Cmdr, MARCORSYSCOM, 2033 Barnett Ave., STE 315, Code CTQSR, Quantico, VA 22134-5010

70 -- TACTICAL DATA NETWORK (TDN)/DIGITAL TECHNICAL CONTROL (DTC) DUE 123196 POC Mr. Stephen L. Riffe 703-784-5822 ext 228 FAX 703-784-5826. The Marine Corps Systems Command is requesting information in the form of comments on a Draft Specification for the combined planned procurement of two major Marine Corps Communications Electronics Systems, the Tactical Data Network (TDN) and the Digital Technical Control (DTC). Both Programs are currently in the Engineering Manufacturing and Development (EMD) phase and have completed fabrication of prototypes to be tested during a combined Operational/Developmental Test in June 1997. A milestone III Production decision is anticipated in November 1997 with follow-on production contract award anticipated in January 1998. The TDN augments existing Marine Air Ground Tactical Force (MAGTF) communications infrastructure to provide the commander an integrated data network, forming the communications backbone for MAGTF tactical data systems and Defense Message System (DMS). The TDN consists of a network of GATEWAYS and SERVERS interconnected with one another and their subscribers via a combination of common user long-haul transmission systems, local area networks, single channel radios, and the switched telephone system. This network provides its subscribers with basic data transfer and switching services, access to strategic, supporting establishment, joint, and other service component tactical data networks, network management capabilities, and value-added services such as message handling, directory services, file sharing, and terminal emulation support. A GATEWAY is envisioned to consist of computers, routers, LAN hubs, radio net interface units, MODEMS for access to the switched telephone network, link encryption devices, multilevel security guards, patch panels, diagnostic equipment, and uninterruptable power supplies permanently mounted in a shelter for transport on a heavy-variant HMMWV. A SERVER is envisioned to consist of a computer, router, LAN hubs and cabling, radio net interface units, link encryption devices, patch panel, and uninterruptable power supply mounted in three transit cases, each of which can be two-man carry. The planned acquisition quantities of TDN Gateways and Servers by Fiscal Year are as follows: FY-98, 6 Gateways and 120 Servers, FY-99, 12 Gateways and 240 Servers, FY-00, 7 Gateways 133 Servers. In addition there are two pre-planned upgrades scheduled for the TDN program in FY-00 and FY-01 to incorporate the additional functionalities of DMS messaging and Asynchronous Transfer Mode. The Digital Technical Control (DTC) will provide a light-weight, deployable technical control capability for communications support organizations organic to a Marine Air Ground Tactical Force (MAGTF). The DTC facilitates the installation, operation, restoration, and management of individual circuits and digital trunks. It provides the primary interface between subscriber systems/networks within a local area and long-haul multichannel transmission systems. It can add, drop and insert digital circuits into multiplexed digital groups, provide a source of stable timing to connected equipment, condition analog circuits, and perform analog/digital, 2-wire/4-wire, and signaling conversions. It contains the monitoring, testing, and patching equipment required by technical controllers to monitor, troubleshoot and restore faulty circuits and trunks. The DTC will be permanently mounted in a shelter for transport on a heavy-variant HMMWV. There is a planned upgrade of the DTC to incorporate Asynchronous Transfer Mode in FY-00/FY01. The planned acquisition quantities of Digital Technical Control's by Fiscal Year are as follows: FY-98, 6 DTC's, FY-99, 9 DTC's, FY-00, 10 DTC's, FY-01, 6 DTC's. Draft Specification packages will be sent out to all interested parties on or around 2 January 1996 with an Industry Day to be scheduled within 1 month of the Draft Specification release. The future solicitation will be open to public entities under the Authority of 10 USC 4532 and 10 USC 2208(j). Accordingly, the following public entity is available as a potential source under the contract to be awarded under this solicitation: Tobyhanna Army Depot, Business Management Directorate, Attn: SIOTY-BU (Mr. John Lesniak), 11 Hap Arnold Boulevard, Tobyhanna, PA 18466-5051. The aforementioned entity is available to provide Manufacturing, System Integration and Fielding Support. Vendors interested in commenting on the Draft Specification should submit a written request. No telephonic requests will be accepted. Send all requests to: Commander, Attn CTQSR, MARCORSYSCOM, 2033 Barnett Ave Suite 315, Quantico, VA 22134-5010. Requests may also be sent via facsimile to Mr. Stephen Riffe at 703-784-5826. NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS AT THIS TIME. All responses should be received no later than December 31, 1996. The Marine Corps does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this request for information or otherwise pay for the information solicited. (0344)

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