High-efficiency, High-Performance Cross Domain Solution (CDS) for Unattended Applications

OUSD (R&E) CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Trusted AI and Autonomy; Advanced Computing and Software; Integrated Sensing and Cyber; Microelectronics; Integrated Network Systems-of-Systems The technology within this topic is restricted under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), 22 CFR Parts 120-130, which controls the export and import of defense-related material and services, including export of sensitive technical data, or the Export Administration Regulation (EAR), 15 CFR Parts 730-774, which controls dual use items. Offerors must disclose any proposed use of foreign nationals (FNs), their country(ies) of origin, the type of visa or work permit possessed, and the statement of work (SOW) tasks intended for accomplishment by the FN(s) in accordance with the Announcement. Offerors are advised foreign nationals proposed to perform on this topic may be restricted due to the technical data under US Export Control Laws. OBJECTIVE: Integrate State of the Art technologies to achieve a new benchmark for Cross Domain Solution performance, efficiency, and security suitable for unattended applications. DESCRIPTION: The Missile Defense Agency (MDA) seeks novel designs for cross-domain solutions usable for a variety of environments including space which are simultaneously capable of high performance, high efficiency, and high security. High performance is defined as achieving 100 Gb per second throughput. High efficiency entails minimizing size, weight, power, and ensuring that the critical metric remains below 12 watts (<12 watts) at maximum throughput. High security means it must self-protect by maintaining integrity and confidentiality given an adversary has physical access resulting from a foreign military sale. PHASE I: Phase I-like proposals will not be evaluated and will be rejected as nonresponsive. For this topic, the Government expects the small business would have accomplished the following in a Phase I-like effort via some other means, e.g., independent research and development (IRAD) or other source, a concept for a workable prototype or design to address, at a minimum, the basic capabilities of the stated objective above. Proposal must show, as appropriate, a demonstrated technical feasibility or nascent capability. The documentation provided must substantiate the proposer's development of a preliminary understanding of the technology to be applied in their Phase II proposal in meeting topic objectives. Documentation should comprise all relevant information including, but not limited to, technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and performance goals/results. Feasibility = maturity and what have you already done/validated. Proposers interested in participating in Direct to Phase II must include in their responses to this topic Phase I feasibility documentation that substantiates the scientific and technical merit and Phase I feasibility described in Phase I above has been met. (i.e., the small business must have performed a proof of concept like Phase I component and/or other validation in a relevant environment, and/or at a much higher TRL level (5 or higher) and describe the potential commercialization applications. The documentation provided must validate that the proposer has completed development of technology in previous work or research completed.) IRAD work, previous Phase I/Phase II work: Documentation should include the most relevant information including, but not limited to: technical reports, test data, prototype designs/models, and/or performance goals/results. Work submitted within the feasibility documentation must have been substantially performed by the proposer and/or the principal investigator (PI). PHASE II: Proposals would be evaluated to the degree that they deliver a complete integrated solution that demonstrates performance, efficiency, and functionality in a variety of environments. The vendor solution would be subject to laboratory assessment using a standard rule format but arbitrary rule set for function and performance. Additionally, the vendor solution will be subject to laboratory assessment to determine the degree to which the system defends against reverse engineering, cyber-attacks, and physical attacks. The solution must be compliant with Current National Security Agency (NSA) guidelines regarding Cross Domain Solutions including the NSA's Raise the Bar Level 5. The solution must be compliant with current DoD Anti-Tamper Technical Implementation Guidance and the Air Force's Open Mission Systems Anti-Tamper Interface Control Document. The solution must be suitable for export under the Foreign Assistance Act and Arms Export Control Act. PHASE III DUAL USE APPLICATIONS: Successful demonstration of the technology open the vendor to government, International exports, and commercial markets for Cross Domain Solutions, data diodes, and communications for Military, space, and financial sectors for example. REFERENCES: 1. https://www.nsa.gov/Cybersecurity/Partnership/National-Cross-Domain-Strategy-Management-Office 2. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 C.F.R. Part 120-Part 130) KEYWORDS: CDS; NSA; Export; Tamper