SOURCES SOUGHT
16 -- Avionics Data Receptacle
- Notice Date
- 8/26/2005
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 336413
— Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing
- Contracting Office
- Other Defense Agencies, U.S. Special Operations Command, Technical Applications Contracting Office (TAKO), ATTN: AMSAM-TASO-K Lee Boulevard, Building 401, Fort Eustis, VA, 23604-5577
- ZIP Code
- 23604-5577
- Solicitation Number
- Reference-Number-H92241
- Response Due
- 10/15/2005
- Archive Date
- 10/30/2005
- Description
- U.S. Special Operations Command, Technical Applications Contracting Office (TAKO), ATTN: AMSAT-D-TK, Lee Boulevard, Building 401, Fort Eustis, VA, 23604-5577 issues this Request for Information (RFI) regarding the top-level functional and operational capabilities, performance, and design for an avionics grade data receptacle product that provides an intelligent microprocessor-based unit that permits data transfer by providing sockets for some form of portable, securable storage media (i.e. PCMIA Cards, USB Memory sticks, Flash Disk Media, etc.) and can communicate via dual independent 10/100BaseT Ethernet ports. 1. Background During development of the Common Avionics Architect System (CAAS) for 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (SOAR (A)) helicopter fleet it has been discovered that the current data loader device does not have the required throughput to support the loading of mission specific data in a timely manner. An example is the Embedded Digital Map (EDMG), which allows the addition of outside reference data, referred to as GEO Chips, (such as digital pictures, JPEG files, etc.) to be associated with a specific target. These files cannot be stored in persistent memory as they may be classified. The current data loader cannot transfer these files in a timely manner. The current data loader utilizes PCMCIA memory cards to store mission data. This data is transferred via the MIL-STD-1553B data bus to the mission processor. The maximum transfer speed is 1 MB/sec. Each GEO chip is anticipated to be in excess of 2 MB. The current data loader is limited to maximum of 1 megabit/sec transfer rate (a 16 megabyte file will take a minimum of 128 seconds to transfer). TAKO is looking for new and innovative technical approaches to provide a faster data transfer rate, increased memory storage capacity, storage of classified data that can be rapidly zeroized and can execute background processing to track a minimum 10 to a maximum of 200 closest airports and navigation aids based on current aircraft position from DAFIF data (read only to meet uncorruptable database requirements for Global Air Traffic Management (GATM)) loaded via storage media in the data loader. 2. Operations Concept The envisioned new data loader should be able to utilize the latest avionics grade secure storage media technology to store the mission data and be able to transfer that data to the CAAS Ethernet Avionics System LAN that transfers the data to the on board mission processors. There are significant technical issues involved, including but not limited to: maximum transfer rates, single vs. multiple line rates (server), in device RAM Cache, single client (sustain) vs. multiple client (peak) read/write potential, maximum transfer rates, in device intelligent microprocessor for processing DAFIF searches and secure storage capabilities for storage media (i.e. PCMIA, USB Memory Sticks, etc). Also, for consideration is the requirement for the lightest and smallest unit possible to limit and/or improve the cube and weight requirements for use on the aircraft. 3. System Requirements 3.1. Four to Six Storage Media Sockets 3.1.1. Slot 1 - DAFIF data (read only to meet uncorruptable database requirement for GATM) Slot 2 - Mission Planning Data (Read/Write)(ACP Lists, Flight Plans, Communication Frequency and COMSEC Presets, etc) Slot 3 - GEO Chip data (Read/Write) (imagery that is linked to a specific geo reference point and can be displayed on the map, i.e. picture of target) Slot 4 - Electronic Order of Battle (Read/Write) (can be updated based upon on-board aircraft sensors) Slot 5 ? Growth Slot 6 ? Growth 4. Ethernet interface 1.1. Supports Ethernet protocols: Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Network File Server (NFS) Common Internet File System (CIFS) / Samba /SMB) 2. Background processing to track 200 closest airports and navigation aids based on current aircraft position that meet DO-178 Level C requirements supporting these functions: Database Closest Data Searches Database Identifier Searches Worldwide Database Access 3. Weight Requirements: Objective 3 lbs to Threshold 5 lbs. 4. Size Requirements: No larger than: Length 6.5? x Width 5.75? x Height 2.25? 5. Mounting Requirements: Can be mounted via Dzus rail. 6. Zeroization: Fast erase and secure erase capabilities for zeroization via software or discrete commands 7. Growth Capability: Gigabit Ethernet, additional mass storage. 8. Environmental and EMI Qualifications: Must be able to qualify to MIL-STD-461 and MIL-STD-810F for the majority of the EMI/Environmental considerations. The vibration qualification is based on a combination of several standards to meet the requirements for different aircraft. 9. Possible Program Dependent on the responses of this RFI, a follow on program may include the following phases: (a) one or more engineering tests and analysis to determine performance characteristics and limitations, (b) a proof-of-concept demonstration in a CAAS software development bench (c) a leave-behind operational prototype. However, the government has not decided upon such a program and this RFI does not constitute notice of intent to embark on such a development program. In accordance with FAR 15.202(e), responses to this notice are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI, including any subsequent requests for proposal (RFP). Only responders who have already developed or have avionics grade data loading devices and demonstrated results are desired. All responses should address the following subjects: (1) company experience in avionics grade data loading devices technology development including programs, sponsors and development roles; (2) test results that are applicable to the technology; (3) company developed equipment which are applicable; (4) the proposed concept including characteristics as related to the requirements section of this document. Any proprietary information submitted will be protected if appropriately marked. All responses are to be provided on company letterhead and limited to fifteen pages. Any questions or responses must be submitted in Microsoft Office format to the contracting office at ldiedric@tapo.eustis.army.mil All packages submitted electronically or by electronic media shall be free of any computer virus. If a virus is found, the package will be destroyed and a replacement will be requested, which must be provided within three days after notification. Response to this RFI must arrive in this office no later than 4:00 pm (EDST) on October 15, 2005. Any future requirement as a result of this sources sought announcement will be posted in the FBO.
- Record
- SN00881016-W 20050828/050826213334 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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