Request for Information - Open Architecture

Active

Contract Opportunity

(U) Request for Information (RFI)

Regarding

Open Architecture Cryptographic Solution

(U) This Request for Information (RFI) is in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.215-3 (Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes - Oct 1997) and is published to obtain information for use by the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Cryptologic and Cyber Systems Division (HNC), Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland AFB, Texas, for market research and planning purposes only.

(U) This RFI is NOT a Request for Proposal, Invitation for Bid, or an announcement of a solicitation; it is only intended for information or planning purposes. There is no bid package or solicitation document associated with this announcement. Responses to this RFI is strictly voluntary and will not affect any potential offeror's ability to submit an offer if a solicitation is released. Any requests for a solicitation package will be disregarded. The government does not intend to award a contract based on this RFI or otherwise pay for the information solicited. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the government will arise because of preparing submissions in response to this RFI and the government's use of such information. Submittals will not be returned to the sender. Respondents to this RFI may be requested to provide additional information/details based on their initial submittals.

Program

(U) This RFI is in support of programs within the Cryptologic Modernization Branch (AFLCMC/HNCA) specifically the Cryptologic Transformation Section (HNCAT).

Purpose

(U) This RFI is NOT a Request for Proposal, Invitation for Bid, or an announcement of a solicitation; it is only intended to seek information from industry. The information provided may be used by the program office to develop its acquisition strategy, statement of work and system requirements. Respondents to this RFI may be requested to provide additional information/details based on their initial submittals.

Background

(U) HNCAT is preparing for Cryptographic Modernization 2 (CM2) activities looking for novel ways to address the six (6) capability groups and 42 associated gaps to achieve modernization of DoD cryptographic capabilities. HNCAT is also seeking to align efforts with Sensor Open System Architecture (SOSA) compliance to ensure standardization, which reduces interoperability issues.

(U) AFLCMC/HNCAT is interested in pursuing a SOSA aligned/compliant cryptographic capability to deliver CM2 compliant, high-assurance capabilities with greater agility and improved interoperability. The vision of this solution is to support future architectures and provide the flexibility to support new missions and partners in multiple operational domains, while providing physical and digital interfacing standardization. The SOSA cryptographic solution is to incorporate the following design characteristics:

• (U) Modular: The architecture shall standardize what functionality is assigned to modules and define the relationship between modules.


• (U) Standardized: Interfaces compliant with SOSA.


• (U) Waveform: Provide agility to greatest extent to support multiple operational needs; capability to support Tactical Secure Voice, High Assurance Internet Protocol Encryptor (HAIPE), and Secure Communications Interoperability Protocol.


• (U) Small Form Fit: Size constrained to no larger than 3U Open VPX.


• (U) Portability: as a SOSA-based architecture, the hardware and software shall be able to be reused in other SOSA-based systems.

(U) An open architecture cryptographic solution would create device “building blocks” and reconfigurable sub-systems to reduce timelines for development, integration, and technology upgrades. The modular sub-systems are desired to integrate into larger systems, be configurable based on mission requirements, and eliminate the need for single-service point solutions. The sub-systems can be built together to provide full solution sets, illustrating the versatility of the modular design. AFLCMC/HNCA is assessing the feasibility of a modular, modernized End Cryptographic Unit that can be employed on air, land, and sea platforms with multiple operational needs.

Information Sought

AFLCMC/HNCA requests industry provide information to support the development of an NSA Certified Encryptor developed addressing CM2 and following Modular Open Systems Approach/SOSA principles. Responses should answer the following questions:

• (U) Have you developed a high assurance 3U Open VPX cryptographic device?
  
  
  
  • (U) What open SOSA standards have you implemented on those devices?
  
  
  • (U) What are the challenges and time constraints to modifying an existing HAIPE device into an 3U Open VPX systems card?
  
  
  • (U) Interface cards (Plug-in Card (PIC) adapter/sled?) for integration of prototype purposes?
  
  
  • (U) Do you have scientific methods for integrating existing (smaller form factor) HAIPE hardware onto an aircraft for research purposes?
  
  
  • (U) What are the edge constraints (i.e. number of channels and speed per channel) that a 3U card could support?
  
  
  
  


• (U) Do you have any commercially available 3U cryptographic devices that would be easily upgradable to Type One?


• (U) Could you provide rough cost estimate and timeline for development for a non-certified/or upgrade certified prototype?
  
  
  
  • (U) Rough cost estimate on full production for 3U card?
  
  
  
  


• (U) Have you developed any current 3U card that provides waveform agility?
  
  
  
  • (U) What would be the challenges?
  
  
  
  


• (U) Have you developed a 3U Open VPX High Assurance Chassis?
  
  
  
  • (U) Could you provide rough cost estimate for development of High Assurance Chassis, with backplane manager, and cryptographic 3U card?
  
  
  
  

(U) Vendors who submit information for review do so with the understanding that U.S. Government personnel as well as their support contractors will review their material and data. Respondents will not be contacted regarding their submission or information gathered because of this notice nor the outcome of the Government's review of the solicited information unless the Government desires further information. Submitted information packages will be retained by the Government and not returned to the contractor. Ensure information is marked and sent appropriately if the response is Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

(U) All interested, capable and responsible sources that wish to respond to this RFI are required to electronically supply their responses and send to org account: aflcmc.cryptologic.transformation@us.af.mil by COB 28 October 2024. Please include the title, “Open Architecture Cryptographic Solution,” in the Subject Line. Do not send emails to any named individuals.

NOTE: Additional follow-up questions may need to be accomplished over a secure form of communications.

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