MODIFICATION
A -- BAA Topic Number: S0810
- Notice Date
- 6/20/2013
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- NAICS
- 541712
— Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)
- Contracting Office
- ACC-APG - Aberdeen Division B, HQ CECOM CONTRACTING CENTER, 6001 COMBAT DRIVE, ABERDEEN PROVING GROU, MD 21005-1846
- ZIP Code
- 21005-1846
- Solicitation Number
- W15P7T13RA424
- Response Due
- 7/12/2013
- Archive Date
- 8/19/2013
- Point of Contact
- Swati jain, 4438614646
- E-Mail Address
-
ACC-APG - Aberdeen Division B
(jain.swati.civ@mail.mil)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) / SOURCES SOUGHT (SS) NOTICE Development of Distributed / Embedded Standard SATCOM On-The-Move Terminal Architecture (DESSTA) REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) / SOURCES SOUGHT (SS) NOTICE Development of Distributed / Embedded Standard SATCOM On-The-Move Terminal Architecture (DESSTA) THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) AND NOT A SOLICITATION. This RFI is solely for information and planning purposes and shall not be considered as an invitation for bid, Request for Quotation, Request for Proposal (RFP), or as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services. Your response to this RFI will be treated as information only. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of contractor submission of responses to this announcement or the Government use of such information. This request does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or the authority to enter into negotiations to award a contract. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this effort. The information provided may be used by the Army in developing its acquisition strategy, or performance work statements, or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained in their response. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for the information submitted in response to this RFI. INTRODUCTION The US Army Communications Electronics Research & Development Engineering Center (CERDEC) Space & Terrestrial Communications Directorate (S&TCD) is interested in developing an open standard specification that will allow it to procure distributed aperture satellite communications antennas for on-the-move vehicular applications. This Request for Information is a call to industry to provide your input to the specification. The development of the open standard architecture will need to take into account the Army's goals for performance, integration and cost. PROBLEM STATEMENT Program Manager Warfighter Information Network - Tactical (PM WIN-T) Increment 3 is currently developing a product line that will include the capability of full networking on-the-move. One of the challenges they face is the integration of a SOTM terminal onto ground vehicles such as the quote mark heavy quote mark PEO Ground Combat Systems (GCS) / PM Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) vehicles. Distributed aperture terminals were identified as a technology that will help address this challenge. Heavy vehicles present several unique integration challenges that can be mitigated by the use of distributed aperture terminals. Typically, heavy vehicles have turreted weapon systems. The turret has limited space (both interior and exterior) and power available for integration of a traditional SOTM terminal. In this respect, a distributed aperture terminal offers additional integration flexibility in that the antennas can be mounted on the sides of the turret or some other suitable location on the exterior of the vehicle, thus presenting a distinct advantage over traditional terminals which must be mounted on the top of the turret. One of the main problems with mounting a traditional SOTM terminal on top of the turret is its close proximity to exposed turret personnel. The SOTM terminal can present a radiation safety hazard to the commander, gunner or any other operator in close proximity to the SOTM terminal. Distributed aperture terminals can mitigate this radiation hazard because the antennas can be mounted on the sides of the turret (or the sides of main vehicle body) and direct the radiation way from the vehicle hatch, or any other designated area. When mounting a traditional SOTM terminal on the main body of a turreted vehicle, several other challenges arise. The line of sight to the satellite can be blocked by the turret, significantly limiting the performance of the SOTM system. Additionally, traditional SOTM systems also block sight lines and firing lines of the vehicle's own weapon systems. Traditional SOTM terminals require a minimum of 400 to 900 square inches of continuous vehicle surface area for antenna placement. Distributed aperture SOTM terminals may require a similar aggregate area, but without the condition that it be continuous. For distributed aperture terminals, both the top and the sides of the vehicle may be considered. Additional multifaceted challenges include: Functional layout of components that perform down/up conversion, analog to digital conversion, GPS and inertial navigation as well as control and tracking functions can cause difficulties and excessive costs when determining terminal design and placement of distributed SOTM terminal components on the inside or outside of the vehicle. Additional cable runs and vehicle penetration points may be needed for the distributed aperture solution. In the case of Heavy vehicles, it will be very restricted, if not forbidden, to add additional breaches to the vehicle hull. A single entry point is likely required. BACKGROUND For several years CERDEC STCD has been developing the concept of distributed aperture SOTM terminals to address the challenges of integrating traditional SATCOM terminals in to vehicles with turrets and large weapon systems. One of the Government funded Research and Development (R&D) efforts was the quote mark Small Aperture X-Band Antenna - Distributed Broadband quote mark or SAXBA BB. The SAXBA BB terminal was designed and demonstrated to prove the concept of a distributed aperture SOTM terminal at reasonable unit production cost for PM WIN-T (~$150k, in quantities greater than 100 was an objective for this program). The SAXBA program was successful in meeting a reasonable unit cost for PM WIN-T. Figure 1. SAXBA BB Terminal. Four antenna subsystems, and one core terminal subsystem shown. Another lesson learned from the SAXBA broadband terminal effort has been continued support for the distributed aperture terminal concept. This support has included funding throughout the life ( greater than 4 years) of the program from PM-WIN-T, as well as great interest from the heavy platform PM community (PEO GCS). While many lessons were learned from CERDEC's SAXBA and other Distributed Aperture SOTM research efforts, one question that remains unanswered is: What is the most effective Distributed Aperture SOTM terminal architecture that will allow performance (platform integration, flexible, modular, RF performance, etc) and cost goals to be met in all three frequency bands (X, Ku and Ka)? PM-WIN-T has an immediate need to integrate a SOTM terminal onto the heavy vehicles. As such, CERDEC S&TCD has initiated a four year technology development program entitled, Low Observable Communications - Distributed / Embedded Standard SOTM Terminal Architecture (DESSTA) which started in FY 13. The DESSTA program will answer this need in the near term, but will also keep an eye on the long term goal of developing a family of cost effective terminals. The DESSTA program is intended to be a collaborative effort involving CERDEC S&TCD, PM WIN-T and select commercial/non-commercial partners. DESSTA will first develop a baseline open standard architecture for distributed aperture SOTM terminals in X, Ku and Ka bands, and then develop a Ku band distributed aperture SOTM terminal prototype to align with the needs of the WIN-T program. The DESTA open standard architecture development effort for X/Ku and Ka bands will last over a 3-4 year period starting in FY13. However, a baseline standard architecture for Ku band will be required by the end of FY13. The baseline standard architecture will be updated as necessary throughout the period of the open standard development. The objective of the open standard is to reduce the cost of the distributed aperture terminal by promoting more modular terminal designs. The standard will define the components of the distributed aperture SOTM terminal, the functionalities of each component, and the common interfaces between each component. Within each component vendors will be able to implement their unique proprietary solutions. The distributed SOTM open standard architecture will be a standard that is not controlled by a single vendor, is not tied to a specific vendor's platform, is available for implementations by multiple sources, is published, and may be used without royalties or the need for non-disclosure agreements. The DESSTA Ku band distributed aperture SOTM terminal prototype development effort will initiate in FY14, and adhere to the baseline of the open standard architecture. The development effort will include, but not be limited to: 1.To design, implement, test and demonstrate (at TRL 6) a distributed aperture SOTM terminal in the Ku-Band over a 2 year period. 2.The terminal shall be testable to the baseline open standard distributed architecture, in addition to the relevant MIL-STD tests (MIL-STD-810F,MIL-STD-188 -164B). SCOPE OF THIS RFI For the purpose of the RFI CERDEC S&TCD is interested in establishing what each vendor considers as the best implementation of an open standard specification for the architecture of the distributed aperture SOTM terminals in X, Ku and Ka Bands (Note: this is a single architecture that encompasses all three bands). Additionally, CERDEC is interested in understanding existing component level technologies (antennas designs, low cost array manufacturing techniques, antenna tracking and control systems, etc) that can be used to develop the intended Distributed SATCOM terminal products. Description of the open standard architecture should include, but not be limited to: a. The components of the quote mark Distributed Terminal quote mark. b. Functionality of each component within the quote mark Distributed Terminal quote mark. c. What should be considered quote mark Additional Components quote mark. d. What interfaces exist in your distributed terminal architecture (internal / external). e. Physical aspect (Ethernet cable, RF Cable, etc.) and functional description of each interface. f. Trades used in making these architecture decisions. See next section for discussion. Description of the Component Technologies and Capabilities: a. Component name within your standard architecture b. Functionality of each component within the quote mark Distributed Terminal quote mark. c. Performance of this component within the quote mark Distributed Terminal quote mark. d. Description of the component technology. For example: An quote mark Antenna quote mark component description may include: Antenna element description Aperture size (per quadrant) and thickness Gain at boresight Beamwidths Polarization (fixed, selectable) Scan limits/scan loss Sidelobes/Backlobes G/T Taper loss (if any) Phase shifter configuration (type, number of bits, etc) Feed Network Beemsteering Methodology Technology Readiness Level (TRL) Level of Ruggedization - Environmental, EMI/EMC, etc. Costs Any other performance parameters that may impact the other components to which this will interface. An quote mark Antenna Control Unit quote mark component may include: Tracking Methods: beacon, monopulse, steptrack Frequency and Timing sources Tracking Loss Cost Any other performance parameters that may impact the other components to which this will interface. ARCHITECTURE TRADES Developing an open standard architecture will limit what terminals can be built using that architecture. As such, it is necessary for the Government to understand what factors you considered in your concept for an Open Standard Architecture. The government will weigh per unit cost, performance, and integration trades in evaluation of your Open Standard Architecture concept. At a minimum the following relevant considerations should be addressed: Performance/Cost: For a distributed aperture terminal, where the conversion from radio frequency (RF) to an intermediate frequency (IF) is done, will greatly impact both the cost and performance. Direct RF or IF digitization is of interest to the government. Performance/Integration/Cost: Which components that are distributed, and which components are outside and inside of the tactical vehicle will impact performance, cost and integration trades. Performance/Integration/Cost: Low profile and non-traditional antenna designs. The integration challenge for the heavy vehicles may require the development of low profile and non-traditional antenna designs to optimize performance in limited space. The architecture should support these antenna designs. Additionally, the number of antennas and capability of the antenna needed to support a particular tactical vehicle may vary. The integration location and space available for integration will drive this. The architecture should support different numbers of antennas as well as significantly different performance. Performance/Cost: Dynamic signal combining is an important aspect of the distribute aperture terminal architecture. RF signals received on multiple antenna components will need to be combined such that the G/T of the system can be maximized when operating On-The-Move. The open standard architecture should support this. Performance/Cost: Control and tracking operations while on the move is a critical aspect of today's Tactical SATCOM terminals. Satellite acquisition, open and closed loop tracking, terminal calibration, OTM operations in the tactical environment (shock, vibe, terminal behavior during blockages, and blockage recovery) are all key elements of the architecture and terminal design. Integration: SWAP, EMI/EMC, radiation hazard safety, blockage of firing/sight lines, blockage of LOS to the satellite, vehicle penetrations for cable routing, cable length / loss / durability, and redundancy: single point of failure. PRODUCTS THE ARMY ANTICIPATES DEVELOPING FROM THE OPEN STANDARD ARCHITECTURE From this open standard architecture the intent is to build products with the following attributes: -Distributed SOTM terminals which are fully functional and independent of all other systems, with exception to the need for vehicle power, a satellite signal (for receive) and a modem. These systems are required to acquire, track and pass data to/from the modem. Additionally, Distributed SOTM terminal will interface with a computer initial control, setup and maintenance of the terminal. -SOTM products with improved integration viability on heavy tactical vehicles. Specific examples of heavy tactical vehicles are Bradley, Abrams, and Stryker. Specific examples of integration challenges are provided in the PROBLEM STATEMENT section of this document. -Antenna components/subsystems will be distributed around the vehicle. -The number of antennas and performance of the components/subsystems may vary by platform. -Line Replaceable Modules (/Components) LRM. Each component in the architecture shall have an open and standard interface. Each component shall be replaceable to improve performance and/or reduce cost. -Dynamic signal combining on receive from multiple antenna components/subsystems when operating On-The-Move. -Low profile antenna systems: Can be mounted on the top or side of a vehicle. -Terminals will be designed to meet PM WIN-T Soldier Network Extension (SNE) (Threshold) and Point of Presence (PoP) terminal requirements. Below are the G/T and EIRP requirements for a phased array antennas to meet the POP objective requirement to close a 512 Kb/s data rate (full duplex) link: X Band, G/T= 2.14/1.81 dB/K, EIRP= 36.69 dBW (Minimum @ 45 degrees). Ku Band, G/T=7.17/5.98 dB/K, EIRP=43.27 dBW (Minimum @ 45 degrees) with size minimized. Ka Band, G/T= 11.858/10.755 dB/K, EIRP= 40.87 dBW (Minimum @ 45 degrees). Note phased arrays above are assumed to be mounted at 45 degrees to horizon, and angles above reference degrees above the horizon. Pointing losses of 0.5 dB are included in G/T and EIRP numbers. All bands assume operation with a 2.4m hub. -Scan angles: The 360 degrees in azimuth is a threshold requirement for most systems. However, multiple antennas can be used to achieve this. In elevation, 100 degrees is an objective requirement, 50 degrees is the threshold requirement. -Products shall be designed such that the unit cost goals can be achieved: less than $100k (Objective) per terminal, or less than $250k (Threshold) per terminal, in quantities greater than 100. This includes all components above the modem in the RF Chain (Assume the RF chain starts at the antenna aperture, and flows down to the modem.) This unit cost target is typically a single band / single beam system. -Single and Multi-beam systems. -Multi-band systems (X/Ku/Ka). -Bands of interest: X (7.25 -7.75 GHz Rx, 7.9-8.4 GHz Tx), Ku (10.95 -12.75 GHz Rx, 13.75-14.5 GHz Tx) and Ka (19.7-21.2 GHz Rx, 29.5-31 GHz Tx). -Open and closed loop acquisition and tracking systems. -Modem agnostic SOTM systems. LEVERAGE CERDEC S&TCD is interested in leveraging any industry efforts currently in the development of a similar interface, and is seeking information in this regard. One effort that can be leveraged is the Government Reference Architecture (GRA). The GRA defines a standard SOTM architecture which is applicable for Protected Communications Terminals. While the open standard architecture developed under this RFI does NOT include Protected Communications Terminals, some of the GRA content and concepts may be applicable to X, Ku, Ka band terminals as well. For example, the GRA provides commands for each interface that may be leveraged in our Distributed Aperture Terminal Interface. GRA documentation is available upon request. DATA SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS Interested parties are requested to respond to the RFI by describing their technical capabilities, displaying experience developing similar SOTM terminals and SOTM apertures. Additionally, parties should show an understanding of design and manufacturing practices that have been used to reduce the costs of SOTM terminals. Interested parties are requested to submit: General: Statement of capability. Statement of interest. Qualifications: Description of Qualification: Demonstrated products, projects, and applicable experience in the design, development and manufacturing of SOTM terminals or SOTM terminal components.Some examples of qualified responses include companies, persons or, organizations with experience in design and development of: Software: SOTM Control and tracking systems Signal Processing: Combining of RF Signals Antennas: flat panel antennas (i.e. phased arrays, etc) SOTM Terminal Manufacturing SOTM Distributed Aperture Terminal Standard Architecture: Describe the open standard architecture that you propose for SOTM distributed aperture terminals. The description should include, but not be limited to: a. The components of the quote mark Distributed Terminal quote mark. b. Functionality of each component within the quote mark Distributed Terminal quote mark. c. What should be considered quote mark Additional Components quote mark. d. What interfaces exist in your distributed terminal architecture (internal / external). e. Physical aspect (Ethernet cable, RF Cable, etc.) and functional description of each interface. f. Trades used in making these architecture decisions (See ARCHITECTURE TRADES section for discussion). Identify sources (papers, articles, standards, books, etc) that have used to develop your SOTM standard architecture. An IPT will be developed to define the standard SOTM terminal architecture. Identify what expertise or experience your company brings to the table. Component Technologies and Capabilities: Describe the component technologies and capabilities that you propose for SOTM distributed aperture terminals. The description should include, but not be limited to: a. component name within your standard architecture b. Functionality of each component within the quote mark Distributed Terminal quote mark. c. Performance of this component within the quote mark Distributed Terminal quote mark. d. Description of the component technology. Other: Identify the largest cost drivers of your current SOTM products or efforts. Identify areas of technology development that, if successful, would resolve the technical challenges or cost drivers associated with your SOTM products or efforts. For any clarifications or questions regarding reference documents or RFI, please refer to the listed POC(s). The information received will not obligate the Government in any manner nor will the Government reimburse contractors for any costs associated with submittal of the requested information. This request does not constitute an Invitation For Bid or a Request For Proposal Responses to this RFI/SS. Responses are due to by COB 12 JULY 2013. Respondents should identify their company's name, address, telephone number, point of contact, and whether they are a large or small business. While it may be necessary and/or beneficial to provide proprietary information to discuss the quote mark Qualifications quote mark within your submission, proprietary information should be avoided in discussion of the quote mark SOTM Distributed Aperture Terminal Standard Architecture quote mark. It is the intent to submit this information for open discussion among industry professionals. Proprietary information should be clearly marked on a paragraph or sentence basis if the information is embedded within the discussion of the quote mark SOTM Distributed Aperture Terminal Standard Architecture quote mark. Proprietary information can be marked page by page basis if the information is NOT in sections of the submission that address the quote mark SOTM Distributed Aperture Terminal Standard Architecture quote mark. All submissions shall be sent via e-mail. The electronic format may be in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) or compatible with Microsoft Office suite of software. The white paper response shall not exceed 30 pages. Responses shall be delivered in electronic format to the following addresses: POC(s): Jeffrey Hoppe (443)-395-9643 jeffrey.t.hoppe.civ@mail.mil Jim Gallagher (443)-395-9629 jim.gallagher@us.army.mil REFERENCES [1] Government Reference Architecture Users Guide, Components and Use Cases, 8 May 2012, Version 0.3.
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- Address: ACC-APG - Aberdeen Division B HQ CECOM CONTRACTING CENTER, 6001 COMBAT DRIVE ABERDEEN PROVING GROU MD
- Zip Code: 21005-1846
- Zip Code: 21005-1846
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