SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- Air Force DCGS Requirements Support Services (ADReSS)
- Notice Date
- 3/8/2021 12:52:44 PM
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- FA8527 AFLCMC HBKAB ROBINS AFB GA 31098-1670 USA
- ZIP Code
- 31098-1670
- Solicitation Number
- FA8527-21-R-0013
- Response Due
- 3/24/2021 12:30:00 PM
- Archive Date
- 04/08/2021
- Point of Contact
- 1st Lieutenant David Noland, Phone: 7752976555, Ivan M. Jones, Phone: 4783279876
- E-Mail Address
-
david.noland@us.af.mil, ivan.jones.2@us.af.mil
(david.noland@us.af.mil, ivan.jones.2@us.af.mil)
- Description
- Air Force Distributed Common Ground System (AF DCGS) Requirements Supports Services (ADReSS) CAUTION: This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS) is being conducted to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience to meet the requirements to fulfill the capabilities and services identified below in support of the missions and operations carried out by Air Force Distributed Common Ground Systems (AF DCGS) personnel.� Contractors/institutions responding to this SSS are placed on notice that participation in this survey may not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards.� The Government will not reimburse any participants for any expenses associated with their participation in this survey. Instructions: Below is a description of the ADReSS effort and a Contractor Capability Survey. If, after reviewing these documents, you desire to participate in the SSS, you should provide documentation that supports your company�s capability in meeting these requirements. Failure to provide documentation may result in the Government being unable to adequately assess your capabilities.� If you lack sufficient experience in a particular area, please provide details explaining how you would overcome the lack of experience and/or capabilities in order to perform that portion of the requirement (i.e., teaming, subcontracting, etc.) Identify any areas of work that your organization believes should be broken out exclusively for Small Business. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this SSS.� Joint ventures or teaming arrangements are encouraged. Questions relative to this SSS should be addressed to the Points of Contact (POCs) identified below in paragraph 6. Respondents should respond to the questions in Section 2 in a single whitepaper due no later than Wednesday, March 24, 2021, 1530 EDT. The response should be single-spaced, 10-point size, on 8.5 x 11 page size. Page limits should not exceed 20 pages.� Any supporting figures, tables, diagrams, or multimedia may be provided as attachments.� All SSS submissions shall be provided in Microsoft Office 2010 compatible format and emailed to the Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO), Ivan Jones at ivan.jones.2@us.af.mil as well as the ADReSS project manager, 1st Lt David Noland at david.noland@us.af.mil.� If submitting company Proprietary Information, please make sure it is CLEARLY MARKED. All submissions will not be returned. All Proprietary Information will be segregated by the Government and protected. To aid the Government in protecting Proprietary Information, please segregate Proprietary Information to the maximum extent possible. Questions regarding this SSS shall be submitted by e-mail to the aforementioned PCO and Contract Specialists. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after 24 March�2021 will be answered. Questions and answers (Q&A�s) pertinent to the larger community will be posted on the beta.sam.gov website. Advisory and Assistance Services (A&AS) and Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) contractors may be reviewing data submitted in response to this SSS; respective A&AS and FFRDC employees have standard Non-Disclosure Agreements available to the cognizant Government contracting offices. Purpose The AF DCGS Program Office (AFLCMC/HBGB) is conducting a SSS to identify potential sources and the level of competition that can provide the services and capabilities identified below.�� Note.� THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT SYNOPSIS (SSS) to identify sources that may be able to provide the capabilities identified within this document.� The information provided in the SSS is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the capabilities/services discussed, and release of this SSS should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. �All submissions to this request will become Government property and will not be returned. Description AF DCGS is the Air Force�s primary Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) planning and direction, collection, processing and exploitation, analysis and dissemination weapon system. The weapon system employs a global communications architecture that connects multiple intelligence platforms and sensors.� It may be in the Governments best interest to create a multi-year/multi-award Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract vehicle to manage the development and integration of new capabilities for the weapon system.�� ADReSS will employ performance based metrics and a capability based approach to leverage industry best practices and expertise to enable AF DCGS technologies and maximize performance.���� The�purpose of the ADReSS effort is to acquire the services�required to�enable and support the research, development, and integration of new technologies�supporting�Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT), Multi-INT, and�Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) capabilities for�the Air Force�Distributed�Common Ground System�(AF DCGS).� The objectives of the AF DCGS Program Office and the ADReSS project are to: Rapidly Deliver Capability to the Warfighter through the development of an Open Architecture, Government Ownership, System Agnostic Applications, Hybrid Cloud, Modernization of ELINT workflow and user interface, an finally linking with emerging NGA, National, and commercial Imagery Rapidly integrate new data sources and improve data quality through enabling access to additional data sources such as new/upgraded sensors, Cyber Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR), Operational Reconnaissance (OPSRECCE), Space, and Publically Available information.� Improve synchronization of DCGS Process, Exploitation, and Dissemination (PED) through the development of new/updated capabilities for the platform, sensors.� Also the implementation of standards and Meta Data Tagging Create a robust data discover and information sharing environment through increased enterprise communication capability, a flexible coalition environment, access to national mission partner (NMP) tools, enterprise storage, cross domain communication, and a common data fabric Deliver Multi-INT analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence capabilities through the development of applications and services to support problem-centric analysis, leveraging Intel Community Partner tools/capabilities as well as Commercial and government off-the-shelf analytics.� Building a structured observation management, object based production, forensics, algorithmic warfare, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.�� Furthermore optimize analytical environment (real-time and content driven) through the integration of Cyber ISR, OPSRECCE, Space, OPIR, and Publically Available information. Build a more effective and efficient weapon system while lowering the cost of ownership/sustainment through the centralization of specialized processing, consolidating enterprise services, virtualization, hub-based and on-demand data access.� Linking with emerging NGA, national and commercial imagery architectures.� Expanding intelligence community and commercial cloud usual, real time system health and status awareness/insight.� Enable remote software change management, maintenance, and upgrade Improve the cyber resiliency and robustness of the weapon system through the structured application of the application of the SAFe Agile and Risk Management Framework (RMF) practices and processes while increasing resiliency, real time system and network assessment, responsive patching and cyber protection, and ensuring valid and current accreditations. Contractor Capability Survey Part I:� Business Information The Government seeks to understand the capabilities of industry and the level of competition/interest present for this effort. All interested contractors must be registered in System for Award Management (SAM) in order to be eligible for award of Government contracts. Specifically, the Government is soliciting industry for responses to the following: Please provide the following business information for your company and for any teaming or joint venture partners: Company Name Address Point of Contact CAGE Code Phone Number E-mail Address Web Page URL Based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Codes and size standards in the chart below:, state whether your company is: Small Business (Yes/ No) Woman Owned Small Business (Yes/ No) Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes/ No) 8(a) Certified (Yes/ No) HUBZone Certified (Yes/ No) Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes/ No) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (Yes/ No) System for Award Management (SAM) (Yes/ No) NAICS Description Size Standard in dollars Size Standard Employees 518210 Data Processing, Housing, and Related Services $ 35.0 Million 519190 All Other Information Services $30.0 Million 541330 Engineering Services $16.5 Million 541690 Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services $16.5 Million 541715 Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology 1,000 541990 All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services $16.5 Million Part II:� Capability Survey Questions 1.� Please provide a brief overview and history of your company and experience in working with the intelligence community and the Government. 2.� The Government is considering the use of NAICS codes above.� Based on this do you consider the code a good fit of the type of work described?� What would the size of your business be under this NAICS Code? 3.� The Government is considering full and open competition.� Are you likely to consider participating in future acquisition events as price for this effort?��� Under FAR 19.502, the Government may consider a small business set-aside, will your organization still be eligible as a prime?� If you are a large business, how likely would you consider teaming with a small business? 4.� The Government is seeking to structure this effort as a multiple-award contract to support our transition to Open Architecture.� This may require coordination and cooperation among various contractors to achieve the Government�s objectives.� What are your organization's experience in collaborating with other contracted agencies and building Associate Contractor Agreements (ACA)?� Would this be something your organization is willing to pursue?� Do you foresee any issues or concerns with this consideration? 5.� The AF DCGS community is a dynamic and rapidly changing environment. In order to keep up with the requirements of the user, the Government is seeking to structure this effort for rapid completion of contracting actions.�� Two areas that are currently being looked at are proposal timelines for delivery/task orders of thirty (30) days or less and the delivery of Rough Order of Magnitudes (ROMs) in ten (10 days or less.� Would your organization be able to support this quick pace?�� Do you see any problems or concerns with our methodology/goals? 6.� The Government is looking to structure a studies and quick reactions element to this contracting effort.�� The studies element would allow for the assessment of potential technologies and capabilities as solutions or potential to improve the AF DCGS Weapon System.�� The quick reactions element would set up clauses to enable quick and decisive actions for the correction of critical and time sensitive issues on the weapons systems.�� Does your organization have any experience in conducting Studies and Quick Reaction?� Is this an area your company would be interested in supporting? 7.� AF DCGS utilizes an AGILE methodology for software development following Continuous Integration, Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) for mission application to enhance existing systems and develop new systems using emerging technologies.� What is your organization�s experience in AGILE software development? 8.�� The AF DCGS is transitioning to an Open Architecture (OA) system based on enterprise-class Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) physical and virtual infrastructure and COTS Enterprise Services Segment (ESS) to achieve a weapon system that is flexible, modular, and can accommodate the rapidly changing pace of technology, capabilities, and needs of the users.� This open architecture will be integrated into all facets of the weapon system.� What is your organization�s experience in working with converged/hyper-converged COTS servers, storage, and networking equipment?� What is your experience in working with virtualization tools, automated deployments, containerization, multiple database configurations, and cloud-ready software applications?� What is your experience in working with cross-domain solutions? Do you foresee any problems or constraints in working with an OA or Cloud system? 9.� The Government utilizes cloud computing for the U.S. IC (C2S), GovCloud and private cloud to support development of operation capabilities.�� What is your organizations experience in cloud computing?�� Does your organization have experience in the following for cloud orchestration? a.�� Redhat�cloud forms�� b.�� VMware,�vRealize�Automation (vRA)� c.�� vRealize�Orchestrator (vRO)� d.�� Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS)� e.�� Amazon Elastic Kubernetes Service (EKS)� 10.� The Government utilizes the Risk Management Framework (RMF) methodology IAW NIST 800-53 and DoDI 8500.01 to handle and address Cybersecurity within our weapons systems.�� What experience does your organization have with RMF?� Please detail your organization�s expertise and certifications with regards to cybersecurity. 11.� AF DCGS operates frequently in a SECRET and TOP SECRET environment.� Please describe your organizations capabilities and experiences in handling, processing, and storing SECRET and TOP SECRET information.�� Do any personnel within your organization currently possess a SECRET or TOP SECRET clearance? 12.� What experience does your organization have with obtaining privilege access to the National Mission Partner (NMP) network. ��Do any personnel in your organization currently possess or have the ability to possess this access? 13.� The Government is planning to include installation and configuration of developed technologies/software as part of the ADReSS contract.�� These services would include the fielding, upgrade, movement, installation, and decommission of information technology within the AF DCGS weapon system.�� What is your organizations experience in the activities above?� Is your organization capable of deploying teams across the US and various overseas locations to accomplish these activities? 14.� �Does your organization or company provide any hardware or software warranties for your products/work? �Would your organization be willing to provide any examples of what is usually covered and a duration of the warranty?� If your organization does not offer a warranties, would it be something that would be considered? 15.� The Government is planning to host an industry day following the review of SSS submissions.�� Would your organization be interested in attending the industry day?� Would you be interested in a one-on-one Q&A session? ATTENTION: SMALL BUSINESS RESPONDENTS who are interested in participation for this effort: No set aside decision has been made; however, the Government will determine the final strategy after thorough analysis of the small business responses and other market research available, considering the demonstrated interest and capability.� Please ensure that you provide a thorough response to each question.� If your company does not currently possess the full capability required to fulfill the entire requirement, what teaming/partnership/joint venture/subcontracting arrangement do you have in place to fulfill the government needs? Providing evidence of this arrangement, e.g. emails, letter, etc. that demonstrates a united response to this SSS is highly encouraged, but not required. The evidence should state the type of arrangement and the role each member will fulfill.� If you are only interested in being a subcontractor to the future awardee, state the portion of the work that your organization has capability of fulfilling.� Amendment 1 This modification herey provides the following clarification to to question 12 and corrects the language within the SSS as follows: �AF DCGS occasionally works with requirements and technology requiring Black Badge clearances.�� How familiar is your organization with Black Badge requirements?� Does your organization currently possess or have possessed any Black Badge clearances?� For those with confusion to this question, we have been informed that the term �Black Badge� is no longer used.��� Instead it is known as �privilege access� on the National Mission Partner (NMP) network.�� This requires a TS/SCI (with a polygraph) that is then vetted through the privilege access at the NMP.
- Web Link
-
SAM.gov Permalink
(https://beta.sam.gov/opp/a123ffc342734be090b906dbf3a473b5/view)
- Record
- SN05936361-F 20210310/210308230122 (samdaily.us)
- Source
-
SAM.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's SAM Daily Index Page |