Broadcast Dissemination Platform Light (BDP-L) Assessment Event (AE)

21-22 August 2023 

Submissions Closed 04 August 2023 11:59 PM ET
U.S. Persons Only

 

Purpose
SOFWERX, in collaboration with SOF Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (SOF AT&L) Tactical Information Systems (TIS), will host an Assessment Event (AE) to identify solutions for a Broadcast Dissemination Platform Light (BDP-L) that can operate in a land environment conducting Military Information Support Operations (MISO). Configurable capabilities include FM and cellular dissemination and must weigh less than 100 pounds including travel cases.

Background
Market research indicates that off-the-shelf broadcast platforms can satisfy most of the performance attributes desired in this assessment but may require minor to moderate adaptations or adjustments to satisfy all performance attributes (modified commercial/government off-the-shelf). A list of salient characteristics is provided in the assessment criteria, along with a delineation of what will be observed at the virtual demonstration and the ultimate system capability.

Objective
This assessment solicits white papers to describe off-the-shelf BDP-L systems. The most promising candidates will be invited to virtually demonstrate/present some performance attributes with vendor-provided equipment and operators. 

BDP-L shall be designed to provide broadcast capabilities to support small teams and operational elements and is comprised of a single channel and single band broadcast capability. The BDP-L will be man-portable/man-packable. The white paper should identify what adaptations or modifications to the off-the-shelf system may be required to satisfy all performance attributes. The AE will also consider how much technical risk the proposed adaptations or modifications introduce to the existing off-the-shelf platform.

Why You Should Participate
USSOCOM seeks to enter into non-FAR or FAR-based agreements with Industry, Academic, and National Lab partners whose solutions are favorably evaluated by SOF AT&L PEO-TIS Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). As such, the follow-on Assessment Event (AE) is considered competitive and solutions will be evaluated independently of one another primarily for technical merit. This serves dually as notification of the intent to research the feasibility of an agreement under 10 U.S. Code, Section 4022 and/or Section 4022(f), and as notice of pre-solicitation activities IAW FAR 5.204.

Event Timeline
Completed Phase 1 – 14 July 2023 to 04 August 2023 Submissions to the Assessment Event (AE) Open: Interested respondents who could potentially provide solutions that meet the needs of USSOCOM are encouraged to submit their capability for USSOCOM review. To submit your technology for potential Phase 3 attendance, please review the assessment criteria and follow the submission instructions near the bottom of this webpage.

Completed Phase 1a – 24 July 2023 Q&A Telecon: Interested offerors may participate in a virtual Q&A session to better understand the end user’s specific technology objectives. The telecon will take place on 24 July from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET. 

Completed Phase 2 – 07 August 2023 to 11 August 2023 Downselect: USSOCOM will downselect those respondents/submissions they feel have the highest potential to satisfy their technology needs. Favorably evaluated submissions will receive an invitation to attend the AE on/around 14 August. 

Completed Phase 3 – 21 August 2023 to 22 August 2023 Assessment Event (AE): During the AE, selected participants will be allotted a one-on-one virtual session with the USSOCOM evaluation panel to pitch, demonstrate, and/or discuss their solutions. The forum will include a Q&A portion and discussions may continue outside of the event. Solution brief presentation guidelines will be outlined in the event invitation and solutions will be assessed according to the criteria in the link provided below. If the USSOCOM evaluation panel favorably evaluates a solution brief, negotiations for Phase 4 may immediately begin. 

This event will be held virtually. 

Phase 4 – Path Forward: Successfully negotiated awards may fall under any combination of these categories:

NOTE: Awardees may need to be compliant with NIST SP 800-171, Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in Non-Federal Systems and Organizations

NOTE: Responders providing information to meet functional assessment requirements are responsible to comply to International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR)/Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

Questions?  
For event-related questions, please contact Lindsay Horst, lindsay.horst@sofwerx.org

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