PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., 18 April 2013. Researchers at the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) in Washington are reaching out to industry to find companies with expertise and experience in using cell phones and cellular networks for intelligence gathering.
The Virginia Contracting Activity (VACA) at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., on behalf on the DIA, issued a sources-sought notice Tuesday (VACA-2013-01) for the Cellular Phone Point-to-Point Communication program to use cell phone technology for intelligence purposes.
This request for information (RFI) is trying to identify companies with the ability to meet government requirements for cellular communications for intelligence, in anticipation of a 3-year multimillion-dollar formal solicitation for the Cellular Phone Point-to-Point Communication program sometime this fall.
This RFI will help DIA and VACA finalize their acquisition strategy for the Cellular Phone Point-to-Point Communication program, officials say. Not responding to the RFI does not preclude participation in any future program solicitation.
Companies interested must have the authority via a cage code that allows access to the classified addendum to this RFI to respond properly, officials say.
Companies interested in this effort must have the authority via a cage code that allows access to the classified addendum to this RFI to properly respond. The RFI seeks companies for cell phone intelligence concept refinement; development and integration; functional prototype and operational evaluation; and operations support and training.
Those responding must have proven experience in component design and integration, firmware, and software development and testing of current cellular phones.
Additional experience necessary includes the ability to build custom miniaturized transmit and receive systems for communications; previous collaboration with others with similar expertise; and the ability to demonstrate relevant technology.
Those responding must have the ability to use and store classified information at the SECRET level; proficiency in building custom transmit systems; facilities to build and test custom packaging and advanced miniaturization for communications; and proficiency in programming and testing cell phones.
Those that meet these requirements may request a secret classified addendum by email from Miguel Guerra at [email protected]. Those asking must have a SECRET facility clearance and SECRET safeguarding capability.
Companies interested should respond no later than 10 May 2013. Email unclassified responses to William Rilee at [email protected]. Send classified responses by secure post to VaCA, 1030 S. Hwy AlA, Patrick AFB, Fla. 32925-3002, ATTN: William Rilee.
More information is online at https://www.fbo.gov/spg/ODA/DIA/DIAFL/VACA-2013-01/listing.html.
