Request for Information (RFI) Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL)   2

UPDATE 04 March 2013: The purpose of this update is to clarify the Government's intent regarding the request for industry feedback on RFI N00039-14-R-0001. The Government currently seeks comments from interested parties on the NTCDL SPS and Annexes, via the Microsoft Excel 2003 spreadsheet which was provided with the RFI announcement as a template (file name: NTCDL_RFI_Comment_Form.xls). In addition, the Government seeks input from interested parties on the various subjects (i.e. Architecture, Performance, Cost) identified in the RFI announcement (file name: RFI PMW 170 NTCDL 8 January 2013.pdf). Industry comments on the subjects identified in the RFI announcement should be provided to the Government as a separate attachment, in Portable Document Format (.PDF). Interested parties should provide both forms of input (both files) in one response, due no later than 14 March 2013, 14:00 PST. Responses shall be submitted via e-mail only to alexander.holtet@navy.mil and heidi.radaford@navy.mil. Note: email submissions 10MB or larger will automatically be rejected by NMCI so please take this into account when preparing a response. ************************************************************** UPDATE 25 February 2013: Below is a question received from industry regarding the subject RFI and the Government's response: Q:) Is the requirement stated in paragraph 3.4.2, Line 1783-1785 truly intended to allow SWAP for both one flat Panel and Two Large Radome Equipped Antenna Configurations for up to 8 physically separate Rx and Tx Subsystem units and 8 physically separate large antenna units for a total of 16 units with SWAP specified in Tables 3-17 and Table 3-18? A:) No, the SWAP cited does not allow for 8 large antenna units. The parameters of the dishes cited are for reference only. The RFI is intended for Industry to propose a CDL solution for the threshold requirements. How the RF sub-system is designed/developed is up to the vendors. The threshold requirement to be addressed is 5 simultaneous 360 degree-capable CDL missions, to include a maximum range, maximum data rate mission. ************************************************************** UPDATE 19 February 2013: The Government is hereby extending the time allowed for RFI responses from 28 February 2013 to 14 March 2013, 14:00 PST. *************************************************************** UPDATE 28 January 2013: Below is a question received from industry regarding the subject RFI and the Government's response: Q:) Currently, only two contractors have access to KGV-135A devices. What option is the government considering to allow other contractors, who don't have access to these cryptographic devices, to bid compliant solutions? A:) The Government does not believe that any vendor needs access to the COMSEC chip/device in order to propose a compliant solution. However after award determination, the Government will provide the COMSEC chip/device as GFE on the contract to the successful offeror only. *********************************************************** UPDATE 08 January 2013 The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in support of the Program Management Warfare / Airborne (PMW/A) 170 is seeking comments from industry on the draft System Performance Specification (SPS) and appendices in preparation for the Network Tactical Common Data Link (NTCDL)acquisition. THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Further, the Navy is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued. If a solicitation is released, it will be synopsized on the Federal Business Opportunities (FedBizOpps) website and the SPAWAR E-Commerce Central website at https://e-commerce.spawar.navy.mil. It is the responsibility of the potential offerors to monitor these sites for additional information pertaining to this requirement. Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with comments on the subjects identified in the attached RFI announcement (below) entitled, "RFI PMW 170 NTCDL 8 January 2013.pdf." An Excel spreadsheet comment form entitled, " NTCDL_RFI_Comment_Form.xls" is also provided (below) for the purposes of collecting comments and suggestions on the SPS and Annex documents. The System Specification and Annexes have been provided for industry review on a separate secured site limited to DoD Contractors. To request access to the secured website, each company must sign and return the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) posted below entitled, "Bidder's Repository NDA" and provide the e-mail address, phone number for each requested user, and provide Joint Certification Program (JCP) active certification number to Alex Holtet at alexander.holtet@navy.mil. Each company may request access for up to two representatives. Each user is required to be a U.S. DoD contractor and have a valid DoD or ECA issued PKI certificate to gain access to the website. If an interested company is a U.S. DoD contractor and does not have a valid DoD or ECA-issued PKI certificate, contact alexander.holtet@navy.mil for further instruction. If an interested company is a U.S. DoD contractor and does not have a JCP certification number, please go to website http://www.dlis.dla.mil/jcp/documents.aspx and submit a complete DD Form 2345 to Joint Certification Office (JCO). Once DoD Contractors have been approved, the Government will provide instructions on how to access the secured site. It should be noted that additional documentation may be posted to the site over the next month. Comments in the Microsoft Excel 2003 compatible spreadsheet are due no later than 28 February 2013, 14:00 PST. Responses shall be submitted via e-mail only to alexander.holtet@navy.mil and heidi.radaford@navy.mil. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to the Contract Specialist, at alexander.holtet@navy.mil. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. Questions will be answered by posting answers to the SPAWAR E-Commerce Central website; accordingly, questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information. The Government does not guarantee that questions will be answered. To access the SPAWAR E-Commerce Central website, go to https://e-commerce.spawar.navy.mil. Interested parties are invited to subscribe to the SPAWAR website to ensure they receive any important information updates connected with this RFI. To subscribe, click on https://e-commerce.spawar.navy.mil/. Four CDL specification documents cited in the SPS will NOT be made available through the aforementioned secure website. These four CDL specifications are: 60038368 Rev [A] - Performance Specification for the Bandwidth Efficient- Common Data Link (BE-CDL) Waveform, Specification Number 60038368 Rev. [A], dated May 2011. 7681990 Rev [F-1] - Waveform Specification for the Standard Common Data Link (Std-CDL), Specification Number 7681990, Revision F, Change 1, dated February 2005. 7681990 Rev [H] - Performance Specification for the Standard Common Data Link (Std-CDL) Waveform, Specification Number 7681990 Rev. [H], dated November 2009. CAP 60038365 Rev-1 - Capstone Specification for the Network-Centric Common Data Link (Capstone), November 2007 The process for obtaining the CDL specifications identified above, is as follows: 1. Complete the attached request form (below) entitled "CDL Spec Request.pdf" a. Part 1 lists the CDL specifications that may be requested b. Part 2 is the requestor's contact information c. Part 3 is the CDL WIPT Service representative contact information For this effort: Government Sponsor: Duncan Peterson Phone: 619 524-3216 E-mail address: duncan.peterson@navy.mil Government Sponsor Signature: leave blank d. Part 4 is the requestor's SIPR address (if applicable) e. Part 5 is for CDL PMO use 2. Forward the completed request to CDL Program Management Office (PMO, Holly Rhodes, AFLCMC.HNAB.CDL@Hanscom.af.mil) 3. The CDL PMO will forward the request to CDL WIPT Service representative (for USN, representative is Duncan Peterson) 4. CDL WIPT Service representative determines requestor's need to know 4. CDL WIPT Service representative returns approved/denied request to CDL PMO 5. CDL PMO notifies requestor of approval/denial 6. Requestor coordinates delivery with the CDL PMO (address for shipment, or SIPR access) Additional Comments: The process is straightforward, and typically takes less than 5 working days depending upon the availability of the CDL PMO, CDL WIPT Service representative, and requestor for coordination. Multiple accesses for CDL Specification: When the CDL Specifications are requested, there is to be a unique request for each individual. For each entity operating under the same Cage Code and if multiple individuals require access to the information, then multiple requests to be submitted for up to five individuals. If the number of individuals is greater than 5, and all individuals are operating under the same Cage Code, then one request with the primary individual identified in the Request Form can be submitted, with an attached list of all other individuals. The list should contain the following information for each individual: First Name MI Last Name Email Title Address City Zip Code Government Sponsor Company Program