Electronic Systems Center, Communications and Airspace Management Systems (ESC/TGK), 11 Eglin Street, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2120

58 -- UPGRADE OF EXISTING TACTICAL SECURE DATA COMMUNICATIONS (TASDAC) EQUIPMENT POC 1Lt David Blake, Point of Contact, 617-377-5617; Dale M. Pease, Contracting Officer, 617-377-6395. The Electronic Systems Center (ESC) seeks to upgrade the existing Tactical Secure Data Communications (TASDAC) equipment. The TASDAC system is a set of equipment to provide a data network infrastructure for deployed users of tactical computer systems. The US Air Force requires existing fielded Penril/Datability CSX-7100 (formerly VCP-1000) communication servers (quantity: approx. 500) to be upgraded or replaced to provide asynchronous connectivity via the point-to-point protocol (PPP) for up to 16 simultaneously connected serial users. Existing TASDAC VCP-1000 communication servers have been fielded in two forms, units containing Enhanced Network Interface Cards Plus (ENIC+) cards and those containing older ENIC cards. PPP can be accomplished by several methods, including but not limited to: (1) upgrade existing Penril/Datability CSX7100 ENIC cards to ENIC+ cards and firmware upgrades to existing ENIC+ cards (there are 2 CSX7100s per TASDAC), (2) add new equipment capable of being mounted in existing transit case free space (approx. 5U, 19 inch racks, approx. 25 inches deep), or (3) replace existing Penril/Datability CSX-7100 (substitution, unit is 3U high). In all cases, the support for TCP/IP (RFC 791, 793, 1122) SLIP (RFC 1055) and X.25 functionality must be retained. The two TASDAC user interface transit cases currently provide a combined capability for up to 16 SLIP connections, and 4 X.25 connections. In addition, serial terminal service functionality must also be retained (host multiple telnet sessions, RFC 854-861, 1123). An acceptable solution is one that can provide the following: (1) 16 or more Point to Point Protocol interfaces (RFC 1331, 1332), (2) 4 or more X.25 (RFC 1236, 1356) interfaces that can properly route X.25 packets with self addressed X.121 addresses back to originating device, and (3) 16 or more Serial Line Internet Protocol interfaces (RFC 1055). Interfaces on any retained communication servers count against the total number of interfaces. It is not required that all types of interfaces be supported simultaneously (16 PPP + 4 X.25 + 16 SLIP) as long as the solution allows a mix of interfaces (for example, 12 PPP + 2 X.25 + 2 SLIP). Upgrade of all TASDAC nodes must be within 180 calendar days of contract award. Interested firms should respond by indicating their ability to meet the following screening criteria: (1) possess the technical, managerial, and financial capabilities to perform this effort. (2) experience with point-to-point protocol (PPP), serial line internet protocol (SLIP) and TCP/IP. (3) familiarity with DoD/USAF TASDAC system. Interested firms are requested to submit a statement of their qualifications along with supporting documentation to ESC/TGK, Attn: Lt. David Blake, 11 Eglin Street, Hanscom AFB, MA 01731-2120 within 30 calendar days after date of this publication and should not exceed ten pages. This synopsis is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute an invitation for bid (IFB) or request for proposal (RFP) or any kind of commitment by the Government, nor does its issuance restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach. If a solicitation is issued, the Government will solicit those firms meeting the screening criteria in this synopsis. Any offeror initially judged to be unqualified would be provided a copy of the solicitation on request and any offer such a firm might submit would be evaluated without prejudice. (0017)

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