TRANSFORMATIONAL CAPABILITIES OFFICE TRUSTED NETWORK ENTRY (TNE)
ID: FA2385Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA2385 USAF AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND AFRL PZL AFRL PZLDWRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433-7541, USA

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/1719f180aa464ceab8ad4d39bfd3074d/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory's Transformational Capabilities Office, is seeking market insights for the Trusted Network Entry (TNE) project, aimed at enhancing communication and network entry solutions for airborne and space-based platforms. The initiative focuses on developing faster, individualized, and more trusted communication systems that establish trust at the foundational layers of networking, particularly in dynamic operational environments. This project is critical for ensuring secure and reliable communications in combat situations, leveraging technologies such as Trusted Network Nodes and multifactor authentication to enhance cybersecurity. Interested vendors are encouraged to respond to the Request for Information (RFI) by January 19, 2025, and can direct inquiries to Ryan Sims at ryan.sims.2@us.af.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Ryan Sims
    ryan.sims.2@us.af.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    TNE RFI_191224.pdf
    The Air Force Research Laboratory's Transformational Capabilities Office issued a Sources Sought Synopsis/Request for Information (RFI) regarding the Trusted Network Entry (TNE) project on December 19, 2024. This initiative aims to gather market insights on innovative communication and networking solutions for airborne and space-based systems, particularly enhancing trust at various communication layers. The operational challenge focuses on establishing trust through Trusted Network Nodes (TNNs), Network Trusted Tokens (NTTs), and an Assured Network Infrastructure (ANI). Near-term objectives include identifying future network environments, exploring commercial solutions, and defining necessary modifications to existing technologies. The RFI outlines three lines of effort: TNN, NTT, and ANI, all essential for enabling ad-hoc network entry in combat situations. Interested participants are encouraged to respond with relevant capabilities and may contribute to any or all areas. The government's intent is to utilize collected information to inform acquisition strategies and develop a framework for future advancements. Responses to the RFI must be submitted by January 19, 2025, and are to adhere to specified guidelines regarding proprietary information. The initiative reflects the Department of Defense's commitment to enhancing trust in dynamic and complex network environments.
    TNE RFI_Government Questions.pdf
    The Transformational Capabilities Office has issued an inquiry regarding technologies for the Trusted Network Entry (TNE) as part of a Request for Information (RFI) dated December 19, 2024. The document outlines critical questions aimed at evaluating vendors' capabilities to address various operational challenges across three specified Lines of Effort (LoEs). Vendors are asked to detail how their solutions confront these challenges, compare proposed capabilities with existing standards regarding Cost, Size, Weight, and Power (C-SWaP), and discuss innovative attributes of their technologies. Additionally, the RFI seeks insights into how proposed solutions can integrate within a Modular Open System, support secure ad-hoc network entries, and utilize technologies such as Hardware Roots of Trust (HRoT), Chain of Trust configurations, and multifactor authentication designs. It emphasizes the need for secure creation and management of encryption keys, development of classified tactical devices, and design of connections across various security classifications. This inquiry aims to gather information that will inform the government’s approach to enhancing cybersecurity and secure communications within operational environments, ensuring robust, innovative, and integrated solutions. The focus on secure technology implementations reflects current priorities in government contracting for reliable defense and technology solutions.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    TRANSFORMATIONAL CAPABILITIES OFFICE TRUSTED NETWORK ENTRY (TNE)
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
    Similar Opportunities
    Request for Information: Next-generation Commercial Operations in Defended Enclaves (NCODE)
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking input through a Request for Information (RFI) for its Next-generation Commercial Operations in Defended Enclaves (NCODE) initiative, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity for small businesses within the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). The initiative intends to establish a secure, cloud-based environment that provides essential productivity tools and advanced business operations support, enabling small businesses to comply with NIST SP 800-171 security standards. This effort is crucial for improving the cybersecurity posture of small businesses engaged with the Department of Defense, facilitating their ability to meet emerging contractual requirements. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses by 10:00 EST on December 24, 2024, and can direct inquiries to the NCODE team at ncode@army.mil.
    Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare (EW) System Technologies (TEMPEST)
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is seeking proposals for the Trusted and Elastic Military Platforms and Electronic Warfare System Technologies (TEMPEST) initiative. This procurement aims to investigate and develop methodologies and technologies to enhance the cybersecurity and resilience of avionics systems, including manned and unmanned vehicles, against potential cyber threats. The program is critical for advancing the capabilities of Air Force and Department of Defense weapon systems in multi-domain environments, with an estimated funding amount of $808 million available for multiple awards ranging from $1 million to $200 million. Interested parties must submit their proposals by October 11, 2024, and can contact Timothy Matelski at timothy.matelski@us.af.mil or Richard Bailey at richard.bailey.26@us.af.mil for further information.
    Request for Information (RFI) PEO Missiles and Space OCIO Cybersecurity Intrusion Detection Capability
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army's Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space, is seeking information regarding cybersecurity intrusion detection capabilities through a Request for Information (RFI). The objective is to gather insights on currently available non-developmental cybersecurity intrusion detection systems that support Integrated Fires Offensive and Defensive Operations. This RFI is part of market research to identify potential sources and does not constitute a request for proposals or guarantee future contracts. Interested parties must submit an unclassified white paper by 1600 hours EST on January 10, 2025, detailing their technical approach and capabilities, with submissions directed to the primary contact, Christopher M. Caputo, at christopher.m.caputo.civ@army.mil.
    Network Modernization Experiment (NetModX) 25
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) for the Network Modernization Experiment (NetModX) 25, aimed at enhancing the Army's Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) capabilities. The initiative seeks communications technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) 3-6 for a field experiment scheduled at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ, in the third quarter of FY2025, with a focus on technologies that align with the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). Interested parties are encouraged to submit their technology proposals using the provided RFI template by January 17, 2025, while noting that costs incurred during the experiment will not be reimbursed. For further inquiries, respondents may contact Joseph Saldiveri at usarmy.apg.devcom-c5isr.mbx.esi-fco@army.mil.
    Network Management
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), is seeking insights from businesses regarding network management for defensive cybersecurity operations (DCO). The Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather information on the roles and interactions between Network Operations Centers (NOC) and Security Operations Centers (SOC), focusing on their structures, collaboration during incidents, and the potential integration of these functions, including the involvement of managed service providers. This initiative underscores the critical need for specialized network management to ensure effective DCO, emphasizing continuous monitoring and rapid incident response capabilities. Interested parties are encouraged to submit white papers addressing specific queries related to NOC and SOC configurations, handling of Indicators of Compromise (IoCs), and scalability strategies, with responses due to the Engineering & Systems Integration (ESI) Directorate at the provided email address. Note that submissions will not result in contracts but will inform future acquisition strategies.
    Managed Attribution and Secure Remote Web Browsing
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Combat Command Acquisition Management and Integration Center, is seeking information from qualified vendors regarding a cloud-based solution for managed attribution and secure remote web browsing. The primary objective is to develop a scalable virtual browser that supports robust collection capabilities while ensuring the security of analytic personnel and DoD networks against adversarial threats. This initiative is crucial for the Department's efforts in countering transnational organized crime and drug trafficking, providing essential intelligence analysis services to law enforcement agencies. Interested parties must submit their responses to the Request for Information (RFI) by January 8, 2025, at 12:00 PM EST, directed to Chase Gordon at chase.gordon@us.af.mil.
    MARINE CORPS ENTERPRISE NETWORKS (MCEN) END USER REMOTE ACCESS SOLUTION
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Marine Corps Systems Command, is seeking information for the procurement of an End User Remote Access Solution (EU RAS) as part of the Marine Corps Enterprise Network (MCEN) initiative. The objective is to modernize the existing VPN-based remote access method, addressing security vulnerabilities by developing a new solution that enhances authentication and authorization protocols, while also supporting up to 150,000 concurrent users. This initiative is critical for ensuring secure remote connections for users and may expand into Secure Service Edge (SSE) and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) capabilities. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit their feedback on the specifications by January 8, 2025, and can contact Sophia Martin at sophia.martin@usmc.mil or Morgan C. Brady at morgan.brady@usmc.mil for further details.
    AFLCMC/WING Imaging and Targeting Support FY26 RFI
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), is seeking market research submissions for the Imaging and Targeting Support (I&TS) program, aimed at enhancing airborne Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) capabilities. The initiative focuses on identifying promising technologies that can improve current and future Air Force GEOINT sensors, with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 4 or higher at entry and aim to reach TRL 6 or higher within 1-2 years. This opportunity is critical for advancing surveillance, reconnaissance, and multi-intelligence capabilities for unmanned aerial systems, with project budgets capped at $2.5 million per year and a total funding limit of $5 million over two years. Interested parties must submit white papers and tri-charts by January 10, 2025, and are encouraged to participate in an Industry Day scheduled for December 4, 2024. For further inquiries, contact Wayne Wolfe at wayne.wolfe.3@us.af.mil or call 937-255-4360.
    NATO Request for Information: Capability Package CP149 Rev 1 “Dragonfly Increment 1”
    Active
    Commerce, Department Of
    The Department of Commerce, specifically the Bureau of Industry and Security, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) from the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) regarding the Capability Package CP149 Rev 1 “Dragonfly Increment 1” project. This RFI aims to explore potential solutions for the NATO Information Clearing House – Release Gateway (ICH-RG) project, which seeks to enhance secure information sharing capabilities across NATO and with non-NATO entities, addressing current capability gaps in military information exchange. The initiative is crucial for ensuring effective information dissemination for mission operations across various security domains, utilizing a modular approach to interconnect different networks. Interested parties must submit their responses by 17:00 Brussels time on January 31, 2025, and should refer to the NCIA reference number MS-423340-ICH-RG in all correspondence. Detailed instructions for submission are provided in the attached document.
    RFI for BACN Operation and Sustainment Follow On
    Active
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking information from contractors capable of providing operations and sustainment support for the Battlefield Airborne Communication Node (BACN) program. This Request for Information (RFI) aims to gather insights on industry capabilities to support the existing BACN system, which facilitates tactical communication across various military platforms without imposing additional size, weight, or power constraints. Interested U.S. companies with an active CAGE Code and a minimum Secret facility clearance must submit their capabilities statements and complete the required documentation by 1600 EST on January 6, 2025, to the designated contacts, Heidi Collins and Marty Bamberg, via the provided email addresses. The current BACN support contracts are set to expire in January 2027, and the government emphasizes that all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be borne by the interested parties.