SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- MILSATCOM Dynamic Bandwidth & Resource Allocation Technologies
- Notice Date
- 10/18/2002
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- Contracting Office
- Department of the Air Force, Air Force Space Command, SMC - Space and Missiles System Center, 2420 Vela Way, Suite 1467, El Segundo, CA, 90245-4659
- ZIP Code
- 90245-4659
- Solicitation Number
- Reference-Number-03-96
- Archive Date
- 12/4/2002
- Point of Contact
- 2Lt Juan Tomasini, Technical Point of Contact, Phone (310) 336-4399, - 1Lt Nikki Thomas, Contracting Point of Contact, Phone (310) 336-4602,
- E-Mail Address
-
juan.tomasini@losangeles.af.mil, nikki.thomas@losangeles.af.mil
- Description
- A. INTRODUCTION: The MILSATCOM Joint Program Office (MJPO), HQ Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) is interested in receiving proposals on the research and development effort described in Section B below for Dynamic Bandwidth and Resource Allocation Technologies for MILSATCOM Applications. This is a full and open competition for the award of up to two Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contracts in accordance with FAR SubPart 35.016, Broad Agency Announcement (BAA), as modified for the Air Force's Program Research & Development Announcement (PRDA) process. Proposals shall be submitted by 18 November 2002 at 1600 hours, Pacific Standard Time (PST), and addressed to: SMC/MCK, Attn: 1Lt Nikki Thomas, 2420 Vela Way, Suite 1467-A8, El Segundo CA 90245-4659. The small business size standard NAICS 541710 (1000 employees) applies. The Government reserves the right to award one of the contracts to a small business that satisfactorily demonstrates the required capability. Offerors must be registered in the Department of Defense Central Contractor Registration database (http://www.ccr.gov/) to be eligible for contract award. Proposals must comply with this announcement. Proposals received after the specified cutoff date will not be considered for evaluation. The Government reserves the right to amend this PRDA solicitation and Offerors should be alert for any amendments that may be published. This notice constitutes the solicitation for this requirement; no RFP or other solicitation will be issued. Guidance on the PRDA process may be found in the Air Force Research Laboratory BAA & PRDA Industry Guide at the following website (http://www.wrs.afrl.af.mil/contract). B. REQUIREMENTS: (1) TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION: (a) Introduction: The DoD is transitioning to force structures that increasingly rely upon information systems and a network based communications infrastructure characterized by ubiquitous connectivity across similar and disparate elements of US and Coalition forces. This consequently results in a requirement for efficient, reliable, and timely communications under a wide range of operational scenarios. A Transformational Communications (TC) architecture that leverages commercial, DoD, and national Satellite Communications (SATCOM) programs is currently being developed to address these emerging needs. The required network-centric orientation of future military satellite communications (MILSATCOM) dictates the development of robust, efficient, packet and circuit switched Radio Frequency (RF) links to service the diverse applications present in the overall user community. One of the critical elements needed to achieve this capability is a set of techniques that supports the efficient use/re-use of the available spectrum (i.e. allocated bandwidth) and satellite resources (e.g. apertures, on-board processors, amplifiers). One such technique is dynamic monitoring and control of link parameters. The concept of demand assigned multiple-access (DAMA) provides a generic framework in which resource sharing can be applied. In its greatest generality, DAMA allows the link parameters to be dynamically adapted to the environment (weather/jamming) and the user demand (traffic load). Tactical MILSATCOM systems are typically designed to operate under the assumption that links are experiencing both weather and jamming. By adapting the link parameters to the actual situation at hand, the total impact of weather and jamming on the system can be potentially reduced, while still providing assured access to those in severe conditions and dramatically increasing throughput or performance for those in benign conditions. This type of operation may significantly increase total throughput available to the user community and is slated for early deployment in future TC satellite and terminal programs. Generally, DAMA has been used in both military and commercial systems. These prior uses were in benign, homogeneous, and static communications environments. In applying DAMA dynamic resource allocation concepts to more general MILSATCOM applications, a number of questions and challenges arise. Chief among these is the dynamic and time-varying nature of the links themselves, due to factors such as intentional or unintentional interference, weather effects at SHF/Ka/EHF frequencies, and Communication-on-the-Move (COTM) link shadowing or antenna pointing errors. Furthermore, the development of algorithms governing resource allocation becomes a significant challenge when incorporating network functions such as Quality of Service (QoS), traffic prioritization and pre-emption. (b) PRDA Objectives: The purpose of this PRDA is to select up to three contractors to conduct research and development on dynamic bandwidth and resource allocation techniques for tactical MILSATCOM for a 9-month period of performance. The study should address the following high-level topic areas and objectives: (i) Throughput advantages of dynamic bandwidth/resource allocation: Evaluate system capacities for up and downlink communications links with and without use of dynamic resource allocation. The focus of the study will be on processing satellites with 44GHz uplink, 20GHz downlink although other frequency bands and satellite types may also be considered. Baseline SATCOM designs assume an allowance for rain losses on the uplink and on the downlink. When actual rain losses are less than the allocated amount for individual ground terminals, the extra link margin can be translated into additional system resources which can be dynamically reallocated to this or other (higher priority) users. The offeror shall identify link and satellite resources that can be efficiently reused or shared between multiple communications links on a dynamic and automatic basis and assess benefits derived from each controllable resource. This evaluation should determine capacities under cases of perfect and imperfect link state knowledge and resource control and result in target specifications for link measurement accuracy. At a minimum, these analyses should determine potential capacity increases or improvements in assured connectivity through the dynamic exploitation of weather and jamming margins. The offeror may evaluate the performance as a function of the assumed baseline rain margins. (ii) Resource allocation approaches: Investigate techniques, algorithms, and/or protocols necessary to direct and control resource allocation across space and ground segments. This effort should specifically address issues of prioritization and pre-emption under scenarios of under and overabundant resources (e.g., amount of available on-board capability, available ground terminal processing, available allocated bandwidth). At a minimum, the communications scenario from item (i) above shall apply. Additional areas of interest include resource allocation under an end-to-end networking scenario, level of state knowledge of each individual link in the network needed to perform resource allocation, propagation of link state information, and centralized vs. de-centralized control. (iii) Implementation issues and architectures: Investigate satellite and ground payload/terminal/control modifications required to implement dynamic resource control. Assess the ability of cryptographic devices to support dynamic bandwidth concepts. Assess interaction between dynamic bandwidth concepts and terrestrial transport layer protocols (e.g., Transmission Control Protocol Performance Enhancing Proxies). Investigate payload, terminal, and control architectures that will support/exploit dynamic resource allocation, optimizing the use of bandwidth for improved automated end-to-end system performance. Analysis shall include means of ensuring a robust end-to-end link when the ends are experiencing substantially different link conditions. Identify and assess system failure modes and conditions that could impact the dynamic bandwidth/resource allocation improvements. (iv) Link state knowledge measurement and dissemination: Identify and evaluate techniques to perform link state measurement for up and downlinks under conditions of weather impairment and jamming. Measurement accuracy objectives should be consistent with results from item (i) above. Objective waveforms should include, at a minimum, the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) Waveform (XDR) signal. (v) Communication-on-the-Move (COTM) applicability: Evaluate the applicability of dynamic resource allocation in the context of COTM links (i.e. COTM links characterized by the performance of a one to two foot, mechanically-steered, parabolic antenna). Some of the specific impairments experienced in these links include complete signal loss due to path blockage (shadowing) or momentary antenna mispointing. This effort shall evaluate the dynamic nature of COTM channels and provide a quantitative analysis of the feasibility of rapid and accurate link measurement and allocation/re-allocation of resources consistent with the time-varying nature of these channels. In the event that the offeror determines that rapid resource allocation is not feasible, the offeror shall estimate the minimum timescales for which COTM dynamic resource allocation is advantageous (i.e. mispointing times are less than a second, blockage from a tree while moving past it may be a second, blockage from a building may be longer). (vi) Technology roadmapping: Identify and assess technology infusion risks with respect to the incorporation of dynamic bandwidth/resource allocation capabilities into future MILSATCOM systems and develop a risk reduction plan. The output product of this effort shall consist of a detailed development plan that identifies tasks, investment levels, schedules, and products to advance these technologies to a NASA Technology Readiness Level (TRL) rating of 6 by 2006. (2) DELIVERABLE ITEMS: The following items are required contract deliverables over the 9 month period of performance: (i) A final technical report covering PRDA objective (i) due 5 months after award, (ii) A series of interim technical reports covering PRDA objectives (ii)-(vi) due 5 months after award, (iii) A final technical report covering PRDA objectives (i)-(vi) due 9 months after award, (iv) Technical Interchange Meetings (TIMs) with Government study team(s) and/or standards working groups, at a minimum, once every month. Contractor recommendations on the most cost effective method of holding these TIMs will be solicited. TIMs may be conducted via teleconferencing, video teleconferencing, and/or meetings held at contractor and/or Government locations. Offerors may present proprietary information in their interim reports, however, the final report shall not include proprietary information. The Government reserves the right to have the final study reports made available to Offerors in future full and open competitions for Transformational Communication efforts. (3) SECURITY REQUIREMENTS: (a) This acquisition may require access to classified material. Each PRDA contract will contain a Contract Security Classification Specification (DD Form 254). Work performed under this acquisition may be classified up to the DOD SECRET level. (b) Notice to Foreign-Owned Firms: Contracts will be awarded only to US companies. Foreign teaming, licensing, or subcontracting is not allowed. Proposals must be submitted with information no higher then SECRET classification. Proposals containing classified material must be delivered/transmitted via normal security procedures IAW NISPOM guidance to the address and point of contact indicated in Section A. (4) GOVERNMENT BUDGET: The Government's estimated budget of $1.9M for this PRDA effort may be divided between up to two contracts. Contracts may be awarded for unequal amounts. C. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: (1) This PRDA is available at http://www.FedBizOpps.gov. (5) No Pre-Proposal Conference will be conducted. D. PROPOSAL PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS:(1) GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS: Potential Offerors shall follow FAR 52.215-1(e), Instructions to Offerors-Competitive Acquisitions, for any restrictions on disclosure and use of data contained in their proposals. Proposals shall be valid for a minimum of 90 days. Proposals must reference the PRDA number above. Proposals shall be submitted with an original and five paper copies, plus one electronic copy. The electronic proposal copy must be compatible with Windows 2000 and must be submitted in any of the following program formats, as appropriate: Microsoft (MS) Word 2000, MS Excel 2000, MS Project 2000, MS PowerPoint 2000. Electronic copies shall be on 3.5-inch diskette, compact disk (CD), or 100mb-Zip disk. Proposals shall be evaluated using the criteria stated in this solicitation. Offerors are advised that only the Contracting Officer is legally authorized to contractually bind or otherwise commit the Government. (2) ORAL PRESENTATIONS: Oral presentations will not be authorized. (3) CONTRACT/PRICE PROPOSAL: Please contact the Contracting POC listed below for the DD Form 254 and the Representations and Certifications that are required at proposal submission. It is anticipated that the pricing of this action will be based on adequate price competition; therefore, Offerors are not required to submit cost or pricing data. However, if after receipt of proposals, it is determined that adequate price competition does not exist, the Offeror shall provide current, complete, and accurate cost or other pricing data at the Contracting Officer's request. (4) TECHNICAL PROPOSAL: Offerors shall identify in the technical proposal, in accordance with DFARS 252.227-7017, any use or disclosure restrictions asserted for technical data to be delivered under this contract. The technical proposal shall consist of two primary sections. The first section will describe the study plan/approach. The second section will describe the Offeror's ability to perform the plan/approach consistent with the evaluation criteria for Team Strengths. This section will include examples of recent, relevant activity in this area and a description of key team members (including subcontractors), their role on the team, and their qualifications. Subcontracting Plan: If selected for award, Offerors will be required to submit a subcontracting plan in accordance with FAR Part 19.7 for each contract that is expected to exceed $500,000 that has subcontracting possibilities. (5) VOLUMES/PAGE LIMITATIONS: (a) Volume 1 (Technical). The proposal will include chapters for the Executive Summary, Technical Proposal, and Other Technical Documentation. Chapters have the following page limitations: Executive Summary (1 page), Technical Proposal (20 pages), and Other Technical Documentation (unlimited). The Other Technical Documentation category shall be separately tabbed and include a Statement of Work (SOW), a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), and key personnel resumes. (b) Volume 2 (Other Contract Documentation and Contract/Price Proposal). Unlimited pages. This volume shall include Representations and Certifications, any other pertinent contract documentation, and a price proposal that provides adequate information to determine cost reasonableness. (c) Page limitations shall be treated as maximums. When both sides of a sheet display printed material, it shall be counted as two pages. Each page shall be counted except the following: (1) Cover Pages, (2) Table of Content, (3) Tabs, and (4) Glossaries. (d) Format: Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches, single-spaced, and text shall be no less than 12 point font size. Use at least one-inch margins on the top and bottom and one inch side margins. Pages shall be numbered sequentially by volume. (e) Other documentation: Legible tables, charts, graphs, and figures shall be used wherever practical to depict organizations, systems and layout, implementation schedules, plans, etc. These displays shall be uncomplicated, legible, and shall not exceed 11 by 17 inches in size. Foldout pages shall fold entirely within the volume and may only be used for large tables, charts, graphs, diagrams, and schematics; not for pages of text. Foldout pages will be counted as two pages. If foldout pages have print on both sides, the foldout will be counted as four pages. For tables, charts, graphs, and figures, the text shall be no smaller than 10-point font size. (f) Binding and Labeling: The proposal should be separately bound in three-ring loose-leaf binders that permit the volume to lie flat when open. Staples shall not be used. A cover sheet should be bound in each book, clearly marked as to volume number, title, copy number, solicitation identification, the Offeror's name, and any restrictive markings for data enclosed. The same identifying data should be placed on the spine of each binder. E. BASIS FOR AWARD: Contract award decisions will be based on a competitive selection of proposals resulting from review/evaluation by a panel of Government and non-Government evaluators. Proposals will be evaluated for Soundness of Approach and Team Strengths, which are of equal importance, and Price, which is of lesser importance. (1) Soundness of Approach relates to meeting the objectives of the PRDA; and (2) Team Strengths are characterized by (a) demonstrated ability to provide broad, innovative, and creative solutions to dynamic bandwidth systems and problems across all system domains (i.e. space, terminals, control, networking), and (b) key personnel with a high degree of experience and demonstrated innovation. Price will be evaluated for reasonableness. Government evaluators will rank proposals and will recommend awards based upon which proposal or proposals offer the best overall value to the Government in accordance with these criteria. To be eligible for award, the Offeror must meet the security requirements specified in the DD Form 254. The Government reserves the right to award all, part, or none of the Offeror's proposal. The Government also reserves the right to make no award. F. NOTICE OF USE OF NON-GOVERNMENT EVALUATORS: Offerors are advised that employees of MITRE Corp., MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the Aerospace Corp., the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and Booz-Allen Hamilton will assist the Government in performing evaluations of proposals submitted under this announcement. They will be authorized access to all portions of the proposal data and discussions. This includes access to price evaluations/negotiations data. The resulting contract(s) will incorporate a special contract requirement to allow employees of these Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) and companies to review, evaluate, and analyze documents generated during contract performance. Potential Offerors having objections to non-government personnel evaluating their proposals and/or contract documentation should contact the Contracting Officer prior to submitting their proposals. G. OMBUDSMAN: An Ombudsman has been appointed to hear concerns from offerors or potential offerors during the proposal development phase of this acquisition. The Ombudsman should only be contacted with issues or problems that have been previously been brought to the attention of the contracting officer and could not be satisfactorily resolved at that level. The Ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals or in the source selection process. The Ombudsman is William Orzech, SMC/PK, (310) 363-0588. H. POINTS OF CONTACT: See below.
- Place of Performance
- Address: At contractor's facility.
- Record
- SN00190420-W 20021020/021018213401 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
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