Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) Protected Tactical Waveform (PTW) over Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) Joint Hub Variant (JHV) Technical Capability Sources Sought Request for Information (RFI)
ID: FA8807-PTSGJHV-RFI-001Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8807 MIL COMM AND PNT SSC/CGKEL SEGUNDO, CA, 90245-2808, USA

NAICS

All Other Telecommunications (517810)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; ATOMIC ENERGY DEFENSE ACTIVITIES; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AC23)
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking information from qualified contractors regarding the Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) and its Joint Hub Variant (JHV) for the Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) system. The objective of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather insights on the cost, schedule, and effort required to modify the existing Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) Joint Hub design for use at commercial GEO gateways, enhancing capabilities for tactical warfighters. The PTES is crucial for providing anti-jam wideband satellite communications, and the successful contractor will be responsible for various tasks, including system design, software upgrades, and compliance with cybersecurity standards as outlined in relevant documents such as MIL-STD-188-164C and NIST SP 800-53. Interested parties must submit their responses by 12:00 PM Pacific Time on April 21, 2025, to Scott Lucas at scott.lucas.1@spaceforce.mil, and are encouraged to include their experience and technical competencies related to SATCOM systems.

    Files
    Title
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    The document outlines the requirements for the Joint Hub Variant (JHV) in relation to the Protected Tactical SATCOM-Global (PTS-G) system, focusing on both hardware and software upgrades. It details the Forward Link (FL) and Return Link (RL) directions for satellite communication and emphasizes the obligations of the Mission Management System (MMS) Upgrade Contractor. Key specifications include maintaining pre-upgrade functionalities, enhancing bandwidth capabilities for L-band outputs and inputs, and integrating an M-code GPS receiver. Cybersecurity is a major focus, with adherence to the Risk Management Framework (RMF) and specific Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements. The contractor must implement robust cybersecurity measures, including developing a Cybersecurity Implementation Plan, conducting compliance scans, and ensuring continuous monitoring and evaluation processes. The document emphasizes the importance of maintaining security controls throughout the system's lifecycle and includes specific guidelines for developing necessary cybersecurity artifacts. Overall, the document serves as a comprehensive guideline for contractors responding to the RFP regarding PTS-G JHV and MMS upgrades, establishing stringent performance and security standards essential for the project's success.
    MIL-STD-188-164C outlines the mandatory performance and interoperability requirements for satellite communications (SATCOM) earth terminals (ETs) used by the Department of Defense (DoD). It emphasizes the need for all DoD IT systems to support joint, combined, and coalition operations. The standard delineates specifications for both military X-band and Ka-band communications, ensuring that equipment used for these systems adheres to stringent design criteria for functionality, compatibility, and operational stability. Significant updates include the refinement of compatibility with previous standards and the removal of references to commercial frequency bands. The document is structured into sections covering scope, definitions, and general requirements, with detailed requirements spanning transmission and reception functions, antenna specifications, frequency referencing, and control functions. It also incorporates specific performance requirements and testing protocols relevant to earth terminals, ensuring reliable communication. Additional notes detail acquisition guidelines and the process for deviations from the standard. This standard is integral for ensuring that military SATCOM systems maintain interoperability and operational efficiency across various platforms and missions.
    The document outlines the Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 8510.01, which establishes the Risk Management Framework (RMF) for Department of Defense (DoD) systems, effective July 19, 2022. This framework integrates cybersecurity risk management with DoD operations, specifying policies, responsibilities, and procedures essential for maintaining security across all DoD IT systems. Key components include a structured decision-making process, system categorization, control selection, implementation, assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring. The instruction mandates adherence to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines and establishes accountability at various organizational levels, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive cybersecurity management throughout all phases of system acquisition and lifecycle. It designates particular leadership roles, including the DoD Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and the Risk Management Framework Technical Advisory Group (TAG), tasked with providing implementation guidance. The RMF aims to ensure cybersecurity resilience across DoD systems and enhance operational readiness while facilitating cooperation with other federal agencies. The instruction ultimately aims to robustly protect sensitive information, directing all DoD components to adhere to established cybersecurity protocols and governance structures.
    NIST Special Publication 800-53 Revision 5 offers a comprehensive catalog of security and privacy controls designed to protect information systems and organizations from various threats, including cyber attacks and privacy risks. This document, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), aligns with statutory responsibilities under the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) and emphasizes a risk management framework to ensure federal compliance. The publication integrates security and privacy measures into a consolidated control catalog, making controls adaptable for various organizations, including governmental and non-governmental entities. It addresses diverse requirements from laws, guidelines, and policies and is structured to support effective information security and privacy governance. Key enhancements in this revision include a shift towards outcome-based controls, new guidance on supply chain risk management, and the separation of control selection processes from the actual controls to improve usability for different stakeholders. As organizations increasingly rely on interconnected information systems, this publication responds to the urgent need for greater resilience and trustworthiness in critical infrastructure, ultimately aiming to safeguard national security and individual privacy.
    The CNSSI No. 1253, issued by the Committee on National Security Systems, provides federal agencies with essential guidance on the security categorization and control selection for National Security Systems (NSS). It outlines two critical steps in the Risk Management Framework (RMF): categorization of information systems and selection of appropriate security controls, building upon NIST standards. The document emphasizes the necessity for tailored security controls, particularly in light of emerging threats such as insider threats and advanced persistent threats (APTs). CNSSI No. 1253 adopts the NIST SP 800-53 framework while introducing NSS-specific security control baselines and overlays for enhanced protection. It compares its approach with NIST guidelines, clarifying areas of divergence, such as the handling of security categorization impacts. A structured approach is detailed for security categorization and control selection, which includes establishing impact values for information types and identifying relevant overlays to fine-tune security controls based on unique operational needs. The Instruction also outlines ongoing updates and transitions to new versions to ensure compliance with evolving national security requirements. This comprehensive document is instrumental for guiding security professionals in safeguarding NSS effectively within federal operations.
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