SOLICITATION NOTICE
D -- C4ISR Mission Command Common Computing Platform, Family of Market Survey Questionnaire
- Notice Date
- 2/24/2011
- Notice Type
- Presolicitation
- NAICS
- 334111
— Electronic Computer Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- CECOM Contracting Center (CECOM-CC), ATTN: AMSEL-AC, Building 1208, Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703-5008
- ZIP Code
- 07703-5008
- Solicitation Number
- W15P7T11RB410
- Response Due
- 3/21/2011
- Archive Date
- 5/20/2011
- Point of Contact
- Michael, 443-861-4952
- E-Mail Address
-
CECOM Contracting Center (CECOM-CC)
(michael.sampson8@us.army.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- C4ISR Mission Command Common Computing Platform, Family of Market Survey Questionnaire The Army's modernization effort of the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) has introduced a multitude of new and improved Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) equipments that will enhance the soldier's ability to plan, monitor, communicate and execute the mission. Each C4ISR system designed their own unique hardware to meet its stated operational requirement / mission. Installation of these C4ISR systems into command and control vehicles has become difficult due to space restrictions. Multiple Processors, Displays, Input/Output devices and installations kits within a command vehicle has reached the saturation point. The Size, Weight, Power and overall Cost (SWAP-C) involved with duplication of computing hardware for all these C4ISR systems is a major concern. To alleviate these concerns, the Government intends to procure a common computing system that will be shared by multiple C4ISR programs / applications. The objective of this Request For Information (RFI) is to canvas industry to obtain feedback regarding the Government's requirement for a C4ISR Mission Command Common Computing Platform (MC3P). It cannot be overstated that the government is looking for a low cost common computing system that will address the MC3P requirements. The MC3P can be a combination of one or more computers /components making up the system to address the increasing levels of computing complexity. This can then logically translate to a family of computers sharing the same common baseline. The Government envisions a Family of MC3P computers; initial notional thoughts are there will be three capability levels of computers: Basic, Intermediate and Advanced. All three MC3P computer variants' would support the initial realization of the Mounted Computing Environment as well as be communications/transport agnostic. The relative quantities or percentages of Basic, Intermediate and Advanced computer systems are on the order of 80%, 15%, and 5% respectively. Initial fielding quantities are for 3 BCT's. It is not the Government's intention to replace all fielded FBCB2 JV-5 computers with MC3P's but instead to enhance the BCT's for mission specific requirements detailed below. Additionally it should be noted that any resulting contract vehicle for the MC3P may be used to fulfill the follow-on computer requirements for PM FBCB2 either JBC-P or re-fresh. Requirements or capabilities for the three variants are described below. 1. The family of computing and display hardware must provide general purpose computing resources in both a mounted and dismounted configuration to host, execute, and meet the hardware requirements of one or more software applications and/or application suites running simultaneously that will provide a variety of capabilities. The family of computing hardware will host capabilities including, but not limited to: a. Situational Awareness / C2 / Battle Command - including current applications like JBC-P, TIGR, CPOF, MTS (or JBC-P Log), AFATDS/FOS, and DCGS-A (analyst workstation); and future applications to be developed. b. Sensor data processing and display including display of current combat platform sensor feeds such as driver's viewers, 360 degree situation awareness cameras, shot detection systems such as Boomerang, the LRAS3, CLOE, CBRN sensors, Mounted Soldier System (MSS) Helmet Mounted Display and combat vehicle mounted FLIR sensors. The capability will include reduction of GPS devices on vehicles, north seeking modules or Inertial Navigation Systems for the purpose of internal processing or distribution to other on board systems. The capability must allow growth for additional sensors yet to be developed. c. On-board Platform Network Management - including control of combat net radios, routing of data between terrestrial and SATCOM radios (e.g. BFT 2 & WIN-T PoP/SNE), network monitoring, enterprise services integration (e.g. AD, PKI, Radius, HBSS), cross-banding between two different networks, MSS cordless communications and SWAP/space-claim deconfliction (e.g., the proposed system must be capable of routing multiple voice formats (analog, serial, VoIP). 2. The family of computing and display hardware will host software and/or software applications based on the capabilities required of the leader in accordance with his/her role. Below are Example categories of the potential capabilities: a. Basic Capability: Junior NCO leaders - C2/SA mounted platform running JBC-P/MTS/FOS and platform integration of SW, radio controls, one display and user input device, and organic on-board sensors. b. Intermediate Capability: Junior/mid-grade staff officers and senior NCO leaders - C2/SA with dismountable capability platform running JBC-P and platform integration of SW, radio controls and cross-banding between different networks, multiple security enclaves, network/node management, enterprise services, routing between terrestrial and SATCOM radios, two displays and user input devices for select platforms (one for Infantry dismounts), and organic on-board sensors. c. Advanced Capability: Commanders and Mnvr S3 leaders - C2/SA with dismountable capability platform running JBC-P/TIGR/CPOF/DCGS-A (analyst workstation)/ AFATDS and platform integration of SW, multiple security enclaves, network management, enterprise services, radio controls, routing between terrestrial and SATCOM radios, cross-banding between different networks, two displays for Co Cdrs (one for JBC-P and one for CPOF/TIGR) & four displays and user input devices for BCT and Bn Cdrs (one for JBC-P for the TC, and 3 for maneuver, fires and Intel staff), and organic on-board sensors. In addition the capability to receive and view off-board sensor data from UAS or other yet to be determined sensors. If industry has an alternative capability approach to the above example then suggest it be provided along with basis and rationale. 3. To the maximum extent possible, the family of computing hardware must allow for the receipt and processing of sensor data from a variety of sensor platforms both on-board and off-board the mobile platforms. Any cross domain solution necessary to accept sensor data may be implemented internally or externally to the computing hardware itself. Any external solution would still be considered part of the family of computing hardware. 4. The family of computing hardware will not be expected to host and execute software that is considered real-time and/or safety-critical. 5. To the extent possible the family of computers should look to take full advantage of Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) savings opportunities. The MC3P computer should comply with the SWAP requirements for the FBCB2 JV5 computer. 6. To the extent possible and feasible, the family of common computer hardware should be implemented using a modular approach so as to allow flexibility of the hardware to meet the capabilities required of the leader as per his/her role. 7. To the maximum extent possible, the family of computing hardware should be designed to allow for incremental upgrades to increase computing resources (e.g. CPU, RAM, storage) as technologies mature. 8. The family of computing hardware should be designed with reasonable spare computing resources (e.g. CPU, RAM, GPU, storage) to accommodate additional future capabilities without the need to upgrade components. 9. The family of computing hardware must be ready to begin fielding by 1QFY13. An incremental approach may be required to support all use cases. 10. It is the Government's desire for the Basic MC3P hardware system unit production cost goal to be less than $10K in procurement quantities of 10,000 per year. Total procurement may be as high as 100,000 units worldwide. 11. The MC3P System platform must be capable of operating on Army tactical ground vehicles, tracked and wheeled. Essentially the MC3P hardware must meet at a minimum the same environmental requirements as the FBCB2 JV5 computer. This specification is available for review as part of this RFI. 12. The MC3P System Display must have an internal touch screen capability and be fully sunlight readable in bright sunshine, with brightness level that is gradually adjustable from full brightness to total blackout conditions for night time operations. 13. The contractor must provide the US Government with the necessary documentation and Government purpose data rights for the MC3P Family of Computing Hardware equipment sufficient for one or more alternate suppliers to build equipment that will be fully compatible with the MC3P. 14. It is desired that the MC3P architecture be based upon adequately mature commercial technology to enable a short first article prove out cycle and production lead time such that the Government can procure and field this capability beginning in 1QFY13. Incremental approaches will be evaluated also. Acronym List: C2: Command and Control SA: Situational Awareness FBCB2: Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below JBC-P: Joint Battle Command - Platform TIGR: Tactical Ground Reporting CPOF: Command Post of the Future MTS: Movement Tracking System AFATDS/FOS: Advanced Field Artillery Target Designation System / Forward Observer System DCGS-A: Distributed Common Ground System- Army LRAS3: Long-Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System CLOE: Common Logistics Operating Environment CBRN: Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear FLIR: Forward Looking Infrared Radar GPS/PNT: Global Positioning System / Position Navigation & Timing SATCOM: Satellite Communications BFT-2: Blue Force Tracking -2 WIN-T PoP/SNE: Warfighter Information Network, Point of Presence / Solider Network Extension MSS: Mounted Soldier System CPU: Central Processing Unit RAM: Random Access Memory GPU: Graphics Processing Unit Vendor Questionnaire The intent of this questionnaire is to organize vendor responses to this RFI. Respondents are requested to answer each question based upon the information and requirements presented in this RFI. Although the Government does not limit the size of your response, you are asked to consider that we will rely upon resources with limited time availability to review these responses. In order to assure that your response receives the attention it deserves, you are asked to consider limiting the size of your response (not counting any supporting documentation) to approximately 25 pages. If you consider supporting documentation to be necessary, please indicate which portions of the supporting documentation are relevant to this RFI. All cost figures provided as a part of this RFI will be considered an estimate and does not obligate the vendor or the government in any way. Proposed Solution 1. Please describe in detail your proposed solution to provide PEO C3T / PM FBCB2 with a MC3P Family of Computing Hardware that meets the features and capabilities described in this RFI. In your response, please describe each LRU and configuration that you propose and its effectiveness in meeting the desired features and capabilities. 2. Is the proposed solution based on an existing product or family of products that is currently available? If so, please describe that product and explain what modifications are required to adapt it to provide the proposed capabilities. Performance 3. Please briefly describe your understanding of the SW applications / suites and the Mounted CE described above and how your proposed solution considers all of this.....resulting in a cost effective MC3P Family of Computing Hardware. 4. What experience do you have integrating multiple SW applications with more than one OS on a single computing platform? Do you have Linux Redhat domain knowledge? 5. Please identify any software licensing / royalty fees associated with your proposed solution. Are there any hardware driver concerns, costs, etc? 6. Security / Information Assurance. Please explain your experience with Security/IA as well as proposed solution(s) to the different capability levels within your MC3P Family of Computing HW. What are your recommendations with regards to transferring data between different security domains? Is the hardware certified and/or accredited. If not, provide your plans to obtain a certified and accredited product. 7. What is the expected production nonrecurring cost associated with producing a solution to meet the requirements specified in this RFI? This also includes the building and testing of a first article system. Assume that system and unit specifications, status reports, design reviews, test procedures, test reports and other documentation normally associated with this type of program will be required. Please provide an itemized list of production nonrecurring tasks. 8. What will be expected unit cost for each of your proposed MC3P hardware variants? Assume that the procurement quantities are a minimum of 10,000 units per year with a total that may be 100,000 units or more. If a building block approach is proposed then how will the unit cost change as functionality is added to the system's configuration? 9. What is the expected size, weight and power of the MC3P mounted vehicle solution? Please note that it is preferable that the computing device and its supporting components be no larger than the current FBCB2 JV-5 computer (and utilize the current onboard installation cabling) space claim. 10. If a new installation kit / modification kit is required, what would your proposed solution be? 11. Describe how you plan to package the MC3P Hardware including provisions for vibration, shock, water resistance and physical connectors that meet the environmental requirements. The goal is to make the equipment as cost effective as possible and still meet the operating & performance conditions specified. 12. Please specify any additional features/functionalities (not detailed in the RFI) that you recommend be included in the design of the MC3P Family of Computing Hardware. An example would be Support Equipment such as duplication & purging equipment, data transfer / loading devices, etc. Acquisition Approach & Schedule 13. As currently envisioned, as part of the RFP process, the Government will require vendors to conduct a demonstration and test of bid sample units as part of the source selection process. The demonstration would need to be conducted within 30 days after release of the formal RFP. Once the contract is awarded, 100 first article units would need to be delivered to the Government within six months of contract award. We would like to follow this schedule as close as possible to allow fielding to begin in 1QFY13. Please specify any concerns with meeting any particular milestones that would impact the overall schedule. If you cannot meet any of these milestones, suggest alternatives that you will be able to meet. 14. It is the Governments intention to competitively solicit and award a 3 to 5 year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) production contract for the MC3P Family of computing HW. There will additionally be a Cost Plus Fixed Fee (CPFF) portion for engineering services to support tasks such as integration, testing, analysis, etc. The contract will include First Article Qualification Testing (FAQT), technical documentation (ICD's, specifications, test plans & reports), ILS data, and cost reporting requirements. Other 15. Please describe your company's qualifications and experience in design, validation, test, and manufacturing a computing system similar to the MC3P Family of Computing Hardware on time and within budget, while meeting the necessary requirements. 16. The potential procurement quantities for the MC3P Family of Hardware are 10,000 per year and can reach a total as high as 100,000 units. What is the manufacturing capability and experience of your company to produce this volume of this type After the Government reviews all vendor submissions there may be additional need for further follow-on questions. If so, the Government will contact each vendor to ask these follow-on questions on an individual one-on-one basis. All information must be submitted and received no later than 21 March 2011. This is a market survey requesting information only. The submission of this information is for planning purposes and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to procure any items/services, or for the Government to pay for the information received. No solicitation will be issued against this notice.
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FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/notices/7dfdb4bd9e192c6194a627b4421fc946)
- Place of Performance
- Address: CECOM Contracting Center (CECOM-CC) ATTN: AMSEL-AC, Building 6001 APG MD
- Zip Code: 21005
- Zip Code: 21005
- Record
- SN02386836-W 20110226/110224234445-7dfdb4bd9e192c6194a627b4421fc946 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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