Request For Information (RFI) for Target Location, Designation and Hand-Off System (TLDHS) Handheld Video Down-Link (VDL)

Description: This Request for Information (RFI) is being posted by the Marine Corps Systems Command. The Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia seeks sources and information for a new handheld capability that can be an integral component of the TLDHS dismounted variant. The handheld VDL will interface with the TLDHS dismounted variant that will consist of the MRT B and the Smaller, Lighter Ancillary TLDHS Equipment (SLATE) and TLDHS StrikeLink software, version 1.1.6.2 using Windows XP. TLDHS next software generation is being developed in Windows 7. The handheld VDL device should be capable of autonomous operation when used in a stand-alone mode. The handheld VDL should digitally provide target location capability to the TLDHS when connected. Concept of Employment: Tactical Controllers (Forward Air Controllers, Joint Terminal Attack Controllers, and Air Officers) will use the handheld VDL device to view real time, full motion video and associated metadata from attack aircraft targeting pods and other airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms to: - Verify the correct target attack profile and mitigate the risk of fratricide during close air support missions. - Develop target identification/location provided by airborne ISR platforms for attack by any fire support agency. - Increase ground unit situational awareness. - Stream Video and metadata to the TLDHS for storage and exploitation. Example: The handheld VDL device can be used primarily in two modes: Standalone and connected to the TLDHS. 1. Standalone mode is the handheld VDL device receiving and displaying video and metadata feeds via external display from C, S, L, and Ku band systems. 2. The connected mode is the handheld VDL device streaming the video and metadata to the TLDHS. Handheld VDL key device attributes shall: - Receive and display Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Type 1 encrypted video and metadata signals. - Allow the operator to simultaneously view video and associated metadata from attack aircraft targeting pods and other airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms in a standalone or connected mode at maximum receive range. - Be capable of C, L, S (analog and digital), and Ku band digital waveforms at maximum receive range. - Scan and lock onto any video feed and associated metadata within the selected band. - Weigh less than four (4) pounds (inclusive of any batteries)and fit in a "Marine Corps utility cargo pocket" of a utility uniform or currently fielded handheld radio pouch. - Be capable of a Mean Time Between Operational Mission Failure of 2,400 hours in a ground mobile environment.. - Operate in temperatures ranging from -30 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit. - Withstand immersion in water in the operating mode to a depth of not less than one meter for one minute without preparation or subsequent performance degradation. - Operate using currently fielded United States Marine Corps (USMC) battery sources. - Operate for one three-hour period without recharging using USMC battery sources. - Meet the DoD/USMC accreditation requirement for radio network connectivity. - Be capable of software reprogrammable updates to ensure interoperability with current and future interfaces. - Consist of open architecture and non-proprietary formats, specifications, and interfaces to ensure interoperability with airborne ISR platforms. - Stream information to the TLDHS system in standard non-propriatary formats such as H.264 or MPEG-2. - Allow standard media players (such as Windows Media Player) to view the streamed video. Commercial firms possessing a device with the characteristics described in the Concept of Employment are encouraged to submit product brochures, product descriptions, specifications, and capabilities statements. - Annotate if the product is offered on the General Services Administration schedule and provide the schedule number if applicable. - Provide a test and certification summary delineating what tests and certifications the system adheres to, for example, MIL-STD-810G Method 514.4 Drop or FCC, Part 15, Sub-part B, Class B EMC. - Provide a components list for the base system and any additional components. - Discuss specific aspects of the radio functionality such as does the hardware support transceive functionality or is it receive only; what is the sensitivity of the system on a given frequency? - Submissions should also address the topics: o Device attributes and capabilities o Technical maturity to support government fiscal year 2014 production o Information assurance o Open architecture o Interfaces o Joint interoperability o Training o Maintainability o Performance based logistics, warranty, or support plan o Production capability o Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing Limit responses to 20 pages (one sided) 12 point font. Responses will be reviewed to identify firms potentially capable of fulfilling the Government's requirements. The purpose of this RFI is for planning. It is a market research tool and is not a request for proposal. The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI, or otherwise pay for the information requested. Responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the U.S. Government to form a binding contract. The posting of this notice shall not be a commitment on the part of the Government to issue a solicitation. Submission of a response is strictly voluntary and no entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the Government will arise as a result of submission of responses to this RFI and Government use of such information. The Government recognizes that proprietary data may be part of this effort. If so included, clearly mark such restricted or proprietary data and present it as an addendum to the non-restricted/non-proprietary information. Responses to this RFI shall be mailed to Marine Corps Systems Command, Attn: Ryan Ksanznak, 2200 Lester Street, Quanitco, VA 22134-6050 on or before Close of Business (COB) 05 October 2012. Electronic files 1MB or smaller may be e-mailed. Points of Contact: Scott Bishop, Contracting Officer, Phone (703) 432-9909, scott.p.bishop@usmc.mil; Ryan Ksanznak, Contract Specialist, Phone (703) 432-9915, ryan.ksanznak@usmc.mil.