Second Future Commercial SAR Integration (FCSI-2 )

Request For Information (RFI) Future Commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Integration (FSCI) Date: 18 August 2011 A. INTRODUCTION The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is continuing to investigate various architectures that will enable NGA to acquire and distribute Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery. NGA requires rapid, cost-efficient, global access to commercial overhead imagery in support of its missions. Since specific needs cannot be predicted, the access must be flexible. NGA is requesting information from industry on system design concepts which may help it determine and develop the most effective imagery access solution. This RFI is focused on the need for space-based commercial SAR imagery and how it can be integrated with other systems. This RFI is a follow on to the RFI issued on 2 March 2011. This second RFI is to identify potential sources, and conduct market research to help determine commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system-level capabilities and its ability to be integrated. NGA's Vision is to put "GEOINT in the hands of the user." The "Vision" encompasses a capability to produce all types of underlying data; to create an integrated view of activities as well as places; and to deliver products and information online. A simplistic example within the vision scope could be an architecture which provides access to imagery archives via NGA profiles of Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC)-compliant Web services. A more complex example could be providing a means to integrate multi-sensor ordering and delivery into fused products, e.g., combining commercial EO with commercial SAR into improved change detection products or surface classification products. This RFI is being issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute an Invitation for Bids (IFB), a Request for Proposals (RFP), a Request for Quotations (RFQ) or an indication that the Government will contract for any of the items and/or services contained in this notice. In accordance with FAR 52.215-3, the Government will not pay for any information/items submitted in response to this RFI. Data will not be returned. This RFI does not commit the Government to award a contract. No determination regarding requirements has been made at this point. Any effort that may result from this market research is not anticipated to begin until Government Fiscal Year 2013 or beyond. Additional requests for information may be issued. B. INFORMATION REQUESTED The responses to this RFI should address how the respondent would meet the Functional Needs as provided in Attachment 1 to this document. This RFI is intended to solicit system-oriented concepts based on the preliminary functional threshold and objective needs for unclassified commercial space imagery that NGA has identified in Attachment 1, located on the IC-ARC (Intelligence Community - Acquisition Research Center) Website. For the purpose of this RFI only, "the system" is defined by an architecture (logical & physical), which integrates private and public facilities, resources, people, and processes, and by which commercial space imagery is delivered to NGA and/or its users. NGA is willing to consider creative or unconventional solutions to satisfy its commercial imagery access needs. NGA encourages web based system solutions that do not require investments in architectures, minimizes impacts on existing NGA systems and, to the extent practicable, leverages current systems. All assumptions made in developing the response should be stated. Respondents are requested to provide the following information: 1. Technical design Provide an overview of a design that meets the thresholds for the desired system, and provides cost-effective features which approach the goals. As part of the overview the respondents are requested to: a. describe the system design b. explain a phased transition from the present to the full design c. describe the interfaces with the United States Government (USG) d. describe how the design maximizes use of existing and non-developmental facilities, equipment, and component designs e. identify features described in the Functional Needs which cannot be incorporated in a cost-effective manner - for example, automation elements which are better implemented manually. 2. Technical capabilities Describe the capabilities of the above design. Describe how and to what extent it provides the following: a. user interface features b. capacities: imagery delivered, users supported c. response timelines d. other related services e. flexibility (architecture, modularity, etc.) for improved performance f. flexibility (architecture, modularity, etc.) for adding any other unclassified overhead imagery sources and services g. How does the design simplify user interaction with all sensors, while providing widest range of individual and cross-sensor services. 3. Business model Within the business practices and constraints of the commercial space remote sensing industry, the description should address relevant issues related to the following: a. Imagery (license) purchases b. Value-added product (license) purchases c. Management reports. How the system provides for consolidation of orders, financial status, and supplier reports and invoices (if applicable). d. The extent imagery can be withheld from other parties. Can the fact of imagery collection be withheld from other parties? Can the requestor's identity be withheld from other parties? (This does not imply the need for security classification) C. DUE DATE-TIME and SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS for QUESTIONS and INDUSTRY RESPONSES Questions and responses to this Request for Information (RFI) MUST BE submitted and received by the Due Date & Time, using the method for submittal specified below. 1. Due Date & Time. Respondents may submit questions concerning this RFI via the IC-ARC. The Government will entertain questions on a case by case basis. Responses to questions will be posted on the IC-ARC for all respondents to view. The identity of the requesting organization will be withheld. The deadline for submitting questions is Tuesday, 30 August 2011 not later than (NLT) 5:00pm EST. All responses to this RFI MUST BE Received by Tuesday, 20 September 2011NLT 5:00pm EST. 2. Method for Submittal. All responses MUST BE submitted via the Unclassified IC-ARC Website at URL: https://arc.westfields.net for "Future Commercial SAR Integration (FCSI-2)". Responses shall be submitted as one file upload by following the directions for submitting a final RFI response under the RFI TAB on the NGA FCSI site. RFI responses will not be accepted after the cut-off time and date stated above and will not be accepted via e-mail, fax, the Submit Unsolicited link on the IC-ARC homepage, or other means. The total pages for the entire submission should not exceed 15 pages, submitted electronically in Portable Document Format (PDF). File size shall not exceed 4MB. The first page of the submission must state the RFI title, provide the name, e-mail address and telephone number for an individual that can be contacted for clarification or questions regarding this submission and a statement that the contractor takes no exception to the companies stated below having access to the proprietary information contained in the RFI. The first page should also provide a short description of the company to include capabilities, company size and category (e.g. large, small, small disadvantaged). This page can also provide a company website address that may provide additional information regarding the respondent. 3. Proprietary Content. Responses may include proprietary information. IMPORTANT: Proprietary Information MUST BE specifically identified and paragraph marked. All responses shall be Unclassified. Responses to this notice will not be returned. Respondents are hereby notified that more than one Government Agency will review the responses, and the Government intends to utilize personnel from MITRE and Aerospace and/or personnel from NGA Support Contractors Booz Allen Hamilton and TASC to provide technical advice on the responses. By submitting a response to this Request for Information, the Contractor consents to the Government disclosing Contractor proprietary information to the aforementioned contractors for the purpose indicated.