BACKGROUND:

Current tactical networks for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) soldiers support all-informed voice communication through the personal role radio for dismounted units, while vehicles are equipped with Enhanced Position Location Reporting System radios for blue-force tracking and data and/or Combat Net Radios for voice and data. It is envisioned that future CAF tactical networks will provide enhanced voice, data, and network services to dismounted soldiers.
The TEC3 project aims to demonstrate a set of software tools to enhance the security and effectiveness of future CAF tactical edge networks. Specifically, TEC3 will demonstrate network security, situational awareness, and management tools necessary to enable the protection of sophisticated high-bandwidth tactical networks.

TEC3 is ultimately a suite of plug-ins or apps running on, potentially modified, commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) or Military Off the Shelf (MOTS) “smartphone” type hardware. These graphical display devices will connect to one another via internal or external radios, forming a mobile ad hoc network (MANET) that includes COTS PCs, simulating a forward operating base. It is expected that TEC3 applications or plug-ins can be added or removed as necessary for any particular TEC3 deployment.

The TEC3 system is expected to be delivered at a technology readiness level (TRL) of at least 6.

The requirement is subject to the provisions of the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA), formerly known as the Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT).

This procurement is set aside from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) under Annex 1001.2b, Section B – Sub section A: Research and Development, All classes; and is not listed under Appendix 1, article 1(d ) of the World Trade Organization - Agreement on Government Procurement (WTO-AGP).

This procurement is subject to the Controlled Goods Program, as the delivered TEC3 demonstrator or a portion of will be Controlled Goods (CG) and will have to be treated according to the rules and regulation surrounding CG of the Government of Canada.

There is a Federal Contractors Program (FCP) for employment equity requirement associated with this procurement; see Part 5 - Certifications, Part 7 - Resulting Contract Clauses and the Attachment 1 to Part 5 named Federal Contractors Program for Employment Equity - Certification.

The period of any resulting Contract will be for a period of three (3) years, with up to three (3) additional two (2) year optional periods.