U.S. Army CECOM, CECOM Acquisition Center, Fort Monmouth, NJ 07703-5008

58 -- MEDIUM DATA RATE SATCOM ON THE MOVE TERMINAL DUE 050500 POC Suzanne Anderson, Contracting Officer, 732-532-5486 E-MAIL: Click here to contact the contracting officer via, anderss2@mail1.monmouth.army.mil. A Medium Data Rate (MDR)SATCOM On-The-Move (SOTM) Terminal Request for Information Overview: PM MILSATCOM is soliciting information from industry to determine the current capability of key technologies to support the fabrication of a terminal capable of Satellite Communications On The Move (SOTM). The terminal is intended to be hosted on a High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) in support of a Battalion (BN) Tactical Operations Center (TOC). The SOTM terminal is intended to operate over commercial Ku-band satellites. The SOTM terminal can operate in two modes: a low data rate (> 16 kbps) on the move and at Medium Data Rate (MDR) (~256 kbps) SATCOM on the pause (SOTP). The SOTM terminals are expected to travel at velocities up to 30 mph on semi-improved roads. In addition, information on low cost system solution is being sought. Background: The terrestrial Near Term Digital Radio (NTDR) currently supports TOC-to-TOC connectivity at the BN level. While the NTDR provides for on the move capability as well as medium data rate (MDR), it is range limited. A SOTM solution for TOC-to-TOC is required to fulfill the need for a BLOS on the move MDR capability to support battlefield digitization. SATCOM between two BN TOCs in which both HMMWVs are in motion will be required (although the majority of the traffic will flow between the BN-level SOTM vehicle and the Brigade (BDE) TOC, where the BDE TOC is assumed to be parked). Key Technologies: The government estimates that the key technologies required for the SOTM capability may include a Ku-band full duplex tracking OTM antenna, a spread-spectrum modem with protocol suite design for efficient use of the satellite and efficient transfer of IP traffic on the move. The ability to transition the terminal's mode on-the-fly from SOTM to SOTP and back with the goal of no loss in carrier lock or crypto synchronization. Furthermore, minimal to no operator intervention is desired once the link is established (establishment of the link can be assumed tooccur when the terminal is in the paused mode). The goal is to use the same antenna to support both SOTP and SOTM; however, the antenna can be capable of "reconfiguration" on-the-fly to support both the SOTP and SOTM modes. In support of SOTP, the antenna system must be designed to support rapid (i.e., < 20 seconds) initial spatial acquisition of the satellite. The use of a Geostationary (GEO) satellite, which offers full duplex DirectPC-like service can be assumed for the space segment for purposes of characterizing the satellite's station keeping. The waveform proposed must be consistent with the current FCC requirements for minimal adjacent satellite interference (assume a 2-degree orbital spacing). Outcome: Currently, the government is only seeking information on the key technologies or system solutions needed to provide the desired SOTM capability. The results of this survey will serve as a basis for purchases of any readily available key components for integration and experimentation by the government. The key technologies will be integrated onto a HMMWV. Appropriate terminal certification will be secured for the completed SOTM terminal along with coordination among associated organizations. Performance trials will be conducted to critically evaluate and characterize the terminal's capabilities in terms of frequency and duration of communications dropout, supported network connectivity, supported IP services (e.g., broadcast, unicast, and multicast), maximum vehicle speed, and supported terrain types. Point of Contact: If interested in the above please contact Mr. Robert Hoppes, (732) 532-7304 for an appointment or for written material please send to Attention: Mr. David Jimenez, SFAE-C3S-MSA-TMD, Bldg 906, Ft. Monmouth NJ 07703. This is not a solicitation. This information will be used to determined the viability of a future solicitation. Responses to this Request for Information are due no later than 5 May 2000. Posted 04/18/00 (W-SN446053). (0109)

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