SECURE COMMUNICATIONS CONTROLLER RFI

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Contract Opportunity

SECURE COMMUNICATIONS CONTROLLER

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

M67854-22-I-2037

GENERAL INFORMATION

Document Type: Request for Information/Market Research

Sources Sought: All Businesses – Under North American Industry Classification

Systsem (NAICS) Code 334220

Closing date for RFI: 16 November 2021 at 11:59 pm, local time, Quantico, Virginia

This RFI initiates market research under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Section 10.002(b)(2). This RFI is a market research tool to determine the availability and adequacy of potential solutions prior to determining the acquisition strategy and issuance of a Request for Proposal. The Government will not reimburse for any information received from potential sources in response to this RFI. This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals or a commitment by the Government. The information provided herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for, or award, a competitive or sole source contract.

DESCRIPTION

Marine Corps Systems Command, Portfolio Manager Command Element Systems, Program Manager Communications Systems, Ground Radios (GR) team seeks industry feedback regarding a Secure Communications Controller (SCC), also referred to as the Mini-SCC. In this document, it will only be referred to as SCC. The feedback gathered from this effort will be compiled and used to inform the final solicitation for this contracting effort.

The SCC is used to facilitate voice communications between USMC Radios. The SCC provides a secure way to connect two voice-only radios operating in analog mode. The radios used with SCC, can be from different vendors, employ different encryptions, and utilize different waveforms. The solution is intended to be used in a voice-only application, taking analog output from one radio and sends it to another radio.

This RFI is being issued to all available vendors to collect information regarding industry capabilities to provide all listed items as an entire system. The incumbent for this requirement is Trident Systems Incorporated.

THIS RFI IS NOT A REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS OR PROPOSALS. NO STATEMENT OF WORK, SPECIFICATION, OR REQUIREMENTS PACKAGE IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR RELEASE.

BACKGROUND

The SCC, as a Hand-held or Manpack system, shall provide a cross-connection of disparate audio communication links, including Tactical Radios, Land Mobile Radios (High Frequency (HF), Ultra HF, and Very HF,) satellite communications, Iridium, public safety radios, coalition radios, Voice Over Internet Protocol, and cellular phones. MANDATORY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

As a voice only radio gateway, the hand-held SCC shall:

• Encompass and extend a common voice architecture amongst mission partners by bridging the various operating frequencies and waveforms of Marine Corps, Joint, Coalition, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) and host nation (e.g. local police, first responders, etc.) Radio Frequency (RF) communications devices allowing this direct radio-to-radio voice interoperability amongst mission partners;


• Weigh less than 5 pounds;


• Be less than 40 cubic inches in volume; and


• Be powered with a wall power supply, 5590 battery or from eight (8) L91 (or alkaline) AA Batteries.

Military Standard (MIL-STD) Testing

• Shall be compliant with MIL-STD-810G Change 1 for dismounted operations;


• Shall be compliant with MIL-STD-461G;


• Shall be compliant with MIL-STD-464C;


• Shall be compliant with MIL-STD-1275E; and


• Shall be compliant with MIL-STD108E (objective).

RFI RESPONSES

Interested parties are requested to provide an information package addressing their approach to meeting the Mandatory Requirements listed above, to include the following:

• A description of the device specifications, addressing each functional area under the mandatory system requirements.


• The technological readiness level of the SCC system and an assessment of when production models can be delivered. If additional testing is required, an assessment of how long it would take to meet testing requirements following contract award.


• An assessment and recommendation on any capability, which if relief were granted or deferred, could accelerate fielding of a SCC system.


• Identification of any additional features of the system noted in the response that meet or exceed the objective requirements.


• Whether the solution is considered commercially available off-the shelf or a non-developmental item in accordance with FAR 2.101.


• Reliability data and statistics for each device discussed in the response, if currently in production.


• Test reports conducted on behalf of or by a government agency which demonstrate how the product meets testing requirements specified in the Mandatory Requirements.


• The manufacturer warranties for the offered products.


• The ability to conduct new equipment training during initial fielding.


• Any contracts presently awarded to a government agency (i.e. General Services Administration , Department of Defense, etc.) from which the material solution can be made.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Provide the requested information via Department of Defense (DoD) SAFE (http://safe.apps.mil) with a courtesy copy to kassidy.probst@usmc.mil and beverly.reinharz@usmc.mil, no later than the closing date provided in paragraph 1. Information packages and all inquiries shall be encrypted on DoD SAFE using the encryption key “SCC2037.” Once the document has been sent, please email a notice WITHOUT ATTACHMENTS to kassidy.probst@usmc.mil with a courtesy copy to kathryn.hurd@usmc.mil indicating a drop has been made. Please place attention: “Response to RFI# M67854-22-I-2037” in the subject line of your e-mail. After reviewing comments, the Government may set up a teleconference to discuss.

Responses shall be limited to 20 pages, including slick sheets or product brochures. Proprietary information submitted, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED. Vendors submitting confidential business information or proprietary information bear the sole responsibility for appropriately marking the information. To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information. Please be advised that submissions will not be returned. DO NOT SUBMIT CLASSIFIED INFORMATION IN YOUR RESPONSE.

NOTICE

Vendors are advised that the Government may use non-Government personnel to assist in collecting and reviewing market information and in providing technical advice to the GR team. Proprietary information submitted in response to this RFI will be protected from unauthorized disclosure as required by Subsection 27 of the Office of Procurement Policy Act, as amended (41 U.S.C. 423) (hereinafter referred to as “the Procurement Integrity Act” or “the Act”), and as implemented in the FAR. Supporting personnel are procurement officials as defined within the Act and will take all necessary action to preclude unauthorized use or disclosure of vendor’s proprietary data.

By submitting a response, a company will be deemed to understand and agree to, the Government allowing its support contractor, with the appropriate Non-Disclosure Agreement in place, access to any information submitted in relation to this RFI.