Request for Information - Problem Statement for Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) in support of NGC2

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

DISCLAIMER

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) NOTICE ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL, QUOTE, OR BID. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT FROM THIS RFI. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS RFI.  ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS TO THIS RFI IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.

INTRODUCTION

Problem Statement for Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA): The Army is seeking industry feedback to inform requirements for MOSA solutions in support of Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2). Today, the Army lacks the ability to rapidly integrate emerging C2 hardware and software capabilities into its ground combat and aviation platforms at the speed of technology to gain and maintain decisive overmatch. The operating environment dictates that the Army integrate these technologies faster than its adversaries to create more lethal, mobile, and survivable formations that can defeat near-peer adversaries now and in the future.  While existing standards such as C5ISR/EW Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) aim to address this problem statement, this request for feedback is intended to be wholly unrestrictive in problem set and solution space identification.  

The Army’s key focus areas include the need for unambiguous, industry-driven standards to unlock rapid innovation, an acquisition structure that is optimized for end-to-end performance, a rapid and open certification process for safety and security and extending quick-install methods to the exterior of our platforms that make antenna installation as simple as card replacement. The Army’s primary goal working with industry in this space is aligning to the natural tech refresh cycle of component technology, rather than to a resource-constrained capability set or block fielding strategy.

The Army seeks feedback in the following areas:

1. Unambiguous, industry-driven standards to unlock rapid innovation. The Army aims for a level of standardization that facilitates ease and speed of integration without constraining innovation. Are we at that point with our current MOSA standards, or too far toward compliance (stifling innovation), or too vague where different interpretations can drive incompatibility? Are we best leveraging industry-driven standards versus government-driven?
    
2. An acquisition structure that is optimized for end-to-end performance. The Army aims for a buying model for modular components that is optimized for both individual component procurement and end-to-end performance verification. What level of information does industry require to enable their understanding of other components and installation details to have assurance that their capability can be easily integrated?
    
3. A rapid and open certification process for safety and security. The Army aims to deliver solutions that comply with safety and security considerations without undue lengthy and bureaucratic processes. How significantly do process constraints in these areas affect your ability to meet other requirements?  Do our current MOSA standards make this process easier or harder?
    
4. Extending quick-install methods to the exterior of our platforms to make antenna installation as simple as card replacement. The Army aims to enable rapid, in-the-field, Soldier-executed mission configuration without invasive modification to host vehicles while maintaining combat readiness. Is the Army sufficiently addressing MOSA standards and methods for “non-chassis” type installs?
    
5. The Army’s primary goal working with industry in this space is aligning to the natural tech refresh cycle of component technology, rather than to a resource-constrained capability set or block fielding strategy. Is the Army doing anything that takes the commercial-based technology we integrate off its commercial-based refresh track and rates when we constrain it to our standards?

Answers to the questions should be clear and precise, therefore submissions are limited to no more than 2 pages.

Vendors can respond to any or all of the areas listed above.

Vendors who wish to respond to this notice should send their response via email no later than 30 June 2025, 10a.m. Eastern time to:
 

Jeffrey.a.schoerner.civ@army.mil

Jason.M.Dirner.civ@army.mil

ryan.j.nolan6.mil@army.mil