Request for Information-TACLANE 10g Cyber Capable Encryptors

This is not a formal Request for Quote (RFQ) or proposal (RFP). Responses in any form are not offers and the Government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement.

The purpose of this RFI is to broaden industry awareness and increase potential competition in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 5.002 Policy. United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is seeking information on products that are the same or equal to in functionality, capability, and able to meet the specifications of the encryption device below.

USSOCOM has a need to procure National Security Agency (NSA)-approved Tactical Type-1, Tactical Local Area Network Encryption (TACLANE) 10g Cyber Capable Encryptors (KG-175X) and associated ancillaries to secure classified information.

In accordance with paragraphs 6.1 and 6.3 of Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 8523.01, Communications Security (COMSEC), Only National Security Agency/Central Security Service (NSA/CSS)-approved COMSEC products and services shall be used to secure classified information and DoD Components shall acquire COMSEC products and services through the NSA/CSS, which serves as the centralized COMSEC acquisition authority. If the products and services are unavailable through centralized procurement, the DoD Components shall acquire them directly from commercial entities that are authorized by the NSA/CSS to sell such products and services. TACLANE encryptors are COMSEC products.

The NSA has approved Government agencies to procure these items during the period from General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) in the fourth quarter of Fiscal Year 2022. A determination not to compete this proposed contract will be made pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1, only one source is capable of satisfying the agency's requirements. This determination is based on the fact that GDMS is the sole manufacturer of the TACLANE 10g Cyber Capable encryption products approved by the NSA. No other products exist that have been approved by the NSA to secure classified information in a tactical local area network environment in accordance with DoDI 8523.01.

Per FAR 5.207(c)(16)(ii), all responsible sources may submit additional capability statements that will be considered by the agency. Any party responding to this notice shall send clear, factual documentation demonstrating their ability to execute this requirement.

All replies must be provided to the Government no later than Tuesday, 16 August 2022, 2:00 Eastern Standard Time. All inquiries and responses concerning this action shall be sent in writing via email to trevor.money@socom.mil. Senders are responsible for ensuring the complete transmission and timely receipt.

All inquiries to this notice shall be sent via e-mail to trevor.money@socom.mil