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Computer Systems, Networks and Data Storage

BIA Number: 16123

Pricing Information
The Program anticipates a funding level of up to $125,000 for the contract award(s) resulting from this BIA.

Detailed Description of Effort and Task
The Future Combat Systems (FCS) program uses mission computers for signal, data, and display processing which combines high throughput, real-time data transfer and storage in a battlefield environment to provide the Army's Objective Force with unprecedented situational understanding.

The technologies we are seeking will be integrated into a new kind of weapons system--a distributed networked system of systems. Sensors, shooters and command and control nodes will be linked in a mobile wireless network providing continuous service over a significant coverage area. The distributed network and the systems it supports will also be linked to external Army, Joint and other systems and networks, leveraging interoperability, magnifying the performance of both FCS organic and the linked external systems. For this reason all proposed systems, components and processes should support ad hoc discovery and collaborative operation.

Task 1
Evaluate and describe existing capabilities and experience in a militarized, real-time environment related to:

  • Ruggedized/Militarized:
    • Mission Computers
    • Person-portable Computers (e.g., Wearable, Hand-held, etc.)
    • Database machines/servers
    • Data Busses
    • Data Storage (e.g., holographic, flash, etc.)
    • Hands-off Computing Interface Devices
  • Operating Systems and Operating System Abstraction Layer

Task 2
Perform trade studies of existing and future technologies in the areas of:

  • Data processing
  • Signal processing
  • High bandwidth, low latency computer networks/data busses
  • Computer architectures
  • Computer, network and data storage in a small, lightweight and rugged package
  • Fault Tolerance
  • Ability of the technology to include upgrades and provide for growth including (but not limited to):
    • Upgradeable processors
    • Additional memory
    • Conformance to open standards

Task 3
Evaluate/Trade available models or simulations of the technology including the available documentation, the validation, verification and accreditation pedigree (if one exists), and previous uses of the models or simulations

Task 4
Assist the LSI in writing the Computer System Specification including system level performance spec requirements for computing and networking and ROM cost models. Requirement definition will include at a minimum:

    • Form Factor
    • Start-up
    • Security Enforcement
    • Environment
    • Integrity/Reliability
    • EMC / EMI
    • Open System Architecture
    • Processing
      • Benchmark (SPECint, SPECfp)
      • Distribution
      • Load Balance/Scale
      • Synchronization
      • CPU Utilization
      • Memory size & Utilization
      • Recovery & Fault Management
      • BIT
      • Scalability / Upgrade / Growth / Tech Insertion
      • Fault Detection & Isolation
    • Network
      • Connectivity
      • Delivery
      • Latency
      • Speed
      • Utilization (Bandwidth)
      • Arbitration
    • Distributed Communications Environment
      • Management
      • Data Distribution
      • Robustness/Fault Tolerance
      • Synchronization
      • Security
      • Growth/Expansion
      • Health
      • Data Storage
    • Operating System
      • Architecture Compatibility
      • RTOS support
      • Interfaces
      • Latency
      • Benchmarks
      • Tools
      • Security
      • Safety
      • Recovery & Fault Management
      • Services
    • OS Abstraction Layer
      • Architecture Compatibility
      • Interfaces
      • Latency
      • Security
      • Tools (Support)

Task 5
Demonstrate your ability to meet a PDR within 30 days of SDD authorization (currently set for 7/03) should you be chosen as an SDD supplier.

Number, duration(s) and location(s) of meetings
Weekly Telecons, Two TIMS either in (Anaheim or Seattle)

Schedule Milestones
Subcontract Start Date - 10/9/02
Subcontract Completion Date - 12/20/02
Initial Coordination Meeting - 10/10/02 - 10/11/02
Interim Coordination Meeting - 10/28/02
Final Coordination Meeting - 12/08/02

Data Requirements
Initial input (Performance Spec & Finalize Trade Studies) - 10/25/02
Final input (Performance Spec) - 11/22/02

Deliverables
Capabilities evaluation - 10/25/02
Trade studies or sensitivity studies reports (estimate: 3 focus studies) - 10/25/02
Performance specification inputs, Initial - 10/25/02, Final - 11/22/02
Provide input for SDD phase cost estimate inputs, Initial - 10/25/02, Final - 11/22/02

Evaluation Criteria
Offerors should ensure that their proposals address the following:

  • Demonstrated credibility of the proposed technical approach
  • Degree of understanding of the technical aspects of the work and related issues
  • Relevance and history of performing similar work
  • Availability of resources to successfully conduct the proposed work.
  • Responsiveness to general BIA instructions

We will apply these considerations in the following areas:

  • Experience in the role of a subsystem integrator
  • Suitability to perform as a future C4ISR Computer Systems developer and integrator
  • Demonstrate ability to meet early PDR