IP Enabled digital Rahttps://www.fbo.gov/index.php?s=procurement&mode=form&id=8c4ea009107ee44af94baf99edf3c0d8&tab=ntype&tabmode=list&=&_do_edit=1dio for HFGCS Ground System
IP-enabled digital radio for HFGCS ground system
Request for Information (RFI)
AFLCMC/HBDH Scope Command
High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS)
1. SPECIAL NOTICE:
THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION. THERE IS NO SOLICITATION AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. ANY REQUESTS FOR A SOLICITATION WILL NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE. This Request for Information (RFI) announcement, IAW Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) subpart 15.201(e), is for the purpose of conducting Market Research only on IP-enabled, software defined, digital radio replacement and integration for High Frequency Global Communication System (HFGCS) ground system radio RT2200 (v1/v2/v3). This is not a solicitation/request for proposal and no contract shall be resultant from this RFI. All responses, questions, and comments shall be sent to Ms. Schoronda Green's email schoronda.green@us.af.mil or address: AFLCMC/HBK 3001 Staff Drive STE 2AH/87A, Tinker AFB, OK 73145-3020. All responses should be received NLT close of business 23 August 2019. All questions and comments must be in writing. Telephone calls or in-person meetings are not permitted at this time. The Government will not pay for any information received in response to this request, nor will the Government compensate any responded for any cost incurred in developing the information provided to the Government. This RFI is being conducted by the United States Air Force to identify potential solutions to current HFGCS radio obsolescence issues.
The primary purpose of this RFI is for industry to identify a suitable replacement for the current HFGCS HF radio (RT2200) and to understand the following objective areas: (a) C4 interoperability with other DOD HF systems platforms, (b) system of systems architecture, (c) tactical and strategic networks interoperability, (d) software and hardware technologies compatible with HFGCS ground systems, (e) resiliency, and (f) information operations.
2. PURPOSE/DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENT:
This technical refresh of the High Frequency Global Communication System (HFGCS) ground system is due to obsolescence issues with current radios, modems and scanning receivers in the system architecture. Radios are located across 13 stations, 3 CONUS and 10 OCONUS. The attached document (HFGCS Program Information) details Current Program Information, Current Program Requirements, and Future Desired Capabilities.
The Government is seeking information to replace obsolete radios with an IP-enabled software defined digital capable radio. The radio MUST BE compatible with the current HFGCS ground system and interoperable with other DOD HF system platforms and organizations, such as: Senior Leader Communications Support (Mystic Star), U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC), U.S. State Departments, U.S. Navy, U.S. Combatant Commands (COCOMs), U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Nuclear Command, Control and Communications (NC3), U.S. Army Terrestrial, U.S. Coast Guard, and other HF users.
The proposed North American Industry Classification Systems (NAICS) Code is 541330. The Small Business Size Standard is $38.5 million. The Government is interested in all businesses to include, Large Business, Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Businesses 8(a)s, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, Hubzone Businesses, and Women-Owned Small Businesses, as well as SB Teams.
3. REQUIRED INFORMATION:
A complete response to this RFI requires submitting no more than a ten (10) page response (Not including Attachments), addressing all questions below- Times New Roman 12 font. The response shall include an Intro Tab, Main Response, and Attachments as applicable:
The contractor shall be able to integrate selected radios, which are compatible, interoperable and functional, with current HFGCS architecture. Further the contractor shall support the repair/overhaul/re-manufacture, test, preservation and packaging necessary to return completely serviceable unit(s) to the government.
3.1. Is your radio interoperable with existing Joint air, naval and ground forces for voice and data communications, in both plain text and encrypted modes of operation?
3.1.1. Please briefly explain how radio is compliant with MIL-STD-188-141C, MIL-STD-188-110C and incorporated MIL-STD and STANAGs.
3.1.1.1. Is there a plan to be compliant with MIL-STD-188-141D, MIL-STD-188-110D and incorporated MIL-STD and STANAGs?
3.1.2. If radio is not compliant with any of the above listed requirements, please briefly explain plan including timeframe required for compliance.
3.2. Does your radio deliver analog voice capability, to include the following modulation schemes?
3.2.1. Upper Sideband (USB)?
3.2.2. Lower Sideband (LSB)?
3.2.3. Amplitude Modulation Equivalent (AME)?
3.2.4. Continuous Wave (CW)?
3.3. Do you have any Teaming and Product agreements for your radios?
3.3.1. Please provide any anticipated teaming arrangements, along with a description of similar services provided to the Government and/or to commercial customers. NOTE: Any responses involving teaming agreements should delineate between the work that will be accomplished by the prime, and the work accomplished by the teaming partners (provide data in Attachment 1 Teaming and Product WBS not to exceed three (3) pages).
3.4. What is your experience with the integration of HF radios?
3.4.1. Technical approach description to include radio capabilities, integration compatibility with current legacy system; interoperability with current legacy system and other DOD HF systems platforms as stated above, and proposed approach for this radio procurement, and integration. NOTE: Provide examples of experience with systems integration (provide in Attachment 2, Systems Integration not to exceed three (3) pages).
3.5. Does your radio meet Open Mission Systems OMS Tier 1 Compliance with OMS Definition and Documentation (D&D) v1.3?
3.5.1. Please briefly explain how the radio shall incorporate software and hardware interface standards based upon emerging standards from the Sensor Open System Architecture (SOSA) Consortium to the greatest extent possible.
3.6. Does your radio deliver an emission control (EMCON) mode that, when entered, prohibits radios from radiating, but still supports receive capabilities?
3.6.1. Please briefly explain how the radio shall incorporate EMCON capabilities.
3.7. Is your radio capable of receiving and transmitting Link-11, tactical data link messaging?
3.7.1. Please briefly explain how the radio shall incorporate Link-11 capabilities.
3.7.2. Is there a plan to be compliant with Link-22 capabilities?
3.8. Does your radio automatically identify and select the best available link with 2G ALE (Automatic Link Establishment)?
3.8.1. Please briefly explain how the radio shall incorporate 2G-ALE capabilities.
3.8.2. Is there a plan to be compliant with 4G-ALE capabilities?
3.8.3. Is there a plan to be compliant with 3G-ALE capabilities?
3.9. Please Provide the following information in an Introduction Tab:
3.9.1. The information provided will not count towards page count but should be in a separate tab not exceeding two (2) pages.
a. Name and address of Company
b. Points of contact
c. Telephone Number
d. Email address
e. Webpage URL
f. Primary NAICs Code
g. Small Business Category (if applicable)
h. COTS/GSA Contract Schedule Data for Radio (if available)
4. GOVERNMENT CONTACT INFORMATION:
4.1. Please send your response/questions via e-mail (with an attached word document) and/or in writing to the following:
Email: Schoronda.green@us.af.mil
In writing to:
AFMC AFLCMC/HBK
3001 Staff Drive, STE 2AH/87A
ATTN: Ms. Schoronda Green
Tinker AFB, OK 73145-3020
5. DUE DATE: 26 August 2019.
This RFI does not constitute a solicitation for proposal or the authority to enter into negotiations to award a contract. Submission of information is voluntary. Any proprietary information should be marked as such and will be safeguarded as proprietary. Materials submitted in response to this RFI will not be returned. The government may request a site visit for further discussions if necessary.
Responses must include company point of contract, email address, telephone and fax numbers. No funds are available to fund the information requested. The information in this notice is current as of the publication date but is subject to change and is not binding to the Government. Oral submissions of information are not acceptable.
Messenger or direct delivery should be coordinated five (5) days prior to delivery deadline. Questions may be submitted electronically to Schoronda.green@us.af.mil
High Frequency Global Communications System (HFGCS)
Program Information
Current Program Information:
The High Frequency Global Communication System (HFGCS) is a fully integrated world-wide C2 high-frequency (2 - 30 megahertz), high power (1,000+ watts), networked radio communications capability currently consisting of 13 stations with 10 located OCONUS. Locations include Joint Base Andrews AFB, Offutt AFB, Beale AFB, JB-Elmendorf Richardson, Hawaii, Guam, Yokota AFB, Puerto Rico, Lajes AFB, Ascension Island, RAF Croughton, NAS Sigonella, and Diego Garcia. All stations are networked back to the Network Control Stations (NCS) at Joint Base Andrews and Grand Forks AFB. There are 13 remote radio control consoles located at various location, connected back to the NCS facilities for global radio access. Each radio station is composed of a transmitter site, receiver site and control site. The station control site is directly connected to both network control stations which coordinates the asset management and functional activities of each individual station. Each station has multiple transmitter and receiver pairs, referred to as levels, so that a station may operate on multiple frequencies at any given time. There are currently 478 radios located across the 13 stations. The system is composed of IP network equipment, radio transceivers, radio-frequency (RF) power amplifiers, audio switches, and other equipment, all of which is commercial off-the-shelf/non-developmental item (COTS/NDI). Coordination and control of the system is facilitated using the Collins Aerospace Communications Control and Management System (CCMS) integration software version 13.1.0.0. Scope Command operator consoles, used to control and manage system assets, are located at eleven locations globally, including the redundant operational nodes. HFGCS utilizes the 2-level maintenance concept (organizational and depot levels). Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) services are provided by the prime contractor and product support providers for critical commercial hardware and software components. The current prime contractor maintains a System Integration Lab (SIL) at their facility. The government has no rights to the COTS integrating system software source code. Potential sources for this effort would need to create a translator between the radio and current CCMS or partner with the software vendor.
Current Program Requirements:
1. HFGCS is a standards-based open architecture system, utilizing MIL-STD-188-110C, MIL-STD-188-141C, and incorporated Standardized Agreement (STANAG). HFGCS stations can operate in single sideband (SSB) and independent sideband (ISB) modes, is Automatic Link Establishment (ALE) capable, and supports current and legacy HF modem waveforms. System-wide broadcast capability includes single-, multi- and all-station modes. Additionally, the system supports an Email over HF capability utilizing the Collins Aerospace HF Messenger platform version 3.7 service pack 2 and integrating software.
2. The Government is not planning a comprehensive system replacement of the existing HFGCS equipment and software. Any resulting contract for the procurement and integration of the HFGCS radio replacement would tentatively occur in FY22 to FY24 and would include the 478 radios and 50 spares.
2.1. The government anticipates modification of HFGCS circuit interfaces to be compatible with Defense Information Systems Administration (DISA) architecture evolution as identified in the DISA technical evolution plan and the DISN overarching technical strategy.
2.2. Modernization and integration of cryptographic equipment in accordance with the Crypto Modernization Program office objectives is contemplated. Modernization and automation of selected radio operator functions necessary to reduce the man-machine and man-in-the-middle interface in support of decentralized HF radio operations.
Future Desired Capabilities:
1. Support applications for secure chat, e-mail, file transfer, Joint Range Extension Application Protocol C (JREAP-C), Mobile User Objective System Point-to-Net (PtN), and ability to communicate with web-services for IER items such as intelligence, imagery, C2, and weather.
2. An emission control (EMCON) mode that, when entered, prohibits radios from radiating, but still supports receive capabilities.
3. Automatic Link Identification and Selection. Alternate Quick Call ALE 4G ALE to include other vendor implementation.
4. A digital voice capability to include Mixed-Excitation Linear Prediction Enhanced (MELPe) at 600, 1200, and 2400 baud rates.
5. A radio capable of Ethernet interface with synchronous serial interface, and serial input/output ports.
6. A radio capable of internal encryption and/or compatibility and interface with external encryption devices to allow encrypted voice communications up to Secret and encryption to/from the Military Data Network on both the SIPRNet and NIPRNet.
7. A radio capable of operating within degraded environments by leveraging new technologies and by enabling new HF architectures and employment concepts. Degraded environments include:
7.1. The radio will deliver capabilities to enhance performance within naturally degraded environments.
7.2. The radio will deliver capabilities to enhance performance in an EMP degraded environment.
7.3. The radio will deliver capabilities to enhance performance within jamming environments.
8. A radio capable of spectrum awareness that supports cooperative secondary receiver operations to constantly assess current spectrum conditions with associated transceivers within the network for optimum frequency selection.
9. A radio capable of automatic adaptive link management that supports the ability to rapidly reconfigure among waveforms, frequencies, and transmit/receive state without the need for a warm or cold reset and automatic adaptive selection of bandwidth, frequency offset, data rate, and power output to avoid interference and ensure best possible link.
10. A radio capable of Low Probability of Intercept/Detection (LPI/LPD) that employs methods for reducing intercept and detection such as frequency hopping and hard to detect data frames.
11. A radio capable of meeting or exceeding an Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of 40,000 hours.
12. A radio capable of internal diagnostics and health management system capability will be incorporated to detect and report system faults/failures with robust Built-In-Test (BIT) functionality.
Juan C. Escobar, Contract Negotiator, Phone 4056227264, Email juan.escobar@us.af.mil - Schoronda Green, Contracting Officer, Phone 4057395439, Email schoronda.green@us.af.mil
