Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) Protected Tactical Waveform over Commercial (PTWoC) Joint Hub Variant Technical Capability Sources Sought RFI
ID: FA8807-PTWOC-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
  1. 1
    Posted Jan 10, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC
  2. 2
    Updated Mar 10, 2025, 12:00 AM UTC
  3. 3
    Due Mar 19, 2025, 7:00 PM UTC
Description

The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking information on technical capabilities related to the Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES) and the Protected Tactical Waveform over Commercial (PTWoC) Joint Hub Variant through a Sources Sought notice. The procurement aims to enhance satellite communication systems, focusing on the Joint Hub Variant (JHV) and Mission Management System (MMS) for Multi-Orbital (MEO) and Geostationary (GEO) configurations, while ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards outlined in the Risk Management Framework (RMF). This initiative is crucial for improving operational readiness and communication capabilities within military operations, emphasizing robust cybersecurity measures and adherence to established military standards. Interested parties can reach out to Scott Lucas at scott.lucas.1@spaceforce.mil or call 310-653-3857 for further information.

Files
Title
Posted
Mar 10, 2025, 7:06 PM UTC
The document outlines requirements for the Joint Hub Variant (JHV) and Mission Management System (MMS) related to Multi-Orbital (MEO) and Geostationary (GEO) satellite communication. It specifies the necessary hardware, software, and firmware upgrades to enhance performance and functionality for both configurations, emphasizing flexibility to operate either MEO or GEO but not simultaneously. Key upgrades include implementing maximum Forward Link (FL) and Return Link (RL) bandwidths, supporting multiple satellite configurations, and providing internal GPS receivers. For both MEO and GEO, detailed requirements for the MMS emphasize adhering to Department of Defense standards, evaluating existing systems, and upgrading capabilities to manage missions effectively across commercial SATCOM satellites. Cybersecurity is a significant focus, requiring compliance with the Risk Management Framework, implementation of security controls, and maintaining a robust cybersecurity architecture throughout the operational lifecycle. Overall, the document serves as a technical directive aimed at improving satellite communications systems for government operations while ensuring robust cybersecurity and compliance with relevant standards in the context of federal RFPs and grants.
Mar 10, 2025, 7:06 PM UTC
This document outlines the Military Standard (MIL-STD-188-164C), establishing requirements and guidelines for satellite communications (SATCOM) earth terminals (ETs) operating within the military X-band and Ka-band frequency ranges. Endorsed by the Department of Defense (DoD), the standard mandates that all defense components ensure interoperability in joint and coalition settings, aligning with existing military standards. The document details scope, applicability, general requirements, and specific performance criteria for the design and operation of SATCOM ETs, including categories like land-based, air-based, and array-based terminals. Key aspects include requirements for transmission and reception functions, including gain stability, frequency accuracy, and power controls, alongside definitions of critical terms and abbreviations pertinent to satellite communications. By standardizing these requirements, the document aims to facilitate robust communication capabilities across U.S. military operations while minimizing risks associated with equipment integration. The emphasis on performance metrics provides a foundation for acquiring and utilizing interoperable satellite communication technologies essential for operational readiness in defense contexts.
The DOD Instruction 8510.01 outlines the Risk Management Framework (RMF) for Department of Defense (DoD) systems, effective July 19, 2022. It establishes policies and procedures for implementing cybersecurity measures across the DoD, ensuring the integration of RMF into the acquisition lifecycle of information technology systems. Key components include guidelines for system categorization, control selection, implementation, assessment, authorization, and ongoing monitoring. The document emphasizes the responsibilities of various roles, such as the DoD Chief Information Security Officer and security control assessors, while promoting accountability and collaboration across departments. The RMF seeks to enhance cybersecurity by aligning with federal standards from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and ensuring that all DoD systems receive appropriate authorizations for operation. Furthermore, it facilitates cybersecurity reciprocity to streamline processes and reduce redundancies. The RMF knowledge service serves as an authoritative resource for guidance and procedures, ensuring that all personnel involved are well-equipped to uphold cybersecurity throughout the lifecycle of DoD systems. The focus on rigorous risk management underscores the DoD's commitment to safeguarding national security through effective technology governance.
Mar 10, 2025, 7:06 PM UTC
NIST Special Publication 800-53, Revision 5, outlines security and privacy controls for U.S. federal information systems and organizations, facilitating the protection of operations, assets, and individual privacy against various threats. Developed under the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA), this extensive publication serves as a comprehensive guideline for establishing risk management practices and control implementations tailored to specific organizational needs. Key updates in this revision include the integration of security and privacy controls into a consolidated catalog, removing guideline baselines to streamline usage for diverse stakeholders, and adding new controls focused on supply chain risk management and cyber resilience. The publication emphasizes the importance of trustworthiness and resilience in the information systems essential for national security and economic interests. By prioritizing collaborative management frameworks, NIST aims to enhance both federal and private sector approaches to safeguard critical infrastructure while addressing evolving threats and legislation. This document supports comprehensive compliance with applicable laws and aids in the establishment of cost-effective strategies for managing privacy and security risks.
The CNSSI No. 1253 provides federal guidance on security categorization and control selection for National Security Systems (NSS). It outlines the first two steps—Categorize and Select—of the Risk Management Framework (RMF), which aligns with NIST guidelines, specifically NIST SP 800-53. The document is essential for information security engineers and officials to establish appropriate protections for NSS. The instruction stipulates that all departments must adapt NIST standards, highlighting significant differences, including refined definitions for security impacts and the implementation of security control overlays. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing insider threats and advanced persistent threats (APTs) as critical factors affecting NSS. The RMF's categorize process involves assessing impact values for information types and implementing applicable overlays to guide security control selection. Tailoring of security controls ensures they meet the unique requirements and risks associated with individual NSS. This instruction supports the overarching goal of enhancing information security across federal systems, underscores the adaptation to unique national security scenarios, and sets standards for ongoing updates and reviews. Thus, CNSSI No. 1253 acts as a foundational document for achieving robust security practices within the national security framework.
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