14--Original Sources Sought Notice for the RFI Digital Data Links was published on 26 November 2007. Due to an influx of questions the RFI was extended until 29 January 2008.

Question # 1 - What is the maximum range of a single link? Government Response to Question # 1 - The maximum range and antenna gain of the system are classified. A preliminary link analysis of the system has been conducted. The link analysis was used to determine the RF sensitivity specified in the RFI. ?The DDL receiver shall be capable of receiving and decoding a signal with a Bit Error Rate (BER) of 10-6 when the RF input varies from 0 dBm to -95 dBm (assuming a nominal data rate of 500 kbps minimum) with an objective sensitivity of -102 dBm.? Question # 2 - How much power is available to the data link? Government Response to Question # 2 - The total power available is 450 watts. (From the current WDL specification) This includes a higher power amplifier. The power amplifier has not been determined but will likely be a class ?C? with 80-100 watts of output power. A detailed power budget has not been performed. (Power Amp 300 watts + interface cards 20 watts + Digital Link 130 watts) Question # 3 (2 Parts) - Concerning the requirement to maintain network connectivity in a radio silent mode, Question #3 (Part 1) - What is the definition of "radio silent mode"? Government Response to Question # 3 (Part 1) The data link will have RF emissions of less than -80 dBm (Goal) in the ?radio silent? mode. (From the current WDL specification standby mode) While in the ?radio silent? mode the data link will be capable of receiving a valid RF signal that commands it into the active mode. The data link shall acquire network connectivity and output a valid signal within 10 seconds maximum after receiving this RF signal. Question # 3 (Part 2) - What is the required time duration for maintaining network connectivity in radio silent mode? Government Response to Question # 3 (Part 2) Objective of 30 minutes. Question # 4 (2 Parts) - Concerning the requirement to support simultaneous connectivity between 10 node pairs in the same geographic area, Question # 4 (Part 1) - How do the node "pairs" relate to the CONOPS? Government Response to Question # 4 (Part 1) - The CONOPS is for a minimum of 10 Data Link Pods controlling 10 Weapons in the same geographic area on a non-interference basis. Each pod-weapon combination will be considered a node pair and require a minimum bit rate of 500 kbps. Ten node pairs may require 10 independent full data rate channels. Question # 4 (Part 2) - If a full mesh network is considered, is the maximum number of nodes in the network 10 or 20? Government Response to Question # 4 (Part 2) - The minimum number of nodes is 20. Question # 5 - Acquisition Strategy - how does this RFI/Technology survey fit into a notional acquisition strategy? What are you going to do with the data you receive? Will there be a down select as a result of this RFI? Do you envision a future RFP? If so when might that occur? Government Response to Question # 5 - We are surveying industry to determine the existing state of digital data links. After a thorough review of the responses, additional information and potentially demonstration hardware may be requested from some if not all of the respondents. A future RFP is possible, with the timeframe in the next 1-2 years. Question # 6 - The RFI refers to RF DDL RF Retrofit. Is this program not exploring new waveforms for the SLAM-ER WDL? Government Response to Question # 6 - New waveforms will be considered. Question # 7 - If the DDL does reflect a SLAM-ER growth option, are you considering the forward (Command) link to be a minimum of 500 KB/s also? Government Response to Question # 7 - 500 kbps minimum is desired for bi-directional communication. Question # 8 - If this request is related to potential SLAM ER applications, why the apparent emphasis on network communications when the existing, proven CONOPS is for point to point communication pairs? Government Response to Question # 8 - Investigation of growth potential. NAICS Code =336414 Place of Performance = Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, California Set Aside Default is N/A =N/A