this Solicitation. Please confirm.

However, if this assumption is not accurate and DD254 is required for Sensitive but Unclassified information handled or generated under this Solicitation, please provide a copy of CNSSI 4005 referenced in Section 13 of FORM DD254 (as well as any other requirements applicable to SBUs) so we can review and properly respond to your Solicitation. Please advise.

Government Response: An approved DD-254 is required to receive GFE NW Equipment to include Tactical Radios and key devices. Tactical Radios, and associated key fill devices and materials, are Controlled Cryptographic Items and must be protected under COMSEC provisions (as detailed in box 13 of DD-254). Verification of proper performance of the NGH during FAT is conducted with a full Nett Warrior system which will include a military tactical radio. The Government is looking into the potential release of CNSSI 4005 and will make an additional amendment once that is determined.

8) Contractor Question: We are requesting a 30 day extension to the deadline of May 5, 2020. With the ongoing Covid 19 situation and the state wide stay at home order, it is having negative impacts on our schedule.

Government Response: Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, but offset somewhat by the myrid of on-line teaming / collaboration tools available to the general public, the Government is extending the submission data for proposals from the original 45 calendar days to 60 calendar days. The proposal due date is changing from 05/05/2020 to 05/20/2020 at 3:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST).

9) Contractor Question: What is defined as the hub in the xyz dimensional requirements? Could elements used to affix/secure the hub to the end user be excluded if they are attached to the hub housing?

Government Response: The dimensional requirements in 3.2.1.1 are defined for non-removable elements of the NGH. If the elements used to affix/secure to the body armor can be removed from the hub housing they are not included in dimensional requirements of 3.2.1.1. The elements used are still subject to requirements in 3.2.1.3, 3.2.1.4, 3.2.1.5, 3.2.3. and 3.4 and 3.5 of the Performance Specification.