EXTRA LARGE DEPLOYABLE TERMINAL (XLDT) HARDWARE AND INTEGRATION SERVICES - REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Extra Large Deployable Terminal (XLDT) Hardware and Integration Services for Product Manager (PdM) Mission Network

DESCRIPTION.  This is a non-personal services requirement to provide for Hardware and Integration Services of the Extra Large Deployable Terminal (XLDT) system.

The XLDT system is designed as a transportable multiband capable satellite terminal and wideband consolidated satellite system, certified for operation on military X/Ka bands as well as commercial Ka and Ku bands.

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY.  This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes – it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future.  This request for information does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever.  Further, the Army is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals.  Respondents are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party’s expense.  Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP, if any is issued.  Please note, the information received from this RFI is used to help the Government refine the requirement and help identify areas of ambiguity so that, if released, the RFP is well defined.  Any feedback/questions as a result of this RFI, will not be responded to directly and will be addressed in the final RFP if the Government deems necessary. 

BACKGROUND

The XLDT will provide robust backhaul support via Internet Service Provider (ISP) connections, ensuring continuous connectivity regardless of operational tempo. The system will maintain operational resilience, with the capacity to function at one-third of its full capability in the event of Regional Hub Node (RHN) loss, thus ensuring mission continuity. It will incorporate advanced features such as Global Agile Integrated Transport (GAIT) capability for dynamic resource allocation, link aggregation for enhanced bandwidth utilization, and automatic link selection to optimize performance based on real-time conditions. Furthermore, the system will integrate emerging technologies, including high throughput, high compute, high storage, robust switching networking and low latency constellations, to enhance overall operational effectiveness, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of military communication capabilities.

The system will be scalable and modular, allowing for easy expansion and adaptation to mission requirements while maintaining a transportable configuration for rapid deployment and reconfiguration. It will be capable of supporting Corps Headquarters, two divisions, and one Expeditionary Signal Battalion-Enhanced (ESB-E) at home station, as well as episodic operations with one Corps, two divisions, and two ESB-E. Additionally, it will ensure secure communication capabilities for both home station mission control and episodic through SIPR (Secret Internet Protocol Router), SBU (Sensitive But Unclassified), and coalition communications, providing a comprehensive communication solution that meets the needs of joint and coalition operations.

This terminal will be Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) certified, ensuring compliance with military communication standards and interoperability with the Army’s network. Supports current and emerging waveforms, maintains waveform agnosticism to facilitate integration with various communication protocols and technologies, thereby enhancing operational flexibility. The XLDT will provide extensive geographical coverage with azimuth movement capabilities of +/- 90 degrees and elevation movement from 0 to 90 degrees, enabling effective communication in diverse operational environments, including contested and austere locations.

REQUIREMENTS

The XLDT system must be developed and fielded to fulfill the outlined capabilities, ensuring adherence to military standards and operational requirements. Performance testing will be essential to validate the system's ability to operate effectively within the specified azimuth and elevation movement ranges, guaranteeing that it can meet the demands of varied operational scenarios.

The requirements must also include provisions for future upgrades and enhancements, allowing the system to evolve alongside advancements in communication technology. These requirements are critical to providing a reliable and adaptable communication solution for U.S. military forces and allied partners.

Moreover, the XLDT system will integrate the government furnished vME (virtual mission enclave) stack and support any additional systems or components that may be introduced by the Program Managers (PMs). This integration will facilitate the incorporation of new technologies and capabilities as they become available, ensuring the system remains adaptable to the evolving operational landscape. To support long-term viability, this will include provisions for warranty, spare parts, and comprehensive integration and sustainment services.

Comprehensive logistics and sustainment plans must be established to support the deployment and operation of the system in a variety of environments, including remote and austere locations. These plans should encompass maintenance, training, and spare parts provisioning to ensure sustained operational readiness. Additionally, the system must be designed with a user-friendly interface to facilitate rapid training and operational proficiency for personnel across different echelons.

These provisions will ensure that all components function optimally throughout their lifecycle, minimizing downtime and enhancing overall mission effectiveness. These requirements are critical to ensuring that the XLDT system meets the demands of modern military operations and contributes to mission success, providing a reliable and adaptable communication solution for U.S. military forces and allied partners.

The system must incorporate a modem enclosure designed to house advanced modems, such as iDirect and CBM400, within a compact footprint that optimizes space and enhances operational efficiency. This modem enclosure will be equipped with fiber optics to ensure high-speed data transmission and improved bandwidth capabilities. Additionally, it will support concurrent dual polarization, allowing for simultaneous transmission and reception of signals, which significantly enhances communication reliability and capacity. This design and integration must be innovative and must maximize the use of available space but also ensures that the system can effectively meet the demanding communication requirements of modern military operations while maintaining flexibility for future upgrades and expansions.

REQUESTED INFORMATION

STANDARD QUESTIONS.

1. Describe what your company’s core business is. Please include the following:

• Organization name/address
• NAICS code(s), current business size status and small business program status (WOSB, VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZone, 8A, etc) under the GTACS Contract

Website

• CAGE Code/DUNs number
• Point of Contact Name and email address

1. Please provide any questions, comments, and feedback on the attached Capability and Requirements Statement and its contents.

1. Does your Company consider this a Firm Fixed Price or Cost-Plus Fixed Fee effort?

1. Does this Capability and Requirements Statement have enough information in it for your company to effectively bid?  If not, what other information would you need?

1. If a request for proposal (RFP) is solicited for the attached Capability and Requirements Statement will your Company propose on this effort?  Yes or No?

1. 1. If yes, please indicate the amount of time required to develop a proposal, 7, 14 or 30 days.

1. 1. If not, please explain why not.

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please submit your Company Capabilities against the below questions to show how your company can meet the required tasks listed below:

1. Describe your company capabilities/experience or experience through a business arrangement to provide integration support for the hardware and software modernization and integration of capabilities of the XLDT System

1. Describe your company capabilities/ experience through a business arrangement to Perform network systems engineering analysis; Communications Flow (Data/Voice/Video/Telephony); Traffic Analysis; and Network Management Analysis

1. Describe your company capabilities/experience through a business arrangement to provide engineering design services to include mechanical, electrical, safety, logistic and manufacturing support, system engineering and testing.

1. Describe your company capabilities/experience or experience through a business arrangement in providing engineering services that include a thorough analysis of the Technical Drawing Package (TDP) and designing an integration plan based on the specific requirements, including reviewing, and interpreting technical specifications, drawing, and documentation, conducting engineering analysis, failure analysis, and tests, and developing detailed integration schedules, and reports, in compliance with relevant standards and regulations.

1. Describe your company capabilities/experience or experience with preparing and delivering a Software Version Description document for each platform with new integrated software and facilitate a Government-witnessed test for each new integrated platform software image.

1. Describe your company capabilities/experience or experience through a business arrangement provide quarterly software/firmware update releases, which include IAVA fixes, anti-virus updates, software anomaly resolution, COTS/GOTS software updates, software configuration changes, and system planning data updates as required. Be prepared to support monthly cycle, if necessary, by customer.

1. Describe your company capabilities/experience or experience through a business arrangement to assist in developing new system configurations or modifying existing hardware and software configurations.

1. Is your company able to obtain clearances up to the Secret level to perform the work outlined in the attached Capability and Requirements Statement?

Does your company intend to prime or subcontract this effort?  If your company intends to team to prime this effort, please briefly describe.  

WRITTEN RESPONSES.  Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI.  Written responses shall be in Microsoft Word for Office 2000 compatible format.  Responses shall be limited to 10 pages for the entire submission (including company information, supporting documentation, etc.) Respondents are requested to address the questions in paragraphs above and may provide supporting documentation along with the response.  Responses are due NLT 15 DEC 2025, 12:00, Noon and must be submitted via e-mail only with SUBJECT Line “Extra Large Deployable Terminal (XLDT) Hardware and Integration Services – (Your Company Name)” to the below Government Point of Contacts (POCs):

Tiffany Conway (Contracting Officer) - tiffany.l.conway2.civ@army.mil

Catherine Micolucci (Contract Specialist) - catherine.l.micolucci@army.mil

Proprietary information, if any, should be minimized and MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED.  To aid the Government, please segregate proprietary information (included in the page limit).  Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Respondents may provide supplemental information such as product brochures, specification sheets, photographs, illustration and technical descriptions that describe your company’s current products that most closely match these capabilities described above.  Contractors are encouraged not to include marketing informational materials that do not relate to the products recommended for consideration, as they will be discarded.  However, responses may include universal resource locater (URL) links to technical documentation materials (i.e., technical data sheet).

QUESTIONS.  Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by e-mail to the following individuals:

Tiffany Conway (Contracting Officer) - tiffany.l.conway2.civ@army.mil

Catherine Micolucci (Contract Specialist) - catherine.l.micolucci@army.mil

Verbal questions will NOT be accepted.  Questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information.

SUMMARY.  THIS IS AN RFI ONLY to identify sources that can provide Extra Large Deployable Terminal (XLDT) Hardware and Integration Services. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government.  The Army has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.  All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.