Solicitation Number:

M6785408I3028

Notice Type:

Sources Sought

Synopsis:

The Marine Corps System Command (MARCORSYSCOM) is issuing this Sources Sought Notice to identify potential vendors and to acquire enhanced knowledge and understanding of industrys capabilities regarding a Cross Domain solution for possible use in support of Marine Corps Autonomic Logistics efforts. The mission of the Autonomic Logistics (AL) program is to report logistic information in near real-time from each platform/asset within its local area up through the area of operations (AO), to the theater and strategic levels beyond. AL is currently deploying an embedded platform logistics system (EPLS) that will monitor and process individual platform logistic status. This status consists of data elements including platform health, ammunition levels, fuel levels, and mobile load information. This data will then need to be compiled and rolled-up to the command platform to be monitored and transmitted to the theater and strategic levels. Some of this data will be transmitted over the secure tactical network. The AL Program is looking for a cost effective Cross Domain solution. A Cross Domain Solution is a trusted secure operating environment that can transmit cleared or transliterated data across security domains (such as unclassified to classified and classified to unclassified). The AL program has a requirement to process data that may or may not be classified. If data is of a classified nature, the Cross Domain solution must have the capability to properly sanitize a defined data format and pass this sanitized data to a lower classification. This product will increase the visibility of the tactical level logistic requirements (such as identifying the support request for repair parts/consumables and tracking of mobile load distribution events). MARCORSYSCOM is interested in obtaining information on systems currently available. Some of the key features that the AL Program expects from a Cross Domain solution are as follows: (1) Should be National Security Agency (NSA) certified or capable of certification by NSA; (2) Should be cost effective and hardware should be compact and mountable in a tactical vehicle; (3) A rule methodology should be used to provide a guard solution to verify that data contains no data of a sensitive nature when passing high to low. A methodology should exist to parse and pass data from the low side to the high side; (4) A transliteration methodology should also be employed to facilitate the replacement or deletion of data that is considered sensitive in nature when transmitting data from a classified environment to an unclassified file; (5) Virus scanning must be enacted to prevent the spread of malicious code across security domains; (6) Data formats should be clearly defined in a schema (For example, an XSD schema defines an XML file layout). That is, a rigid format of data, the expected field lengths, alpha/numeric requirements, and any free-text fields should be defined; (7) Throughput and reliability metrics should be available to measure the effectiveness of the system; (8) Transmission of some AL data will be from the high side. AL needs to get some of this data to the low side. The data that AL generates will trigger help and support activities on the high and low side; (9) Once AL data is in the enterprise, AL data will be transmitted to applications on the high side and the low side; (10) AL data generated on the low side will need to be transmitted to the high side for greater situational awareness and common operating picture, and (11) AL data generated on the high side will need to be transmitted to the low side where the logistics systems operate (such as the Marine Corps Supply System, financial, logistical, or others). All vendors, having products they believe adequately address the Marine Corps Cross Domain solution requirements, are requested to submit three copies of related brochures, descriptions, or other documentation. Most importantly, vendors are required to submit any and all test data and test reports showing independent (preferably Government) evaluation of their systems that meet the requirements of the characteristics cited above. Responses should include statements and independent test data that demonstrate how their products satisfy the Marine Corps most desirable features. Responses shall be submitted not later than 30 May 2008 to COMMANDER, MARCORSYSCOM, Contracts PG-16 (CT 023), Attn: Dwight B. Micheal, Sr., 2200 Lester Street, Quantico, Virginia, 22134-6050. No telephonic responses will be considered. Submitted information will not be returned. This is not a request for proposal or quotation. No solicitation document exists. This is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to procure these items, nor does the Marine Corps intend to award on the basis of the sources sought/market research or otherwise pay for the information requested. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect cost or charges by the Government will arise as a result of submission of responses to this RFI.

Contracting Office Address:

M67854 MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMAND Quantico, VA

Point of Contact(s):

Mr. Dwight B. Micheal, Sr.,Phone: 703.432.3267,Email: dwight.micheal@usmc.mil Contracting Officer's email address