Request for Information - Next Generation Secure Voice

(U) Request for Information (RFI) - Next Generation Secure Voice(U) This Request for Information (RFI) is in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clause 52.215-3 (Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes - Oct 1997) and is published to obtain information for use by the Air Force Lifecycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Cryptologic and Cyber Systems Division (HNC), Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland AFB, Texas, for market research and planning purposes only.(U) This RFI is NOT a Request for Proposal, Invitation for Bid, or an announcement of a solicitation; it is only intended for information or planning purposes. There is no bid package or solicitation document associated with this announcement. Response to this RFI is strictly voluntary and will not affect any potential offeror's ability to submit an offer if a solicitation is released. Any requests for a solicitation package will be disregarded. The government does not intend to award a contract

on the basis of this RFI or otherwise pay for the information solicited. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs or charges by the government will arise as a result of preparing submissions in response to this RFI and the government's use of such information. Submittals will not be returned to the sender. Respondents to this RFI may be requested to provide additional information/details based on their initial submittals.Program(U) This RFI is in support of programs within the Cryptologic Modernization Branch (AFLCMC/HNCA) specifically the Cryptologic Transformation Section.Purpose(U) This RFI is NOT a Request for Proposal, Invitation for Bid, or an announcement of a solicitation; it is only intended to seek information from industry. The information provided may be used the program office to develop its acquisition strategy, statement of work and system requirements. Respondents to this RFI may be requested to provide additional information/details based on their initial submittals. Background(U) The Air Force Cryptologic Modernization Branch (AFLCMC/HNCA) is preparing for Cryptographic Modernization 2 (CM2) activities looking for novel ways to address the 6 capability groups and 42 associated gaps to achieve modernization of DoD cryptographic capabilities. A description of the CM2 capability groups is shown in Figure 1 below.Figure 1: (U) CM2 Capability Groups(U) AFLCMC/HNCAT is interested in pursuing a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) to deliver CM2 compliant, high-assurance cryptographic capabilities with greater agility and improved interoperability. These next generation ECUs are envisioned to support future command, control, and communications architectures and provide the flexibility to support new missions and partners in multiple operational domains. The next generation ECUs are envisioned to incorporate the following design characteristics:(U) Modular: The architecture shall standardize what functionality is assigned to modules and define the relationship between modules.(U) Standardized: The methods to integrate, configure, and manage next generation ECUs shall be performed leveraging open standards.(U) Agile: The next generation ECUs shall be rapidly responsive to address evolving security requirements and mission needs.(U) Resilient: The next generation ECUs shall incorporate quantum resistant algorithms and allow for field reprogramming of resources in the ECU boundary.(U) A modular, next generation ECU would create device “building blocks” and reconfigurable sub-systems to reduce timelines for development, integration, and technology upgrades. The modular sub-systems are desired to integrate into larger systems, be configurable based on mission requirements, and eliminate the need for single-service point solutions. The sub-systems can be built together to provide full solution sets, illustrating the versatility of the modular design. AFLCMC/HNCA is assessing the feasibility of a modular, next generation ECU that can be employed on air, land, and sea platforms with secure voice needs.Information Sought AFLCMC/HNCA requests industry provide information to support the development of an NSA Certified Encryptor developed addressing CM2 and following MOSA principles. Responses should answer the following questions: (U) What MOSA standards or reference architectures would you recommend (e.g., Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA), Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE), etc.)?(U) How would use of the selected open standard allow quicker acquisitions, platform integrations, and technology upgrades?(U) How would the use of the selected open standard improve interoperability on platforms and between different platforms?(U) What are the risks or challenges you see with development and certification of a high assurance encryptor developed with the selected open standard?(U) Where can the selected open standard be modified to enhance the MOSA Strategy?(U) What requires further definition or standardization to enhance the MOSA Strategy? (U) What interface standards should be considered?(U) What cryptographic applications should a modular, next generation encryptor include to support secure voice needs across Air Force platforms? For example, Link-16 COMSEC and TRANSEC, Advanced Tactical Datalink, etc.?(U) What approaches should be considered to continuously modernize and incorporate evolving cryptographic capabilities?(U) Based on the new CM2 requirements from NSA, provide recommended design considerations, features to include capacity of memory, to address the future state of where next generation technology for ECUs should consider.(U) What risks are envisioned for the potential development and NSA certification of a modular, next generation ECU?(U) What experience does your company have with developing ECUs in accordance with the design specifics provided above (provide brief summary of specific projects/contracts)?(U) Do you have any recommendations for AFLCMC/HNCA to consider regarding a modular, next generation ECU acquisition strategy? (U) Can multiple cryptographic applications be combined onto a single card? If so, how many cryptographic applications can be used at a time?(U) How would the modular, next generation ECUs simplify key management delivery? Propose a process/method of how to simplify the key management delivery.(U) What form factors should be considered for the modular, next generation ECU?(U) Provide a cost and timeline rough order of magnitude (ROM) for the development phase of a modular, next generation ECU. The ROM should incorporate costs associated with achieving NSA Certification. The ROM will be used as market research and to inform the government’s programming of this requirement.(U) Vendors who submit information for review do so with the understanding that U.S. Government personnel as well as their support contractors will review their material and data. Respondents will not be contacted regarding their submission or information gathered as a result of this notice nor the outcome of the Government's review of the solicited information unless the Government desires further information. Submitted information packages will be retained by the Government and not returned to the contractor. Ensure information is marked and sent appropriately if the response is Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).(U) All interested, capable and responsible sources that wish to respond to this RFI are required to electronically supply their responses and send to org account: aflcmc.cryptologic.transformation@us.af.mil by COB 1 April 2024. Please include the title, “Next Generation Secure Voice,” in the Subject Line. NOTE: Additional follow-up questions may need to be accomplished over a secure form of communications.