DISA Archived Call for White Papers
Joint Electromagnetic Battle Management – Decision Support Prototype
Due Date: Intent to Submit due NLT 0800 EST 17 February 2023
Presentations due NLT 1200 (NOON) EST 20 March 2023
Project Number: DISA-OTA-23-R-EMBM-J
PURPOSE
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Emerging Technology (EM) Directorate through the DISA Procurement Services Directorate (PSD) is seeking an Other Transaction (OT) Agreement to fulfill the prototyping need for Joint Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM-J) planning and management capabilities, enhanced Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) Decision Support (DS), and improved interoperability with related service, joint and intelligence tools, and systems.
The Government requires an Electromagnetic Battle Management Decision Support (EMBM-DS) capability as part of its overall EMBM-J program. This release focuses on the EMBM-J-DS capability (abbreviated as EMBM-DS).
Note on Nomenclature: For the purposes of this document, the comprehensive Joint Electromagnetic Battle Management capability will be referred to as "EMBM" or "EMBM-J". The Situational Awareness and Decision Support capabilities that form part of the EMBM solution will be hereafter referred to EMBM-SA and EMBM-DS, respectively.
AMENDMENT FIVE: The purpose of Amendment Five (0005) is for the following purpose:
- Extend the due date for RFIP responses to Monday, March 20, @ 7:00 am Central Standard Time.
- All other terms and conditions of the RFIP remain the same.
AMENDMENT FOUR: The purpose of Amendment Four (0004) is for the following purpose:
- Provide responses to additional questions from industry as an attachment to this Request for Initial Presentation (RFIP). Additional questions and responses are in yellow.
- Update Initial Presentation Dates in 3.5.2, highlighted in yellow.
- All other terms and conditions of the RFIP remain the same.
AMENDMENT THREE: The purpose of Amendment Three (0003) is for the following purpose:
- Provide responses to questions from industry as an attachment to this Request for Initial Presentation (RFIP).
- All other terms and conditions of the RFIP remain the same.
AMENDMENT TWO: The purpose of Amendment Two (0002) is for the following purpose:
- Update dates of significance within this Request for Initial Presentation (RFIP) in Section 3.5.
- All changes within the RFIP are highlighted in purple.
- All other terms and conditions of the RFIP remain the same.
AMENDMENT ONE: The purpose of Amendment One (0001) is for the following purpose:
- Update dates of significance within this Request for Initial Presentation (RFIP) in Sections 3.4 and 3.5.
- All changes within the RFIP are highlighted in blue.
- All other terms and conditions of the RFIP remain the same.
Next Generation Windows Data-at-Rest – Secret (NextGen WINDAR-S)
Due Date: September 21, 2022, 0800 CDT
Project Number: DISA-OTA-23-9-WINDAR
Amendment Four (0004) is issued to extend the White Paper Due date from September 19, 2022 to September 21, 2022, 0800 CDT. See highlights in purple.
Amendment Three (0003) is issued to respond to vendor questions and provide a vendors list to assist with teaming/partnering/subcontracting. See attached Q&A/vendor spreadsheet. The following RWP Section have been amended: 2.2 Minimum Acceptability, 2.3.2 Patent Owner(s) Statement, 3.4.1 Technical. All changes highlighted in light blue.
Amendment Two (0002) is issued to respond to a question received by vendor.
Amendment One (0001) is issued to respond to questions received by vendors. The following RWP Sections have been amended: 1.2 Statement of Need, 3.4.1 Technical, 3.4.4 Schedule page, and 5.3 Analytical and Laboratory Studies. All changes highlighted in green.
PURPOSE
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Emerging Technology (EM) Directorate through the DISA Procurement Services Directorate (PSD) is seeking White Papers from our industry partners to fulfill the prototyping need of a Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) designed mobile device that can secure remote access to SIPRNET, address the administrative and user experience challenges of the current WINDAR-S offering, and the updated Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Mobile Access Capability Package (MACP) 2.5 release by the NSA on August 4, 2022.
While WINDAR-S is not new to the DoD, years of operation as a DISA offering has provided an opportunity to collect feedback and metrics, resulting in defined challenges that require innovation and technological advancements of the legacy offering. The MACP 2.5 release also introduces new risks and challenges in redesigning and architecting of legacy capabilities, which are best mitigated and solved through prototype development.
Next Generation Windows Data-at-Rest – Secret (NextGen WINDAR-S) Request for White Papers [PDF]
Quantum Resistant Cryptography Public Key Infrastructure
Due Date: 16 September 2022, 9 AM CST
Project Number: DISA-OTA-22-9-QRC
Amendment 0004 is issued to provide responses to vendor questions. See attached Question and Answer document. All other terms and conditions of the RWP remain the same.
Amendment Three (0003) is issued to provide responses to vendor questions, modify language in the RWP, and extend the due date/response time for the RWP. The revised response time is now September 23, 2022, at 9:00 am CST. All changes to the RWP are highlighted in yellow.
Amendment Two (0002) is issued to provide responses to vendor questions and correct the Project Number in the header. The correction is highlighted in yellow.
Amendment One (0001) is for the following purpose:
- Provide additional information in Section 3.4.1, "Technical".
- All changes are highlighted in yellow.
- All other terms and conditions of the RWP remain unchanged.
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Emerging Technology (EM) Directorate through the DISA Procurement Services Directorate (PSD) is seeking White Papers from our industry partners on a proposed solution for quantum resistant cryptography public key infrastructure.
PURPOSE
Due to growing concerns related to quantum computers, DISA has begun to investigate quantum-resistant or quantum-safe cryptography algorithms. The goal of this research is to evaluate and test cryptographic algorithms that would secure DoD Information Technology (IT) systems against attacks from both quantum and classical computers. This prototype effort will utilize candidate algorithms that have been identified by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) and have been selected for standardization, with potential to add additional algorithms within the prototype period of performance, (See https://csrc.nist.gov/News/2022/pqc-candidates-to-be-standardized-and-round-4).
These algorithms will inform NIST's research on the PQC project as well as allow the DoD to test how to best integrate these algorithms throughout the DoD enterprise.
This request for White Paper (RWP) is being issued to conduct research, development, and testing activities associated with Quantum Resistant Cryptography or Post Quantum Cryptography algorithms.
Quantum Resistant Cryptography Public Key Infrastructure Request for White Papers [PDF]
Innovation Challenge: How Can the Department of Defense Better Contract with Industry for Software Development Solutions?
Due Date: 15 August 2022 1600 CDT
Project Number: DISA-22-RFI-Innovation Challenge
Amendment One: The purpose of Amendment One is to provide responses to questions received in accordance with this RFI.
BACKGROUND
DoD has made a strong pivot over the last few years to transition to modern software development practices of Agile, Lean, and DevSecOps. These are now the default approaches to develop software in the DoD, as driven by software modernization strategies, acquisition and CIO leadership direction, statute, and policy. The Software Acquisition Pathway, governed by DoDI 5000.87, enables the DoD to acquire custom software capabilities under the Adaptive Acquisition Framework.
The DoD is also moving to better leverage "software factory" enterprise platforms and services allowing programs to focus on key functionality instead of duplicating the full tech stack. This requires transforming many of the DoD's processes, policies, and culture to embrace the new paradigm. As industry has led the way, the DoD wants to learn how we can effectively transform our contracting strategies and vehicles to adopt these software practices and grow our National Security Innovation Base.
Feedback gained through this Innovation Challenge RFI will be considered by the Department for developing contracting guidance and shaping key future software acquisitions.
Innovation Challenge RFI – Amendment 0001 [PDF]Innovation Challenge RFI (DISA-22-RFI-InnovationChallenge) [PDF]
Automated Spectrum Coordination System (ASCS)
Due Date: 22 July 2022 0800 CDT
Project Number: DISA-OTA-22-R-ASCS
Amendment Two: The purpose of Amendment Two (0002) is for the following purpose:
- Provide responses to questions received.
- All other terms and conditions of the RWP remain the same.
Amendment One: The purpose of Amendment One (0001) is for the following purpose:
- Update the OTA Inbox address from disa.scott.ditco.mbx.pl84-other-transactionauthority@mail.mil to disa.scott.ditco.mbx.pl84-other-transaction-authority@mail.mil.
- All changes within the RWP are highlighted in yellow.
- All other terms and conditions of the RWP remain the same.
BACKGROUND
On January 14, 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced its auction of 4,060 new commercial licenses in the 3450-3550 MHz band previously reserved for Department of Defense's (DoD) exclusive use in the contiguous United States and the District of Columbia. Several geographic areas auctioned have been classified as either Cooperative Planning Areas (CPAs) or Periodic Use Areas (PUAs).
- CPA
- Non-Federal operations shall coordinate with Federal systems operating in the band
- Non-Federal operations shall not cause harmful interference to Federal systems in the band
- Non-Federal stations may be required to modify their operations to protect Federal operations against harmful interference
- Non-Federal operations may not claim interference protection from Federal systems in CPAs, but Federal operators should nonetheless strive to avoid interfering with the non-Federal operators' systems
- PUA
- Non-Federal operations in the band shall not cause harmful interference to Federal systems operating in the band for episodic periods
- During these periods and in these areas, Federal users will require interference protection from non-Federal operations
- Non-Federal operations may not claim interference protection from Federal systems
To enable expedient commercial access to the auctioned spectrum, DoD Chief Information Officer (CIO), DISA's Defense Spectrum Organization (DSO), and the Military Departments (MILDEP) developed Transition Plans (TPs), currently posted on the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Web Site. According to the DISA TP, DSO will serve as DoD's single focal point for accepting and responding to the licensees' requests to coordinate their spectrum usage. In this role, DSO is responsible for defining and developing a robust, dynamic, autonomous business process to coordinate shared spectrum access to avoid interference between DoD and commercial users in the 3450-3550 MHz band at all CPA and PUA sites.
Per the terms of the auction (and as further expanded in the Joint FCC/NTIA Public Notice DA 21-645), new licensees cannot submit coordination requests (CRs) until October 14, 2022 (nine months after the close of the auction). Due to this stringent timeline, DSO is deploying a stopgap measure, the Interim Portal Coordination System (IPCS), to ensure effective communication between all parties when the 9-month moratorium on coordination expires. The IPCS consists of the Interim Portal for Initial Coordination (IPIC), a 34.5-35.5 GHz Engineering Cell, and a DISA SharePoint capability. The IPCS receives CRs through IPIC and the Engineering Cell manually validates them and passes them to the MILDEP via SharePoint. The MILDEP, in coordination with the Engineering Cell, use their own tools to assess the CRs for potential interference and approve/deny CR sectors. The Engineering Cell consolidates the MILDEPs answers and returns a DoD response to licensees. According to the terms of the auction, the entire process must take less than 60 days.
The Automated Spectrum Coordination System (ASCS) will be DISA's permanent, sustainable, and automated end-to-end workflow that (to the greatest extent possible) reduces the need for humans in the loop and improves the speed in which licensees can access the spectrum for which they have acquired licenses.
The MILDEPs or other Government Off the Shelf (GOTS)/Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) Electromagnetic Interference / Electromagnetic Coexistence (EMI/EMC) analytical tools will "plug and play" into the ASCS automated workflow capability to assess CRs to ensure licensee deployments and DoD operations can coexist in the CPAs and PUAs.
We expect the combination of a fully automated workflow and plug-and-play analytical capabilities will decrease the need for human interaction in the coordination process, increase DoD efficiencies, and decrease the DoD's total cost for coordinating spectrum sharing in the 3450-3550 MHz band – all while providing opportunities for conducting more accurate technical analyses and taking advantage of refinements in analytic capabilities or models of commercial (5G) and DoD operations.
Note: The processes, procedures, and timelines for IPCS are largely based upon experience and artifacts from previous DSO coordination for Advanced Wireless Services 3 (AWS-3). At the time of posting this RWP, specific IPCS artifacts are not yet available for sharing. For reference, similar AWS-3 artifacts are provided instead as part of a bidder's library to this RWP. It is known that these artifacts are not fully representative of coordination in the 3450-3550MHz band; however, they provide an excellent reference point for understanding the coordination processes that will be implemented in IPCS
Automated Spectrum Coordination System (ASCS) RWP – Amendment 0002 [PDF]Automated Spectrum Coordination System (ASCS) RWP – Amendment 0002 Q&A [PDF]
Automated Spectrum Coordination System (ASCS) RWP – Amendment 0001 [PDF]
Automated Spectrum Coordination System (ASCS) RWP [PDF]
ASCS RWP ROM Estimate Template.xlsx [XLSX]
ASCS RWP Significant Date Reminder [DOCX]
Automated Spectrum Coordination System RFI
Due Date: June 6, 2022
Project Number: DISA-OTA-22-R-ASCSRFI
Amendment Two: The purpose of Amendment Two is to provide responses to additional questions received in accordance with this RFI.
Amendment One: The purpose of Amendment One is to provide responses to questions received in accordance with this RFI, to provide a capture of the Question and Answer Session held on May 24, 2022, and to provide a capture of the Lightening Networking Day held on May 26, 2022.
BACKGROUND
On 14 January 2022, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concluded auctioning 4,060 new commercial licenses in the 3450-3550 MHz band previously reserved for DoD's exclusive use in the continental United States. The specific geographic areas auctioned have been classified as either Cooperative Planning Areas (CPAs) or Periodic Use Areas (PUAs).
- Cooperative Planning Areas (CPA)
- Non-Federal operations shall coordinate with Federal systems operating in the band
- Non-Federal operations shall not cause harmful interference to Federal systems
- Non-Federal stations may be required to modify their operations to protect Federal operations against harmful interference and to avoid, where possible, interference and potential damage to the non-Federal operators' systems
- Non-Federal operations may not claim interference protection from Federal systems
- Periodic Use Areas (PUA)
- Non-Federal operations in the band shall not cause harmful interference to Federal systems operating in the band for episodic periods
- During episodic use periods in these areas, Federal users will require interference protection from non-Federal operations
To enable expedient commercial access to the auctioned spectrum, DoD CIO, DISA's DSO, and the Military Departments (MILDeps) developed transition plans (TPs), which are currently posted on the NTIA website. According to the DISA TP, DSO will serve as DoD's single focal point for accepting and responding to the licensees' requests to coordinate their spectrum usage. In this role, DSO is responsible for developing an Automated Spectrum Coordination System (ASCS) for avoiding interference to DoD incumbents from licensees in the 3450-3550 MHz band at all CPA and PUA sites (DISA task 3450-3).
Per the terms of the auction (and further expanded in the Joint FCC/NTIA Public Notice DA 21 645), new licensees cannot submit coordination requests (CRs) until 9 months after the close of the auction. Due to this stringent timeline, DSO is deploying an Interim Portal for Initial Coordination (IPIC) along with the America's Mid-Band Initiative Team (AMBIT) Engineering Cell as a stopgap measure to ensure effective communication between all parties during the 9-month post-auction moratorium which will expire in the October 2022 timeframe. The AMBIT Engineering Cell will initially coordinate the processing of CRs with the MILDeps via a DISA SharePoint capability. Together, IPIC, the Engineering Cell and the DISA SharePoint capability form the Interim Portal Coordination System (IPCS). The IPCS receives CRs through IPIC, validates CRs, enables the MILDeps to assess CRs for potential interference, enables the MILDeps to approve/deny sectors, consolidates a DoD answer and returns a DoD response to licensees. Under IPCS, the MILDeps perform analyses using their own tools.
Automated Spectrum Coordination System RFI Amendment Two [PDF]Automated Spectrum Coordination System RFI Amendment One [PDF]
Automated Spectrum Coordination System RFI [PDF]
Notice to the Automated Spectrum Coordination System RFI (DISA-OTA-22-9-ASCSRFI) [PDF]
Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution
Due Date: September 7, 2021 12:00 EDT
Project Number: DISA-OTA-21-9-Thunderdome
Description
This Request for White Paper (RWP) is being issued to prototype, develop, and test activities associated with DISA's ZTA and implementation, called Thunderdome.
DISA is planning the procurement of tools/systems/capabilities, which will assist in deploying a zero trust security model with SASE capability, integrated SD-WAN technology, Customer Edge Security Stacks, and Application Security Stacks on both the Secret Internet Protocol (IP) Router Network (SIPRNet) and Non-classified IP Router Network (NIPRNet).
The Government is planning on implementing key Zero Trust concepts within the SASE security framework. These are new operational capabilities for the Department of Defense (DOD) that will significantly improve routing and security services. The Government intends to prototype several tools and processes through the execution of this project leveraging commercial best practices where applicable. Specifically, the Government intends to create, design, develop, and demonstrate the operational utility of SASE, Customer Edge Security Stacks at the Defense Information System Network (DISN) Customer Edge Point of Presence (PoP), along with scalable Application Security Stacks deployed in front of one or more application workloads. The Government is seeking a cyber analytic capability that will retain, correlate and help analyze data for the purpose of Defensive Cyber Operations in the cloud.
SD-WAN integration includes the ability to provide micro segmentation and the prioritization of specific traffic flows. These capabilities will integrate with existing DISA systems (e.g. ICAM, Comply to Connect, Endpoint systems, SIEM, data analytics platforms, etc.) to provide conditional access and policies to limit functionality based on user and endpoint attributes, and policies based on application and data tagging.
Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution [PDF]Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution Request for White Papers [PDF]
Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution Request for White Papers - Amendment 0001 [PDF]
Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution - Amendment 0002 [PDF]
Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution Request for White Papers - Amendment 0003 [PDF]
Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution Request for White Papers - Amendment 0004 [PDF]
Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution Request for White Papers - Amendment 0005 [PDF]
Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution Request for White Papers - Amendment 0006 [PDF]
Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution Request for White Papers - Amendment 0007 [PDF]
Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution Request for White Papers - Amendment 0008 [PDF]
Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution Request for White Papers - Amendment 0009 [PDF]
Thunderdome Zero Trust Solution Q&A [Excel]
Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM)
Due Date: August 9, 2021 12:00 pm CDT
Project Number: DISA-OTA-21-R-EMBM
Description
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Defense Spectrum Organization (DSO) through the DISA Procurement Services Directorate (PSD) is seeking an Other Transaction (OT) Agreement to fulfill the prototyping need for Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (JEMSO) planning and management capabilities, enhanced Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) situational awareness, and improved interoperability with related service, joint and intelligence tools and systems. The objective of the prototype is to deliver initial capabilities for Command and Control (C2) and decision support capability areas. The prototype shall deliver system capabilities that will significantly advance the EMS planning capabilities, improve EMS data sharing, and enable Joint C2 of JEMSO that provides the EMS maneuver capability necessary for EMS superiority.
This work has never been done before within the Department of Defense (DoD), and requires a novel approach. The architecture and solutions must be flexible and enable new ideas and concepts to be tried and tested. Warfighter/user response and system output will inform decision making for the next development/build cycle. This development approach/methodology supports the Government's demand for delivering warfighting capability at the speed of relevance.
Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Request for White Papers [PDF]Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Request for White Papers - Amendment 0001 [PDF]
Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Request for White Papers - Amendment 0002 [PDF]
Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Request for White Papers - Amendment 0003 [PDF]
Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Request for White Papers - Amendment 0004 [PDF]
Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Request for White Papers - Amendment 0005 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
Due Date: June 21, 2021 8:00 am EST
Project Number: DISA-OTA-R-21-SASE
Description
Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is planning the procurement of tools/systems/capabilities, which will assist in deploying a zero trust Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) capability, integrated software defined (SD) Wide Area Network (WAN) technology, Customer Edge Security Stacks, and Application Security Stacks on both the SIPRNet and NIPRNet. DISA seeks industry feedback on the projected acquisition approach.
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) [PDF]Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Request for Information [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) - Amendment 0001 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Request for Information - Amendment 0001 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) - Amendment 0002 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Request for Information - Amendment 0002 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Request for Information - Amendment 0003 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) - Amendment 0004 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Request for Information - Amendment 0004 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Request for Information Q & A - Amendment 0004 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) - Amendment 0005 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Request for Information - Amendment 0005 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Request for Information Q & A - Amendment 0005 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) - Amendment 0006 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Request for Information - Amendment 0006 [PDF]
Thunderdome previously Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) Request for Information Q & A - Amendment 0006 [PDF]
PM "Ask Me Anything" Event
Due Date: May 29, 2021 12:00 pm EDT
Project Number: DISA-OTA-21-R-EMBM
Welcome and Opening Remarks
The meeting officially opened with Mr. Adam Bouffard (the facilitator) explaining the purpose and format of the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was for the industry participants to ask Mr. Alan Rosner, the Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Program Manager (PM), questions pertaining to the potential EMBM acquisition. Participants were asked to type their question in the Teams "chat." If a question was too long to capture in chat, participants were directed to use the Teams "raise hand" feature, which would be addressed on a first come, first serve basis. This was also applicable to the questions received in the chat box.
The format included a 45-minute question and answer (Q&A) session, where the PM or other Government staff would answer as many questions as possible during the session. It was stressed that the "Ask Me Anything" event was for market intelligence purposes only. The intent is to share information collaboratively between the Government and industry for possible future requirements.
Mr. Rosner thanked everyone for participating in the event. He highlighted that there was no guarantee this event would lead to a contract and reiterated that this event was part of market research to help guide the Government in terms of how it moves forward. However, the Government is quickly developing its EMBM strategy, and it is partially based on some of the input that industry has already provided as part of their response to the EMBM Request for Information (RFI).
Read the full transcript of the Ask Me Anything Event [PDF]Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Request for Information - Amendment 0001 [PDF]
Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Lightning Networking Sessions Invitation and Vendor Instructions [PDF]
Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Request for Information - Amendment 0002 [PDF]
Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Request for Information - Amendment 0003 [PDF]
Electromagnetic Battle Management (EMBM) Lightning Networking Sessions Complete Slide Deck [PDF]
Telecommunications Advanced Research and Dynamic Spectrum Sharing Systems (TARDyS3) Tool Suite
Due Date: December 4, 2020 / 0800 CST
Project Number: DISA-OTA-21-9-TARDyS3
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Emerging Technology (EM) Directorate through the DISA Procurement Services Directorate (PSD) is seeking an Other Transaction (OT) Agreement to fulfill the prototyping need for a radically new set of tools to deconflict, manage, and predict spectrum interferences while producing a capability for bi-directional Impact Level (IL)-2 (unclassified), IL-4/5 (controlled unclassified), and IL-6 (Secret) communications. The sum of these tools creates a new paradigm for spectrum sharing between the Department of Defense (DoD) and commercial users that are entering the 3550-3650 megahertz (MHz) spectrum band.
This work is novel and has never been accomplished before within DoD. Thus, innovative solutions will be critical to prototyping and overall acquisition success. The solution must leverage new ideas and concepts to prototype the tools and processes needed to enable near-real time spectrum sharing with industry.
Section 1. OVERVIEW/DESCRIPTION
1.1 PURPOSE
This Request for White Paper (RWP) is being issued to conduct research, development, and testing activities associated with acquiring a prototype Spectrum Scheduling System (S3) and Interference Prevention, Detection, Resolution (IPDR) system. The intent of this OT agreement is to successfully develop a prototype and award a follow-on non-competitive production effort. This prototype OT will be competed amongst non-traditional defense contractors (or vendors with significant participation from non-traditional defense contractors) that can solve Electromagnetic Interference/Coexistence (EMI/EMC) and Cross Domain Solution (CDS) communications technology problems for an electromagnetic spectrum sharing use case. The prototype developed under this effort will be tested, evaluated, and refined for production. The result of the successfully completed prototype OT will be through minimum viable capability releases (MVCRs) for both a Spectrum Scheduling System (S3) capability and an interference prevention, detection, resolution (IPDR) capability. These MVCRs will enable DoD and the Citizens Broadband Radio Systems (CBRS) users to expeditiously resolve spectrum use conflicts, to schedule spectrum use, and to enable sharing between CBRS users and DoD's developmental Test and Evaluation (T&E) and experimental DoD operations in the 3550-3650 MHz band. After the completion of the prototype effort, production systems will need to be deployed based on these successful MVCRs; production may be completed under a follow-on procurement to this effort.
The results of this prototype project are directly relevant to enhancing the mission effectiveness of warfighter systems. Without these capabilities there is a risk that interference between CBRS and DoD warfighters could impact mission-critical DoD systems, resulting in potential degradation of these systems. The output of this OT prevents potential mission failures due to spectrum use conflicts, and the results of this OT will minimize the impact of spectrum sharing on DoD systems within the affected spectrum band.
TARDyS3 Tool Suite Request for White Papers (RWP) [PDF]TARDyS3 Tool Suite Request for White Papers Amendment One [PDF]
TARDyS3 Tool Suite Request for White Papers Q & A [PDF]
TARDyS3 Tool Suite Request for White Papers Bus Ticket [PDF]
TARDyS3 Tool Suite Request for White Papers Amendment Two [PDF]
TARDyS3 Tool Suite Request for White Papers Amendment Two Q & A [PDF]
TARDyS3 Tool Suite Request for White Papers Amendment Three [PDF]
TARDyS3 Tool Suite Request for White Papers Amendment Four Q & A [PDF]
TARDyS3 Tool Suite Request for White Papers Amendment Four [PDF]
TARDyS3 Tool Suite Request for White Papers Amendment Five Q & A [PDF]
TARDyS3 Tool Suite Request for White Papers Amendment Five [PDF]
Global Position System (GPS) Based Clutter Loss Measurement (BCLM)
Due Date (EXTENDED): Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at 2:00 pm CST
Project Number: DISA-OTA-20-R-BCLM
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Emerging Technology (EM) Directorate through the DISA Procurement Services Directorate (PSD) is seeking the development of prototype systems, software, and processes that can be used to operationally measure clutter loss using Global Position System (GPS) signals across multiple satellite constellations.
Section 1. OVERVIEW/DESCRIPTION
1.1 PURPOSE
This Request for White Paper (RWP) is being issued to conduct research, development, and testing activities associated with GPS Based Clutter Loss Measurement (BCLM) activities. This request meets the statutory requirements of Other Transaction Authority (OTA) (10 U.S.C. 10 U.S.C. §2371b) for the development of a GPS BCLM prototype.
The Department of Defense (DoD), Military Services and Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Defense Spectrum Organization (DSO), each developed transition plans to support the migration of DoD systems leaving the 1755-1780 megahertz (MHz) band and to facilitate increasingly less restrictive spectrum sharing arrangements for early entry of commercial Advanced Wireless Services-3 (AWS-3) systems in support of the new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) rule making for AWS-3.
The DISA Transition Plan, which is managed by the DSO, includes six initiatives, one of which is the DISA 5, 1755-1780 MHz Spectrum Sharing Test and Demonstration (SST&D) Program. SST&D includes the authority to investigate improvements related to AWS-3 spectrum sharing between DoD and industry. The primary objectives of the DISA 5 SST&D Program are to:
- Facilitate Expedited and Expanded Entry (FEEE) of commercial deployments into the 1755-1780 MHz band.
- Identify, Assess, Test/demonstrate, and Operationalize (IATO) coexistence assessments, interference mitigation, and other spectrum sharing enablers that support increased sharing between Long Term Evolution (LTE) and incumbent DoD systems.
In order to achieve its objectives, the SST&D Program currently focuses on three broad technical areas for improvements in evaluating AWS-3 spectrum sharing, one of which is propagation modeling between early-entry LTE systems and DoD receivers.
Propagation modeling supports early entry of commercial users into the AWS-3 band by analyzing the aggregate interference level to DoD assets. DSO has developed and continues to refine the Early Entry Portal Analysis Capability (EEPAC), which computes the aggregate interference to DoD assets due to LTE User Equipment (UE) emissions in proposed LTE network deployments (that operate in the 1755 – 1780 MHz band). An important factor impacting the aggregate interference level at DoD receivers is the clutter loss on the paths between the UEs and the DoD receivers. As a result, considerable effort is being expended to develop and improve "clutter models" that can be used within EEPAC, and other Service-specific aggregate interference tools (AITs) to predict clutter loss.
Under DISA 5, DSO conducted initial market research in the form of an initial study, which was completed in March of 2017. Specifically, the initial study evaluated the feasibility of using GPS signals to measure clutter loss in various environments. However, while the initial study provided valuable information, in order to meet emerging needs of the DoD, the Government needs to take the next step in the form of prototype OTA. The initial study effort clearly shows significant potential to further pursue this technique for characterizing clutter loss for 1755-1780 MHz band systems because of the following:
- Standard GPS receivers can make power measurements down to thresholds near -130 decibels per milliwatt (dBm) with accuracies to tenths of a decibels (dB) and
- Clutter loss measurements from this effort demonstrate the need to obtain GPS signals below this threshold (clutter environment dependent).
This GPS Based Clutter Loss Measurement Prototype effort will transition the effort from a study and take it much further, by developing prototype systems, software, and processes that can be used to operationally measure clutter loss using GPS signals across multiple satellite constellations.
GPS BCLM Request for White Papers (RWP) Final [PDF]GPS BCLM Request for White Papers Amendment One [PDF]
GPS BCLM Posting [PDF]
GPS BCLM Request for White Papers Amendment 0002 [PDF]
GPS BCLM Request for White Papers Amendment 0003 [PDF]
GPS BCLM Request for White Papers Amendment 0004 [PDF]
GPS BCLM Request for White Papers Q & A II [PDF]
Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) that incorporates Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) and Environmental Sensing Capabilities (ESC)
Due Date (EXTENDED): 07 July 2020 at 8:00am EST
Project Number: DISA-OTA-20-R-TardyS3
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)
Since 2012, the Department of Defense (DOD), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) have been engineering a solution for commercial wireless to share 3550-3650 MHz band without needing modifications to the federal spectrum-dependent systems already operating in that band. These efforts have resulted in the Citizen Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) that incorporates Spectrum Access Systems (SAS) and Environmental Sensing Capabilities (ESC).
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Defense Spectrum Organization (DSO) plays a critical role in managing this spectrum transition for the DOD. Specifically, DISA DSO will implement dynamic spectrum sharing systems that enable DOD spectrum usage scheduling inside the target band and that enable automated interference prevention, detection, and resolution in the target band. The provided capabilities will enable DOD to maintain the sharing structure and continue support to enduring DOD mission requirements.
THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) NOTICE ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP). NO SOLICITATION IS AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME.
1. OVERVIEW/PURPOSE/DESCRIPTION OF PROCUREMENT:
DISA DSO is planning the procurement of tools/systems/capabilities, which will assist and enhance the dynamic spectrum sharing environment fielded for CBRS. DISA DSO seeks industry feedback on the projected acquisition approach.
The Government desires an Agile and DevSecOps approach to deliver an initial, minimum viable product (MVP) for the spectrum scheduling system within six months of award and delivering a second MVP for the interference prevention, detection, and resolution capability within nine months of award. Improvement, productization, and operational implementation of these capabilities through the year 2025 are planned. DISA DSO expects the performing vendor(s) to play a critical role interacting with key stakeholders including DOD operators, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and CBRS users within the target band.
Download RFI [PDF]RFI Amendment 0001 19 Jun 2020 [PDF]
RFI Amendment 0002 1 Jul 2020 [PDF]
RFI Amendment 0002 Questions and Answers 1 Jul 2020 [PDF]
RFI Amendment 0003 6 Jul 2020 [PDF]
RFI Amendment 0003 Questions and Answers 6 Jul 2020 [PDF]
RFI Amendment 0004 Questions and Answers 5 Aug 2020 [PDF]
"Ask Me Anything" Event Q&As 5 Aug 2020 [PDF]
RFI Amendment 0005 13 Aug 2020 [PDF]
RFI Amendment 0005 13 Questions and Answers 13 Aug 2020 [PDF]
RFI Amendment 0006 Questions and Answers 21 Sep 2020 [PDF]
RFI Amendment 0006 21 Sep 2020 [PDF]
Enterprise Data Optimization Tool (EDOT) Prototype
Due Date: May 25, 2020 by 9:00 AM CST
Project Number: DISA-OTA-20-R-EDOT
Section 1. OVERVIEW/DESCRIPTION
1.1 PURPOSE
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) as supported by DOD CIO and USSPACECOM has an ongoing need for a next generation "Data Controller" capability to enable reliable data communications over legacy Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Integrated Waveform (IW), Mobile User Objective System (MUOS), Line of Sight (LOS), High Frequency (HF), and Extremely High Frequency (EHF) to facilitate dissemination of critical Situational Awareness (SA) and Command and Control (C2) information.
As the increasing scarcity of UHF Follow-On (UFO) satellite resources obliges DoD to transition to more heavily utilize the IW and the emerging MUOS in place of dedicated UHF SATCOM, DISA is moving to a next generation data controller solution. To develop a new enterprise-level data controller capability that would provide greater access to the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN) and expanded Network Management capabilities, DISA representatives have proposed the Enterprise Data Optimization Tool (EDOT). This request for White Paper (RWP) is being issued to conduct research, development, and testing activities associated with Enterprise Data Optimization Tool (EDOT).
Final EDOT Request for White Papers [PDF]EDOT OTA Request for White Papers Amend 0001 [DOCX]
EDOT Questions and Answers [XLSX]
Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM)
Due Date (EXTENDED): 14 November, 2019 @ 12:00pm EST
Project Number: DISA-OTA-20-R-ICAM
Section 1. OVERVIEW/DESCRIPTION
1.1 PURPOSE
This request for White Paper (RWP) is being issued to conduct research, development, and testing activities associated with Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) activities. This request meets the statutory requirements of Other Transaction Authority (OTA) (10 U.S.C. §2371) for the development and deployment of a DoD Enterprise Identity Service that will create a single user record, consolidating all pertinent data associated with the individual under one account, and automatically deleting such accounts when they are no longer required. The objective will be to establish a federated identity service for DISA, its mission partners, non-CAC holders (such as authorized guests and visitors), and non-person entities that mitigates current inefficiencies, facilitates strong authentication to current state-of-the-art cloud services, provide authorization services with role-base access, and enables audit of users and resources; using non-traditional defense contractor solutions per 10 USC §2302(9), which defines a non-traditional defense contractor as "an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for at least one year preceding the solicitation of sources by the DoD for the procurement or transaction, any contract or subcontract for the DoD that is subject to full coverage under the cost accounting standards prescribed pursuant to 41 USC §1502 and the regulations implementing such section."
The project involves technology that exists in the marketplace, but not in the breadth, scope, and bandwidth that would be capable of integrating the entire DoD Enterprise and all of its unique systems and requirements, and ensuring their seamless integration and interoperability in the manner and at the level that this mission-critical federated identity effort requires. In the latter regard, it is very much a prototype.
ICAM capabilities will enhance the security and integrity of DoD information systems that serve and protect warfighters and the military and civilian personnel who support them. ICAM does so proactively rather than reactively, by restricting unauthorized access to systems and information across organizational boundaries, reducing the opportunity for infiltration and violation of DoD enterprise integrity, mitigating inefficiencies and known cyber threats, and maximizing the effectiveness of the ICAM community. Some examples of inefficiencies to be mitigated are the paper DD2875 access request process, ineffective account lifecycle management, lack of visibility into which users have access to what systems, and lack of flexibility to leverage authenticators beyond public key infrastructure (PKI)-based solutions.
Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) Request for White Papers [PDF]Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) Request for White Papers Amendment 002 [PDF]
Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) Request for White Papers Amendment 002 Q&A [PDF]
Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) Request for White Papers Amendment 003 [PDF]
Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) Request for White Papers Amendment 004 [PDF]
Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) Request for White Papers Amendment 004 Q&A Clarification [PDF]
Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) Request for White Papers Amendment 005 [PDF]
Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM) Request for White Papers Amendment 005 Q&A Clarification [PDF]
Mobility Enablement Prototype
Due Date: August 12, 2019 by 9:00 AM CST
Project Number: DISA-OTA-19-R-MEO
Section 1. Request for White Papers
1.1 PURPOSE
This request for White Paper (RWP) is being issued to seek vendors capable of fulfilling the technical objectives outlined below related to Mobility Enablement in order to conduct research, development, and testing activities to stand up an environment capable of supporting the development of secure mobile applications (apps) and streamline the security approval process to properly vet the apps for use on Department of Defense (DoD) mobile devices.
1.2 Statement of Need
DISA has made progress over the past few years, delivering a secure solution for mobile communications, DoD Mobility Unclassified Capability (DMUC) and DoD Mobility Classified Capability. To improve device utility, DISA requires a capability to efficiently develop and sustain secure mobile applications. In March 2018, DISA SD3 set out to enhance the mobile end users' experience, explore ways to maximize utilization, and lower the barrier for agile mobile application development by mirroring the commercial experience. An industry survey confirmed that the utility of mobile devices stems from accessibility of native applications. DoD mobile users should have the same tools and services to which they are accustomed on their desktop/laptop computer securely available on the mobile device. The MEO is planning to utilize Other Transaction Authority (OTA) to engage industry and prototype an agile solution. The goal is to stand up an environment capable of supporting the development of secure mobile applications (apps) and streamline the security approval process to properly vet the apps for use on DoD mobile devices.
The DoD does not currently have a means to efficiently build approved applications for a DoD mobile environment with security requirements incorporated into the development process. DISA requires a capability similar to what exists in industry to adopt mature processes for mobile application development and sustainment. There is an immediate need to mirror industry's agile approach while simultaneously including the required DoD security elements into that process. The project's objective is to prototype a web-based software development environment for creating secure mobile applications suitable for the DMUC capability and streamline the security approval process to properly vet the apps for use on DMUC devices. The development environment will be accessible from anywhere and by any qualified and authorized mobile applications developer. The prototype will minimally include an environment for iPhone Operating System (iOS) and Android applications development and include an automated means for ensuring compliance with the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) criteria, the DoD Security Requirements Guide (SRG), the DoD Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs), and any other approved security measures. The prototype will also include tools for continuous integration, code repository, issue tracking, source control, and documentation.
Download the Mobility Enablement Prototype Request for White Papers [PDF]Download the Mobility Enablement Prototype Request for White Papers Amendment 0001 [PDF] Download the Mobility Enablement Prototype Request for White Papers Amendment 0002 [PDF] Download the Mobility Enablement Prototype Request Q&A Responses [PDF]
Quantum-Resistance Cryptography Prototype
Due Date: June 14, 2019 by 9:00 AM CST
Project Number: DISA-OTA19-R-Quantum
The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), Emerging Technology (EM) Directorate through the DISA Procurement Services Directorate (PSD) is seeking information from Industry to evaluate the use of quantum-safe algorithms and cryptographic solutions that can defend Department of Defense (DoD) Information Technology (IT) infrastructure from malicious cyber activities.
SECTION 1 OVERVIEW/DESCRIPTION
1.1 PURPOSE
One of the immediate concerns facing DoD has to do with public key cryptography data encryption and authentication. Theoretically, adversaries could utilize quantum computers to attack the cryptographic algorithms that are widely used for secure online transactions and communications. Certain algorithms currently utilized across the DoD on various systems are vulnerable to attacks from large-scale quantum computers. The exact time of the arrival of the quantum-computing era is unknown; however, DoD must begin now to prepare its information security systems to be able to resist attacks from large-scale quantum computers.
This request for White Paper (RWP) is being issued to conduct research, development, and testing activities associated with evaluating Quantum-Resistant algorithms, and cryptographic solutions that can be used to enable quantum-encrypted information transfer using symmetric encryption.
1.2 STATEMENT OF NEED
Arrival of the quantum-computing era is inevitable, though its timing is unknown. DoD must begin now to prepare its information security systems to protect against quantum computing attacks. One of the immediate concerns facing DoD has to do with Public key cryptography data encryption.
Due to growing concerns related to quantum computers-machines, DISA has begun to investigate quantum-resistant or quantum-safe cryptography algorithms and solutions. The goal of this prototype Other Transaction Authority (OTA) is to research, evaluate, test, and deliver a prototype utilizing cryptographic algorithms and solutions that would secure DoD IT systems against both quantum and classical computers.
The Quantum-Resistant Cryptography prototype will support the following:
- Future improvements, technical feasibility, and optional challenges associated with implementing new algorithms and solutions on the current DoD PKI/PKE components, technology, and processes;
- Time to generate Public Key, Ciphertext, and Signature Size (i.e., key size) locally on DoD devices;
- The hardware and software efficiency of the public key (encryption, encapsulation, and signature verification) and private key (decryption, decapsulation, and signing) operations dealing with traffic volume;
- Decryption/decapsulation failures associated with application utilization and identify interactive protocols that establish key failures;
- Analysis of bandwidth requirements and the ability of solutions to support systems operating in constrained environments.
- Migration options to enable a smooth transition to new algorithms and archetectures.
- Performance test results to contribute to the national discussion and build a case to recommend an algorithms and possible solutions to use as the industry standard.
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View Current RWP(s)About DISA
The Defense Information Systems Agency, known as the Defense Communications Agency until 1991, is a United States Department of Defense combat support agency composed of military, federal civilians, and contractors. DISA's mission is to conduct DODIN operations for the joint warfighter to enable lethality across all warfighting domains in defense of our Nation. DISA is the trusted provider to connect and protect the warfighter in cyberspace. Visit https://www.disa.mil to learn more.
