Sources Sought Notice - Integrated Survivable Private 5G system with Local Edge, Hybrid Cloud, and SATCOM Connectivity

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "Questions and Answers" document for the opportunity.

• Connectivity in Degraded Environments: The "Hub" serves as the main communications node and demarcation point for backhaul. Private 5G acts as a trunk to the Hub, not the primary transport. Authentication for Private 5G is certificate-based and requires routine reloads.
• Edge Autonomy: The system will retain current autonomy levels, similar to WIN-T infrastructure, to maintain reach back to DODIN enterprise services.
• Integration Approach: The intent is a single integrated solution that automatically converts voice to encrypted VOIP over available transports (PLEO, cellular) to minimize latency. Crossbanding between radio waveforms will be transparent to the operator.
• Survivability: Network performance survivability will be evaluated based on the system's ability to automatically assess and failover between multiple transports.
• User/Coverage Requirements: For the BDE MCP (Dispersed), anticipate 131 concurrent users within a 1km radius coverage area.
• EMP Hardening: A single, integrated EMP-hardened enclosure for the entire system is preferred for mobility and rapid deployment. Separate enclosures must be easily transportable as a single unit.
• Form Factor/SWAP: The "Hub" system should be small enough to fit in a JLTV bed, concealable under a soft cover, movable by hand, and liftable by two men. Receiver/transmitter devices at dispersed nodes should be soldier-portable.
• Additional Connectivity: Integration of other connectivity options like LEO/Starlink is desired, enabling independent network connections when isolated from primary transport.

These clarifications provide specific details on technical requirements, operational environments, and physical constraints, which may influence vendor proposals and equipment package sizing.

Other / Unclassified

This document outlines the salient characteristics and key procurement characteristics for a secure, survivable integrated private 5G, local edge, hybrid cloud, and SATCOM connectivity system. It details the critical requirements for High-Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) hardening, Micro-Data Center (MDC) capabilities for edge computing and low latency, an integrated 5G/Private Network Core for secure connectivity, physical and cyber security with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), and resilient power management.

• EMP Survivability: Ensures "Day Zero" communication in nuclear or electronic warfare environments.
• Edge Intelligence: Reduces bandwidth dependency by processing data at the point of need.
• Rapid Deployment: System can be deployed and operational within minutes.
• Autonomous Core: Operates independently of global internet or SATCOM.

The system must align with Army cybersecurity standards, focusing on a transition to a Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) for "disconnected, intermittent, and limited" (DIL) environments. Key compliance areas include:

• Risk Management Framework (RMF) Alignment: Must meet NIST SP 800-37 and NIST SP 800-53 controls for tactical edge environments.

• Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) Compliance: Implements micro-segmentation and continuous authentication.

• FIPS 140-3 Data Encryption: Encrypts data-at-rest and data-in-transit.

• Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM): Requires Trade Agreements Act (TAA) compliance and a hardened kernel.

• Cybersecurity Survivability Attributes (CSAs): Must include automated detection, reaction, and self-healing capabilities.

• AR 25-2: Integrated IA controls and automated patch management.

• DoD ZT Pillar 1 (Identity): Software-defined perimeter and certificate-based access.

• MIL-STD-188-125: High-Altitude EMP protection and TEMPEST barrier.

• NIST 800-171: End-to-end encryption for CUI.

This document details the technical and cybersecurity specifications for a critical communication system. Bidders should review these characteristics to determine their capability to meet the stringent requirements for survivability, edge computing, secure connectivity, and compliance in demanding operational environments.