Radio Distribution System (RDS)

The Government is conducting market research to determine the availability and adequacy of potential business sources in developing the software identified below that meets the Government's requirements. This Request for Information (RFI) does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals, and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. The information herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for or award a competitive contract. Proprietary information will be accepted and handled appropriately. Responders should indicate which portions of their responses are proprietary and should mark them accordingly. The Government is not obligated to and will not reimburse the contractor for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response to this notice and submittals will not be returned to the sender. DESCRIPTION The PMO (Kessel Run) is seeking information on how interested parties could provide a continuation of the upgrade to the Radio Distribution System (RDS) to meet the DoD Microsoft Operating System mandates from the United States Air Force (USAF) Chief Information Officer (CIO), and for the continued sustainment of the RDS version 2.X (v2.X) baseline to maintain security and functionality. The approved system shall leverage off existing infrastructure and be compatible with current systems installed at sites within the Air Operations Center (AOC) Weapon System (WS) to ensure proper functionality and operational effectiveness. The current AN/USQ-163 AOC WS is the Senior Command Control (C2) element of a Theater Air Control System (TACS) and the operational level focal point for C2 of air and space forces during Air Force (AF), joint and coalition operations. The AOC WS consists of several configurations including: Geographical, Functional, Air Reserve Centers (ARC), Support/Augment, Help Desk, Formal Training Unit (FTU), and other entities for a total of twenty-two (22) AOCs. The AOC WS is configured to an Increment 10.1 baseline standard and interfaces with other C2 Centers to ensure effective planning and execution of air and space operations in any level of conflict or operation. The AOC WS is provided by the Air Forces (AFFOR) and employed by the Commander, Air Force Forces (COMAFFOR). The AOC WS is tailored in size to meet the COMAFFOR's requirements. The scope of this contract is to conduct a technical refreshment (tech refresh) as indicated in section 2 of this RFI, field at a current location, add an additional RDS to a new location and sustain the RDS at all AOC sites. Anticipated Period of Performance: 1 - 3 years with possible options The RDS shall be an internet protocol (IP) based, single security level, standalone system employing non-developmental items. The RDS must have all the same look and feel and be incompliance to the Authorization to Operate (ATO) at all sites so that sustainment, maintenance, training, and operation can be standardized, and personnel can seamlessly rotate among AOCs with little to no impacts to mission. RDS version 2.X (v2.X) currently has an ATO and any changes to the system shall be evaluated for impacts (e.g. functional, security, and/or maintainability). The Contractor shall maintain a secure facility co-located with the RDS work area such that the Contractor can receive, and store classified information and data up to and including Secret (per the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM). The Contractor shall have the facilities and equipment required to process the classified information and data, generate classified reports and engineering documents, and provide them to the Government as directed by the Government (Access to USAF Secret Internet Protocol Network (SIPRNET) email is not required). The Contractor shall engineer and integrate the most current Windows Operating System with the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) recommended lockdowns and Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIGs) required for operations and accreditation of the RDS v2.X hardware, operating systems, and application software. The Contractor shall support the Government in the creation, maintenance, and execution of all RMF Security Authorization Package documentation and artifacts associated with obtaining an RMF ATO. The Contractor shall maintain compliance with ATO accreditation. Contractor shall assist with the testing, updating of the ATO accreditation. The Contractor shall upgrade or replace the existing RDS v2.2 Windows components with hardware and software per the approved ATO and design of the RDS version 2.X (v2.X). The Contractor shall upgrade or replace the existing TRICs Radio Access Point (TRAP) components with hardware and updated software per the approved ATO and design of the RDS version 2.X (v2.X). The Contractor shall upgrade or replace the Tactical Radio Integrated Communication System (TRICS) Gateway components with hardware and software per the approved ATO and design of the RDS version 2.X (v2.X). The Contractor shall technical refresh a WSUS server compatible with the most current Windows Operating System to ease updates to the system and provide a platform for future innovations. Contractor shall provide and integrate this system. The contractor shall technically refresh an ACAS Scanner, compatible with the most current Windows Operating System to ease updates to the system and provide a platform for future innovations. Contractor shall provide and integrate this system. The Contractor shall provide sustainment support for the RDS v2.X baseline which consists of engineering, help desk, installation, training, testing, and cybersecurity support. The Contractor shall procure and sustain a system that adheres to required current USAF and DoD cybersecurity standards while providing the functionality required by the end user. The contractor shall procure, build, configure, deliver and assist Government personnel and support contractors a complete RDS suite to new CONUS location. The Contractor shall ensure all personnel performing cybersecurity activities obtain and remain current with required technical and/or management certifications IAW DoD 8570.01-M and DoD Directive 8140.0.1. (Security Plus+) Personnel must have a minimum of a US Secret security clearance and contractors shall possess adequate security clearances prior to performing services under this contract. The Contractor shall be able receive, safeguard, store, and report on classified vulnerabilities and functional issues (up to SECRET) with the Government.