Request for Information for TIGDL II Replacement

SPAWAR Systems Center Charleston seeks information on a replacement system for the U.S. Marine Corps’ TIGDL II (Tactical Interoperable Ground Data Link Two) communications terminal by 31 Jul 2007. The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to solicit information that may be used for the near-term procurement of a TIGDL II replacement. The TIGDL II is a component of the USMC Tactical Exploitation Group (TEG), a deployable imagery analysis system developed and maintained by the Marine Corps. This RFI addresses the feasibility of procuring a TIGDL II replacement that will exceed the functionality and supportability of the current TIGDL II system and maintain existing interfaces and compatibility with the other components of the TEG. A comprehensive response to this RFI will enable SPAWAR to determine the future path for the acquisition of a tactical ground CDL system that will support multiple data rate, dual band (X and Ku), full-duplex legacy and networked communications with present and future CDL-equipped airborne platforms. It is requested that you notify us of factors in our requirements that would prevent you from being a viable competitor. Our goal is to procure a tactical, supportable, modular and fully CDL-compliant system that is backward compatible with currently deployed CDL systems, but also incorporates new technologies and functionalities which are called out in the current Revision F and proposed Revision G versions of the CDL Class I Specification. This Request for Information (RFI) is a means for gathering pertinent information necessary to fulfill the existing system need for direct air-ground downlink of airborne ISR data to support USMC theater and tactical imagery requirements. Suppliers should make every effort to respond to all or part of this RFI, as the government intends to utilize information provided for both current as well as future system requirements. A. Minimum Capabilities. Current TIGDL-II capabilities and backward compatibility are the minimum expected of a deliverable system. Developed future systems must comply with CDL interoperability specifications, be backward compatible with existing airborne CDL systems that can presently link with TIGDL II, interface with existing TEG components, and meet Department of Defense (DoD) technical architecture and information assurance requirements. B. Objective System Description. The TEG Program Office has identified several technical challenges that must be overcome by the TIGDL II replacement. These challenges include significant reduction in size, weight and power (SWaP), development of a modular system supportive of future extensibility, transportability in transit cases meeting DoD standards for two-person lift, increased reliability and maintainability, and the use of current interfaces with existing TEG components, such as the Common Imagery Processor (CIP). Additionally, the TEG Program Office is interested in information to support the procurement of additional, new or replacement technologies which support the overall TEG mission, such as: other communication sources, for example, Global Broadcast System, JSTARS, SATCOM links; a replacement system for the CIP; and integration of proposed, new CDL waveforms. REQUESTED INFORMATION 1. Technical Performance: Interested parties should provide a matrix of baseline and optional capabilities to be included in their TIGDL II replacement system that address the system needs defined above in paragraphs A and B. Interested parties are reminded that the TIGDL II replacement will operate in conjunction with, and as a component of, the larger TEG system. Additionally, the TIGDL II replacement will be operated and maintained in a USMC tactical field environment. 2. Schedule and Resources: To meet current program milestones and operational commitments, the target delivery date for a fully operational TIGDL II replacement system is December 2008. Interested parties should identify key milestones and interim deliveries (as applicable) to facilitate TEG integration and system delivery. If December 2008 represents significant schedule risk, present the schedule that is representative of a low risk program. Please also identify key resources and facility (manufacturing, integration and test) requirements for the execution of the effort and provide a top-level schedule of development, as necessary. For scheduling and planning purposes, a first article build for the TIGDL II replacement might be required to support TEG program and operational requirements. This is not a request for proposals and no solicitation will be issued at this time. We are only seeking information. Submit responses to Senior Contract Negotiator, Deborah D. McNeely, Code 026DM, via e-mail at contact@example.gov by 31 July 2007 at 1400 EST.