SPECIAL NOTICE
58 -- Air to Ground Radio - Request for Information (RFI) - RFI with Table 1 Attachment
- Notice Date
- 10/22/2018
- Notice Type
- Special Notice
- NAICS
- 334220
— Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Army, Army Contracting Command, ACC - APG (W15P7T) Division B, 6565 Surveillance Loop, Building 6001, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, 21005-1846, United States
- ZIP Code
- 21005-1846
- Solicitation Number
- W15P7T19R0003
- Point of Contact
- Lee ALEXIS, Phone: 4438614965, Brian Bosmans, Phone: 4438614972
- E-Mail Address
-
Lee.Alexis.civ@mail.mil, Brian.c.Bosmans.civ@mail.mil
(Lee.Alexis.civ@mail.mil, Brian.c.Bosmans.civ@mail.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- RFI with Table 1 Attachment The Project Manager for Tactical Radios (PM TR) seeks industry interest regarding availability of representative multi-channel radios to meet Air to Ground (A2G) communications requirements supporting Army Aviation platforms (e.g., AH-64, UH-60, CH-47, MQ-1C). The goals of the A2G radio are to accomplish having unified secure network transport and to support aviation users in a deployed tactical force network. Of interest are A2G radios currently under development by industry under Research and Development (RAD) efforts, or other efforts that can be quickly adapted to aviation use. Product Manager for Hand-Held LINK-16, Air to Ground, Multi-role, MIDS, Radios (PdM HAMMR) is interested in responses for products that can be delivered in production quantities that satisfy functional and performance requirements. Delivery of production representative radios at the earliest possible date is desirable. If there are dependencies upon Government sponsorship to support certification activities, PdM HAMMR may consider requests for sponsorship independently from requests to provide Government funding. The PdM HAMMR expects to conduct a Section 804 acquisition for rapid prototyping and initial production quantities, and anticipates release of a Statement of Intent no later than 1QFY20. PdM HAMMR expects responses from vendors approximately 60 days later; and the government will review and select up to four (4) candidates for radio testing and evaluation. It is expected the vendor will provide and support the radios at vendor expense. Test setup and testing will commence 30 days after selection. After testing, conducted over six (6) months after receipt of hardware, PdM will execute a down-select to one vendor. Following a final single radio selection, PdM HAMMR requires production representative hardware delivery of up to 40 sets for qualification and verification testing. Additionally, we are expecting delivery of up to 125 sets to begin aviation platform integration efforts. The Government will use responses to this RFI to refine requirements, therefore, we urge respondents not to self-eliminate if a requirement or some aspect of a requirement is not met; rather we encourage you to respond to the RFI with an explanation of why you think your offering is still acceptable (for example, a requirement is unnecessary or overly restrictive, drives cost or SWaP, will be met with growth, or other reasons). The requirements include but are not limited to the following: internal growth capability, modes/capability configuration/reconfiguration via software, multi-channel route and retransmit, waveform support, channel simultaneity, scalable networking, and Operational Availability. Test activities will be determined before the draft Request for Proposal (RFP) is released for consideration, but may include assessments of contractor laboratory facilities, on-site assessments of technical demonstrations (Waveforms, requirements, Manufacturing Readiness Levels), manpower, stress testing, size and power evaluation, interoperability with network management and key loaders, interoperability with other tactical radios and evaluation of technology readiness levels (TRLs). The expected total quantity of radios to be procured has not yet been finalized due to Service budget and force priorities but is expected to be in excess of 2,500 radios. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes - it does not promise a statement of intent or constitute an RFP or a promise to issue either in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Government is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in responding to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested parties' expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if issued. If a Statement of Intent or RFP is released, it will be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOps) website. It is the responsibility of the potential responder to monitor this site for additional information pertaining to this requirement. Description The A2G multiple channel radio is a near term capability that will address multiple capability gaps within the Aviation community, the most significant being a data communications capability with ground forces. This radio is intended as a multi-channel, software-defined, National Security Agency (NSA) Type 1 networking radio providing real-time communications in a dynamic combat environment. The radio must be able to support the latest Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio System (SINCGARS) waveform on one channel and the ability to host an Advanced Networking Waveform (ANWf) on the other channel(s), offering the users both a voice and data networking capability on Army Aviation platforms, and is backwards compatible with legacy SINCGARS (e.g. ARC-201D, RT-1523). The Army is currently undergoing an architectural review and approval for the required ANWf(s) to reside on new procurement radios. Requirements Overview Multiple independent channels running independent waveforms, RF, audio/data and encryption, capable of simultaneous participation in both tactical voice and data networks providing line of site (LOS) airborne and air-to-ground communications Priority waveforms: a)SINCGARS with cryptographic modernization b)Advanced Networking Waveform (ANWf) Multiple independent levels of security: a)Type 1 and Type 2 encryption b)SBU/CUI and SECRET c)Capable of Plain text (voice only) Radio Frequency Bands: a)VHF and UHF 30-88 MHz and 112-225 MHz for narrowband waveforms b)One channel dedicated to military UHF (<1250 MHz), L-Band (1250 - 2000 MHz), and S-Band (2000-2600 MHz) for narrowband and wideband waveforms c)Ideal channel operation will accept any waveform operating from 30-2600MHz with limitations imparted only by physical limitations of the Radio Frequency Distribution chain (cabling, filters, amplifiers, antennas etc) Certifications and Accreditations: a)Waveform Software Conformance Testing/Joint Interoperability Test Command (JITC) Certification b)National Security Agency (NSA) Type 1 Certification c)Risk Management Framework (RMF) Certification and Accreditations (for the A2G vendor provided components (e.g. radio, power amp)) d)Airworthiness Certification Additional Security Criteria: System designs which employ software configurable cryptographic engines and is capable of hosting software-defined Cryptographic Equipment Algorithms (CEA) and networking waveform Communications Security (COMSEC)/ Transmission Security (TRANSEC) algorithms are more desirable. Embedded cryptographic capability should not be a limiting factor. It is desired that the A2G be capable of certified operation with different classification levels assigned to each channel. Key loading capability must include current force devices such as the Simple Key Loader (SKL) and Over-the-air-rekey. Components capable of being handled and transported as unclassified Controlled Cryptographic Items (CCI) will receive preference as these will facilitate supportability within the current logistical infrastructure. Proposed solutions must have a cryptographic architecture compliant with NSA Management Directive 237 Number 10 (MD-10). Integration Requirements. A2G solutions must meet platform integration characteristics of currently fielded radio systems including physical attributes, reliability and durability, performance and features of current capabilities, interfaces, and be able to maintain high-performance capabilities while exposed to environmental extremes. Additional capabilities driven by the networking waveforms include extensive Internet Protocol (IP) networking features, robust Information Assurance (IA) including platform network authentication and security, software upgradability in the field, and interoperability with all other networking waveform radios being fielded by the DoD. a)Capability Integration. Capability Integration. Respondents should present innovative solutions such as utilization of a family/combination of radios instead of using a single product to achieve necessary capabilities; and to meet all requirements and platform types (e.g. a separate radio may be able to host Link 16, Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)). Respondents are invited to present innovative solutions. b)SINCGARS/Networking Waveform Objective Configuration: Due to platform installation and space constraints on manned and unmanned aircraft, A2G will replace existing radio systems to add new networking capabilities. Replacement systems must have all of the capabilities of radio(s) they replace. Configuration flexibility is key. For example one channel of the A2G Set (including power amplifier) could be configured for SINCGARS with the second channel (including power amplifier) configured to support multiple waveforms. To retain maximum flexibility for other applications, it is desirable that each channel of the A2G is capable of being configured for any supported waveform. The SINCGARS waveform is expected to provide all legacy modes, features, performance and services of the existing ARC-201D (exceptions may be taken for packet, and serial data rates 600bps and below). c)Physical Installation Constraints. Installation dimensions of the multi-channel A2G must be nearly identical to those of currently deployed radio sets such as the RT-1478D(C)/ARC-201D(V) and ARC-231. Example installations could comprise a two-channel A2G set that would fit within the installation space currently occupied by a RT-1478D(C)/ARC-201D(V) radio and two channels of power amplification that would fit within the SINCGARS AM-7189A/ARC existing power amplifier location. d)Environmental, including Shock, Vibration, and Gunfire. Relevant performance capabilities across the envelope of Army Aviation platform environmental conditions are specified in MIL-STD-810G and AVNS-PRF-10758. e)Electromagnetic Interference (EMI). When transmitting, the A2G Set must have control features which can be used to prevent its emissions from degrading the performance of other Radio Frequency (RF) systems on the platform. Applicable EMI requirements are described in MIL-STD-461F, as modified by ADS-37A-PRF. f)Platform Power. Due to the scope of platforms requiring this radio, it is desired that the A2G set with required ancillary devices be capable of meeting the worst-case full performance requirements over the normal operation power characteristics described in MIL-STD-704 inclusive of versions A through F and maintaining operability under all specified abnormal operation power conditions. Use MIL-HDBK-704-8 (28 VDC sections) as a test guide. Reliability. A2G set reliability requirements are identified in terms of channel hardware mean time between failure (MTBF) and channel software MTBF. It is desired that the A2G set has demonstrated quantifiable reliability via formal reliability testing and in field use. It is also desired that the quantified A2G set reliability be translated to hardware and software channel MTBF values. Respondents are requested to include responses to the following outlined questions with supporting documentation along with their response to this RFI Questionnaire. All data received in response to this RFI marked or designated as proprietary will be fully protected from release outside the Government. 1.Table 1 (attached) lists capabilities the Government desires within the A2G radio. Please indicate when these capabilities will be available within your solution using the following key: 1) available now or within a year from now, 2) available in a future increment (provide estimate for when), or 3) not on your current roadmap. 2.For the capabilities you identified as available in a future increment in question 1 above, in the notes of Table 1 please describe the technical challenges preventing you from providing those capabilities within the current increment. 3.If selected, could you provide 7 radios (and ancillaries) for capability testing within 30 days of notification? If no, what is the lead time to provide 7 radios (and ancillaries) for capability testing? 4.What is your projected maximum production rate per month and how quickly will it take to ramp up to this production capacity? 5.What is the expected quantity range tables typically used by your company? 6.What test equipment, tools, test software and/or analysis methodologies do you use to verify Built In Test (BIT) detection and isolation? Please describe your test and analysis methodologies in detail. 7.Please describe any testing you have conducted on your proposed A2G solution (e.g., Environmental, Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3), EMI/EMC, interoperability, performance). 8.For the ANWf waveform listed in Table 1 Army ground units are considering TrellisWare's Tactical Scalable MANET (TSMTM) waveform as a possible solution. Have you ported TSM to your proposed solution? If so, which version? What is your update process if you are not at the current version? If you have not ported TSM, do you have an offering that could be considered an advanced networking waveform and if so, could you provide an overview? 9.The Army would appreciate a brief description of your approach to software/waveform updates and integration of new capabilities. a.Would you provide upgrade to the waveforms at no cost to the government and for how many upgrades would that be? b.What is the typical timeframe for your company to port a new waveform onto an SDR radio? c.What is your approach to porting new waveforms onto your product? d.What capabilities and limitations within your product's current architecture would impact your ability to port waveforms from different sources (e.g., government owned, third party/COTS)? 10.The Army would like to establish government organic Hardware and Software sustainment to the greatest extent possible. a.What is your company familiarization with establishing organic repair capabilities at government facilities such as a government depot? b.What is your company's experience/familiarizations with facilitating a government depot? c.Do you have established/proven Technical Data Package and Intellectual Property licensing strategies for Hardware/Software required to support organic sustainment? To what degree would you provide one of the following: unlimited rights, Government purpose rights, limited rights? d.To what percent are you willing to support government organic repair/sustainment support? e. What is your experience with establishing and executing a Private Public Partnership with a government? f. What is your ability to support Government supply provisioning/cataloging? 11.What is the longest duration your company is willing to provide a Failure Free warranty? What are the terms and conditions of the warranty? a.Are there options for the Government to purchase extended warranties? 12.What is your process for addressing obsolescence issues for fielded systems and spare parts? 13.What is the expected sparing strategy to support the 96% system availability rate? 14.What is your projected/current repair cycle time for in warranty repairs? 15.Provide Manufacturing/production capability/capacity (how many radios can be delivered to the Government per month). 16.Provide costs/quantity cost range tables for the prototypes and production assets (Reference: Government currently uses cost points at 1-25, 26-50, 51-100, 100+ for similar product.). 17.What interfaces does your radio (data, voice, control, status, RT to PA, PA to Antenna) use? Briefly describe each one. Address similarity or differences to those of currently developed radio sets such as the RT-1478D(C)/ARC-201D(V) and ARC-231. Indicate if an ICD is available, and what aspects of the interface is described (physical, electrical, signals, etc.) and its completeness 18.Identify any shortfalls your product may have to Environmental Requirements, including Shock, Vibration, and Gunfire, as described above in the requirements overview above. Note: shortfalls that may reduce cost or SWaP may be acceptable with sufficient justification. 19. Briefly describe how an Other Transaction for a Prototype Project with your company would enhance mission effectiveness of military personnel in the description and requirements sections outlined above. 20.What would be your company's recommended nature of the potential Other Transaction Agreement (i.e. expenditure based, fix amount, or a hybrid)? 21.In performance of a potential Other Transaction for a Prototype Project, does your company anticipate significant nontraditional defense contractor participation in the prototype project? If not, will your company be willing to share the cost of the prototype project? 22.Provide the following information: a.Company Name b.Address c.CAGE d.DUNS e.Point(s) of Contact (POC) f.Indicate status as a traditional or nontraditional defense contractor (see 10 USC 2371(b) and 10 USC 2302(9)) 23.All responses to this RFI shall be submitted NLT Noon, EST on 13 November 2018.
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