58--RFI for Mobile Communications Device SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO

The U.S. Army PEO-EIS Technology Applications Office is requesting information from responsible sources and commercial agencies to address possible near-term development and acquisition initiatives to deliver a mobile communications device SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO. The base concept of the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO is to provide the following simultaneous capabilities in a single hand held form factor: legacy single-channel narrow-band Type I encrypted LOS/BLOS communications; Type I encrypted LOS wide-band networking/MANET; and the ability to receive and distribute Type I encrypted video, imagery and telemetry from national and SOF-unique ISR assets. The SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO shall interface with a small computing device (SCD) running the Android Operating System. The intent for the SCD is to provide the following capabilities: programming and control of the RF device; viewing full motion video (Standard Definition and High Definition); integrating situational awareness/battle space awareness/common operating picture data received by the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO onto electronic map overlays; provide chatting/texting/white boarding via the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO; and IP data exchange/interface with the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO. The SCD may be a combination of GFE/CFE COTS or GOTS equipment. Communications capabilities inherent to the SCD (i.e. cellular) will not be incorporated into this effort. The ability to verifiably disable all communications capabilities inherent to the SCD is desirable and should be addressed by responding parties. Key Attributes. The following depicts the desired attributes for the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO. 1. Overview. The SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO will provide secure simultaneous legacy narrowband communications, mobile ad hoc networking (MANET), and Line-of-site (LOS) ISR-receive capabilities to the user. The envisioned CONOP is for an individual to operate on 1ea legacy narrowband communications net (voice or data), 1ea intra-team voice net via the MANET waveform, 1ea data/IP network via the MANET waveform, and receive 1ea LOS ISR feed in a tactical infrastructure-less environment. The SOF user's desire is to function from an Android-based device allowing the RF device to be remotely controlled and utilized, however, the user must have the ability to configure and control the RF device via front panel screen and keypad. Users should have the ability to power off, or temporarily suspend, any of the capabilities not needed based on the mission in order to conserve battery power, lower RF spectrum presence, etc. 2. Legacy Narrowband. All narrowband capabilities currently available in SOF-version handheld radios are desired and must include secure voice and packetized data capabilities. Potential enhancements to legacy capabilities while maintaining backwards compatibility is also desirable (e.g. LPI/LPD across all operating frequency bands). Legacy narrowband communications shall be encrypted via NSA-approved Type I encryption methods. 3. Wideband/MANET. The MANET solution shall be incorporated into the hand held device and be available to the user simultaneously, or selectively at the users discretion, with the legacy narrowband capability. Users will have the ability to connect an Android-based small computing device capable of receiving unicast and multicast IP traffic in order to display situational awareness while simultaneously communicating via legacy narrowband methods. Initial user surveys for data throughput rates indicate an expectation of approximately 2Mbps on average for user information (i.e. not including overhead, etc.). The MANET solution should address mesh and string-of-pearls topologies as well as a combination of each (e.g. 5 devices meshed; 1 device connected to the mesh via multiple hops/relays). Performance in restricted propagation environments and multipath environments should also be considered for the MANET solution. The minimally acceptable encryption method for the MANET capability is commercial 256-bit AES. NSA-approved Type I and Suite B encryption is the desired end state for the MANET; however, this may be addressed as an incremental development process. a. The following areas should be specifically addressed in the response in reference to the proposed MANET technical solution: i. Total number of nodes allowed to participate simultaneously within the MANET ii. Total number of hops/relays that can be achieved iii. Expected distance achievable point-to-point and end-to-end via hops/relay iv. Estimated user-data throughput for each of the areas above in both benign and RF-challenged environments. v. Current method of encryption. If not NSA Type I, a roadmap depicting the level of effort required to implement NSA Type I encryption. b. MANET solutions currently available of particular interest to the Government are: i. Wave Relay from Persistent Systems, LLC. ii. ANW2 from Harris Corporation iii. TopX from TrellisWare Technologies, Inc. 4. ISR Receive. SOF users require the ability to receive ISR feeds, consisting of still and motion imagery (Standard Definition and High Definition), directly from national and SOF-unique ISR assets via LOS communications (unencrypted as well as Type I encrypted via KGV-135A encryption module). The SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO shall be able to receive the LOS ISR feeds and simultaneously distribute the feeds utilizing the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO's MANET capability. It is envisioned that SOF users will require approximately 25% of the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIOs on the battlefield to possess the direct LOS ISR receive capability. For purposes of cost effectiveness and SWaP considerations, technical solutions providing this capability may follow one of two approaches: a. Capability integrated into the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO. b. Capability provided via a separate attached device. 5. Android Device Interface. The SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO shall be able to interface with an Android computing device. The Android computing device may require interfaces providing IP, serial, USB/USB "On the Go", or other protocols as determined to meet the desired functionality of the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO concept. The intent is for the end users to be able to select their own preference of Android device in addition to a "packaged solution" (i.e. users have the option to include vendor-provided Android device or utilize GFE Android devices and installing vendor-provided applications as required). NOTE: Capabilities listed below annotated with an "*" shall be provided by the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) application. ATAK is a government-owned mapping application that provides multiple APIs for integration. Tasks annotated with "*" are listed to assist in determining protocol and interface requirements. a. Users should be able to perform the following tasks via the Android computing device (not all inclusive but end-user specified as desired): i. Configure/program/operate the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO to include placing the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO in standby or sleep/suspend mode ii. View video* received by the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO iii. Overlay real time SA/BFT/PLI onto a digital map* received by the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO iv. Send/receive text messages*; point-to-point or broadcast v. Share map overlays, routes, drawings, etc. with other users via the MANET provided by the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO vi. Place the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO in silent audio mode and view "closed-caption" text of voice transmissions received via the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO vii. Send text messages utilizing a voice-to-text mechanism (e.g. user speaks into the Android device and the audio is converted to text and transmitted via the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO) viii. Capture real-time video and simultaneously distribute the video via the MANET provided by the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO; point-to-point or broadcast ix. Utilize GPS inputs from either the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO or other external GPS devices 6. Additional Interface Requirements. Responses should also address technical solution proposals for interfacing the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO with the required ancillary functions listed below. Ultimately, users require alleviating as many hardwire connections as possible. Wireless connectivity is desired; however, the technical solution for wireless connectivity must consider the ability to obtain NSA approval for SECRET and below traffic/information. a. Dual-net audio. The user shall be able to receive audio on two voice nets simultaneously (1 x net via legacy NB, 1 x net via MANET voice). Users shall have the ability to selectively transmit on either net or both nets simultaneously. b. COMSEC fill. Users shall be able to load COMSEC cryptographic key material via hardwire interface with the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO. c. GPS. Users shall be able to connect to external GPS devices. 7. Environmental Considerations. The SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO will be utilized in extreme environmental conditions. Functionality of the device is expected as typically required for military tactical radios. The following attributes provide specific areas of concern based upon the conditions the device will be routinely exposed to by the end user. a. The following attributes are required and shall be verified utilizing test methods prescribed in MIL-STD-810G dated 31 October 2008. Each attribute listed below is an operational requirement (i.e. device is expected to be fully functional as designed in said conditions): i. Temperature: -30o to 60o Celsius ii. Altitude: 30,000 feet above MSL iii. Temperature Shock: Rapid transition from above stated low to high, and vice versa (e.g. military freefall operations). iv. Humidity: 95% RH under conditions specified for High Humidity, Constant Temperature, Cycle B1 of MIL-STD-810G v. Immersion: 1. Standard variant device: 2m for 1 hour 2. Maritime variant/option: 20m for 2 hours b. The list below depicts desirable attributes that are environmentally related: i. Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible display/keys ii. Able to perform basic tasks (e.g. change channels, volume control) while wearing cold weather or NBC protective gloves iii. Blackout capability (i.e. disable any background lighting/screen lighting) Companies having capabilities relevant to the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO are requested to provide information on systems and subsystems that could potentially support the SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO solution. Specific information should include: (1) short description of the capability of your company; (2) description of company's product line, experience, and/or capability of providing equipment with the key attributes listed in the description above; (3) status of capability, i.e., in development, operational; (4) technology readiness level (TRL) using the definitions in the July 2009 DoD Technology Readiness Assessment Handbook, with rationale; (5) source of capability; (6) current military and/or commercial users; (7) availability (when deliveries are projected); and (8) commercial price list and/or rough order of magnitude (ROM) remaining development costs and schedule. The Capability package must be clear, concise, complete and shall also include (in additional to the technical aspects above), at a minimum; 1) Identify their organization's name, address, telephone number, and point of contact (also with title, phone, fax, and email) on packaging and title pages (The organization name should appear clearly on every page of your submittal and proprietary information must also be clearly marked.); 2) Organization Size/ownership of business, i.e. large, small, small disadvantaged, 8(a), Disabled-Veteran, Veteran, Women-owned Business, and Hub-zone; 3) Number of years in business; 4) Cage Code, DUNS# and Tax ID# (TIN#); 5) Company profile: number of employees, annual sales history, locations and if CCR registered.; 6) Identify if you are a GSA Schedule holders; 7) Affiliate contractor (if potential sub) or subcontractors (if potential prime); 8) Experience and familiarity with providing the requested equipment; and 9) Contract references in the past five (5) years relevant to the requirement to include: contract number, agency supported, whether or not you were the prime or subcontractor, period of performance, original contract value, final or current contract value, technical monitor and phone/fax number, POC with current phone/fax number, and a brief description of the effort. In addition, all responses should be unclassified and marked appropriately to ensure consideration of operational sensitivities (e.g., STINFO). The information received WILL NOT obligate the Government in any manner nor will the Government reimburse companies for any costs associated with submittal of this RFI. This RFI does not constitute an Invitation for Bid or a Request for Proposals, nor should it be considered as a commitment on the part of the Government. Any information obtained as a result of this RFI is intended to be used by the Government on a non-attribution basis for SOF-NEXTGEN-RADIO program planning and acquisition strategy development. By submitting information in response to this RFI, respondents consent to the release and dissemination of submitted information to any Government or non-Government entity to which PEO-EIS TAO releases and/or disseminates the information for review. As such, to the extent that any information submitted in response to this RFI is marked as, or construed to be proprietary or business-sensitive, respondents are hereby notified (a) about the potential that such information may be disclosed to third parties and (b) that submission of information in response to this RFI constitutes consent to such handling and disclosure of submitted information. NO phone calls and/or request for a Solicitation will be accepted or acknowledged. Company Brochures are NOT desired. The North American Industries Classification System (NAICS) code for this project is 334220 with a Small Business Size Standard of 750 Employees. Technical questions regarding this RFI should be directed to Ms. Janine Kerns, 301-619-1724, or [email protected], or mailed to PEO, EIS, Technology Applications Office, ATTN: SFAE-PS-F-TAC (Janine Kerns), 1671 Nelson Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5044. The Government requests responses to this RFI submitted NO LATER THAN 21 JUN 2012. Please limit responses to no more than 20 pages, single spaced. Marketing material are not a sufficient response to the RFI. The responses should be in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) or compatible with Microsoft Office 2007. Please submit your responses via email to: Ms. Janine Kerns at [email protected].