59--Sources Sought for Wireless Networking Technology

The US Army Yuma Proving Ground (USAYPG), Yuma AZ is conducting an industry survey of interested sources for wireless networking technology to develop a portable ad-hoc wireless Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 network capable of providing reliable, near real time communication in a desert testing environment. The wireless system must be capable of handling (packet) voice, data, imagery and surveillance video in point-to-point, Point-to-multipoint, and multicast transmission mode s; as well as supporting tunneling Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) and Virtual Private Network (VPN) connections. A network management package is preferably Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS), as typically used on other 802.11 compatible wireless networks. RF backhaul requirements for this system should NOT utilize ISM frequencies. The system will be required to support Industrial Scientific and Medical Frequencies (ISM) (2.4 and 5.8) wireless clients as well as provide 802.11 services on a licensed frequ ency. It must be a true multi-frequency system. RF backhaul distances (to reach the nearest fiber/Ethernet backhaul connection) may be up to 10 Km and could potentially be accomplished with directional antennas. The system must be self-initializing, sel f-healing, un-tethered, and support nodes that may enter and leave the network at any time. For the purpose of this document, a node is defined as any radio or physically connected collection of radio devices connected to or transmitting on the wireless n etwork. Network nodes must be available in three different configurations, permanent fixed site, man-portable and highly mobile air/ground vehicle mounted units. All nodes are required to be energy efficient, to operate for extended time on battery power alone and typically on solar power for fixed site and man portable. The system must be capable of a minimum of 10-50 nodes as in a typical multi-hopping networking configuration. It is possible that a number of these nodes may be carried by individual so ldiers, robotic vehicles, or mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), so that size, weight, and power (including battery lifetimes) are critical parameters. Any two nodes must be capable of operation as a stand alone wireless system and as a sub-network with in the overall installation infrastructure. Permanent fixed site systems may or may not be connected to a fiber network. Fiber backhaul must connect to a standard 10/100 Ethernet connection. Man portable nodes should be easily connected to a fiber networ k should a connection be available during a mission. The USAYPG is interested in assessing the capabilities of this technology and its potential deployment to support natural environment and desert testing of tactical systems. It is USAYPGs intention to eventually purchase from 3 to 4 networks consisting of 10 to 40 nodes each. The contractor must provide installation, user training, operator manuals/applications and frequency spectrum support systems. USAYPG requests that interested sources provide inf ormation regarding their fixed site, man-portable or highly mobile wireless network transmission equipment. This information should include all the elements that comprise the wireless network transmission system to include brochures, pictures, and specifi cations. Even if you can provide only a portion of the overall system, please reply with information on that portion of the project and we maybe able to suggest some partnering arrangements. This request for information (RFI)/Sources Sought (SS) Notice i s for information and planning purposes only and shall not be construed as a solicitation or as an obligation on the part of the US Army USAYPG. The purpose of this RFI/SS is to identify potential sources that may be interested in and capable of performin g the work described herein. US Army YPG does not intend to award a contract on the basis of responses, nor otherwise pay for the preparation of any informatio n submitted or for USAYPGs use of such information. Acknowledgement of receipt of responses will not be made, nor will respondents be notified of USAYPGs review of the information received. An original and one copy shall be sent to the US Army Yuma Provi ng Ground, Army Contracting Agency, Southern Region, Yuma Directorate, SFCA-SR-YM, 301 C Street, Building 210, Yuma AZ 85365-9498. Technical questions may be directed to US Army Yuma Proving Ground, Advanced Technology Directorate, ATTN: CSTE-DTC-YP-AT-D , Yuma AZ. +1 (555) 000-0000.