Communications Security Device (COMSEC)

Trade Agreement: NONE
Tendering Procedures: All interested suppliers may submit a bid
Attachment: None
Competitive Procurement Strategy: N/A - P&A/LOI Only
Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement: No
Nature of Requirements: 
Communications Security Device (COMSEC)

W7714-135751/B
Palmer, Heather
Telephone No. - (819) 956-6176 (    )

Background

A Request for Information (RFI) was posted on merx for the above
mentionned requirement and closed on November 1, 2013. The RFI
sought information from vendors with respect to the state of the
art in nanosatellite and microsatellite compatible Suite-B
compliant communications security (COMSEC) devices for use on
future space missions on behalf of the Department of National
Defence (DND), Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC).

In addition to seeking information on the responder's current
status of COMSEC equipment, information on related costs,
scheduling, risk, contractual terms, and cost sharing was also
requested. The findings document summarizes the information
received from suppliers.

The statement of Requirements (SOR) for the required COMSEC
device is available upon request to the Procurement Authority
identified above.

It is anticipated that any resultant Request for Proposal or
Request for Standing Offer may only be issued in 2013 or 2014.

Findings

1.0	Purpose

This document provides a collective assessment by technical
authorities at DRDC on behalf of DND in consultation with CSEC
and CSA on the results of the Request for Information (RFI)
posted on MERX as solicitation W7714-135751/A.

2.0	Applicable Documents

The statement of Requirements (SOR) for the required COMSEC
device. Provided upon request during RFI posting period.

3.0	Result of Request for Information (RFI)

The RFI posting on MERX resulted in 17 requests for the RFI
document and 9 requests for the SOR. Responses were received
from 3 firms in time for the submission deadline. 

4.0	Responding Firms

Responses were received from General Dynamics C4 Systems, L-3
Communications and Ultra Electronics.  

5.0	Assessment and Anticipated Changes to the SOR

A collective assessment of the responses is provided below.

	5.1.	Export Control

Companies planning to submit a bid on a resulting Request for
Proposal (RFP) are advised to seek Technical Assistance
Agreements (TAAs) in order to share any and all relevant
information as soon as possible in order to allow them to fully
respond to the RFP. Failure to do so may result in submissions
being excluded from the RFP evaluation.

	5.2.	COMSEC Certification and Approval for Use

Based on the material provided in the responses, working
solutions have been developed that meet some of the requirements
listed in the SOR and could be modified in order to meet the
rest of the requirements. Based on the provided information it
is believed that the approach would facilitate a somewhat faster
process for CSEC to approve it for use. 

	5.3.	Throughput Performance

 It was noted that the data throughput requirements in the SOR
could be increased to improve performance. This change will be
considered as it could become a more useful device for future
missions. 
Minimum, maximum and nominal specifications against the
requirements in the SOR need to be provided in order to
appreciate the complete performance envelope, respondents to an
RFP will be asked to provide more detailed specifications of
existing devices.

	5.4.	Demonstration of Requirements

The responses provided included varied details with respect to
how the requirements are met, or are expected to be met. In the
resulting RFP details will be required with respect to how all
requirements are met, or are expected to be met.

	5.5.	Costing and Schedule

No responses provided any significant details with respect to
costing and schedule for the development of the required device. 

6.0	Assessment of Structure and Estimated Schedule of Resulting
Procurement

Based on the responses to the RFI a development phase is
planned. It is anticipated that an RFP will be posted early in
the next six (6) months. Firms are advised to monitor MERX for
the RFP.

7.0	Next steps

An RFP will be posted on MERX with a revised version of the SOR
in order to establish a development contract. Current plans are
for the development of the device to be complete no later than
the end of March 2015.

Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any
procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.