The government is seeking information regarding Maritime Wireless Inter-Communications Systems for use onboard Combatant Craft. The system shall provide Wireless Inter-Communications capability for the crew and passengers. The system must be capable of supporting a minimum of 6 simultaneous Wireless Users on each Combatant Craft, with an objective of supporting 12 simultaneous Wireless Users on each Combatant Craft, while allowing the users full range of motion and mobility. A minimum of 2 Combatant Craft, with an objective of 4 Combatant Craft, must be able to simultaneously operate within close proximity of each other (0 Feet of horizontal separation). The system must not suffer a loss or reduction of functionality, range, audio quality or number of wireless users supported when the Combatant Craft are in close proximity of each other. The system shall interface with the installed Tactical Radio Systems. The system shall provide the ability for all users to selectively transmit over any one installed Tactical Radio, while simultaneously providing the ability to monitor all installed Tactical Radios. The Wireless Inter-Communications System shall function either as a stand-alone Wireless Inter-Communications System or in conjunction with an existing Wired Inter-Communications system. The system shall provide simple operation, programmable configuration, and clear communications at frequencies that do not require government licensing and provide high quality, short range communications. Utilization of Radio Frequencies in the 40 ? 80 GHz Millimeter Wave band is highly desirable. The system must incorporate an intuitive man-machine interface that facilitates ease of operation. The man-machine interface must not incorporate features that require constant or excessive attention by the operator in order to perform basic system operations. The use of light emitting displays or devices in the man-machine interface is discouraged. The system shall operate at a range of up to 150 feet. Major components shall include a Wireless Inter-Communications System Transceiver Unit capable of interfacing with existing Tactical Communications Headsets and Handsets via a wired connection which will be worn by the user, a Wireless Interface Unit that interfaces with the Combatant Craft?s existing Wired Inter-Communications System Crew Stations providing a wireless link between the user and the Wired Inter-Communications System and/or a stand-alone Wireless Inter-Communications System Base Station to provide Wireless Inter-Communications connectivity and a Radio-Wire Line Interface with all installed Tactical Radio Systems for all users. The system must be capable of instantaneously reverting back to Wired Operation in the event of failure of the Wireless Inter-Communication System. The Wireless Inter-Communications System Transceiver Units worn by the user must be capable of manual Push-to-Talk (PTT) operation, Voice Activated (VOX) operation or Sound Transduction operation via ?Bone-Phones? or Throat Microphones. The Wireless Inter-Communications System Transceiver Units worn by the user must be capable of selectively keying either the Wireless Inter-Communications System or the Tactical Radios via any of the previously mentioned keying options. The Wireless Inter-Communications System Transceiver Units worn by the operator shall utilize either rechargeable Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries incorporating Smart Battery Technology or non-rechargeable Alkaline Batteries with a minimum of 12 hours of operating time, with an objective of 24 hours of operating time without requiring recharging or replacement of the batteries. The system shall be capable of normal operation while simultaneously recharging the Wireless Inter-Communications System Transceiver Unit Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) or Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery when physically connected via a wired interface to either the Wireless Interface Unit or the Wireless Inter-Communications System Base Station. The system must be waterproofed to provide protection to all system components to a depth of 1 Meter continuously. Incorporation of an NSA Approved Type 1 Encryption capability will be a future requirement for this system. Contractors are invited to provide information in a presentation to the Government at no cost to the government in a forum November 9, 2006 in Tampa, FL or submit written information. Contractors shall limit their information to the required item. Contractors submitting complete product lines or company profiles will not be considered, nor will those with obscure connections to the intent of this RFI. Confirmation of attendance should be sent to
[email protected] or
[email protected] by November 7, 2006, 4:00 PM EST. Any written information should be sent to: United States Special Operations Command SOAL-NS-PMCC Attn: Sheila Lewis, Bldg 501C, Room 149 7701 Tampa Point Blvd MacDill AFB, FL 33621-5323