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Vault Modernization Program (VMP) SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE (SSN) This is a Supplemental Request for Information (RFI) to the original RFI post titled “Request for Information – Vault Modernization Progra... Vault Modernization Program (VMP) SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE (SSN) This is a Supplemental Request for Information (RFI) to the original RFI post titled “Request for Information – Vault Modernization Program” previously published to SAM.gov on 20 March 2023. This notice serves to provide additional information relative to the anticipated requirement. Prior respondents are encouraged to reply to this posting with any supplemental information for Government consideration. 1. Synopsis THIS IS A SOURCES SOUGHT NOTIFICATION (SSN) ONLY. This Request for Information (RFI) is for planning/information purposes only and shall not be construed as a commitment or a promise of a contract by the Government. This notice does not constitute a Request for Proposal, nor does it restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach. This is not a solicitation. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center (AFNWC), Nuclear Enterprise Contracting Support Branch – Kirtland (PZNK) is conducting a market analysis with this RFI to refine the requirement and determine the most suitable approach for acquiring and fulfilling the needs associated with the AFNWC, Air Delivered Weapons Storage and Security Division (NDW), Vault Modernization Program (VMP). The information collected in this RFI will be used to further define the government’s requirements and create the appropriate acquisition strategy. Consequently, do not submit proprietary information in response to this request. All submission information will be considered in finalizing the AFNWC, Air Delivered Weapons Storage and Security Division, VMP requirements. AFNWC/PZNK is issuing this RFI to obtain information on the latest offerings, best practices, and approaches for the VMP requirements. This RFI shall not be construed as a decision or obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any services cited in this notice. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs incurred in preparation of a response to this notice. Any information submitted by respondents to this sources sought synopsis is strictly voluntary. As stipulated in FAR 15.201(e), responses to this notice are NOT considered offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. There is no solicitation package available at this time. The decision to solicit for a contract shall be solely within the Government's discretion. Respondents will not be notified individually of the results of any Government assessments. The Government may use the information obtained from responses to this notice in determining its acquisition approach, but the issuance of this notice does not restrict the Government's acquisition approach. The U.S. Government reserves the right to reject, in whole or in part, any input as a result of this notice. Not responding to this sources sought notice does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if any is issued. Small Businesses are encouraged to provide responses to this sources sought notice in order to assist AFNWC in determining potential levels of capability and competition available in the industry, as well as helping to determine the potential for a set-aside. It is the responsibility of the interested parties to monitor the correspondence issued to SAM.gov for additional information pertaining to notice. This notice does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this SSN. All costs associated with responding to this SSN will be solely at the responding party's expense. The Government shall not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any Proprietary Information inadvertently provided. The following companies/organizations are currently providing Professional and Engineering Support to NDW on contract FA9422-23-F-0001: Alion Science and Technology (a part of Huntington Ingalls Industries), Tecolote Research, Omni Consulting Solutions, Axient, and Atlantic CommTech Corporation (ACT-Corp) (subsidiary of Valkyrie Enterprises, Inc.). All are bound by appropriate non-disclosure agreements with the USAF. 2. NAICS: 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) 3. Product/Service Code (PSC): 5811 (Other Cryptologic Equipment and Components) 4. Purpose/Scope The purpose of this effort is to replace the Vault Unlock Management System, Vault Processor, and Vault Motion-Control System of the US Air Force’s Weapon Storage and Security System (WS3). The Weapon Storage and Security System (WS3) supports the capability to securely and safely store weapons deployed to Europe in certified subterranean WS3 vaults. The Vault Modernization Program (VMP) will address the National Security Agency (NSA) requirement to modernize the Vault Unlock Management System. In addition, the VMP will resolve sustainment issues caused by obsolescence, specifically WS3 vault digital, electrical, and mechanical components that are based on 1980s technologies, which have become increasingly difficult to sustain. The VMP is required to ensure the WS3 remains operationally relevant and available deterrence missions to mid-century. The VMP will facilitate the development, integration, demonstration and assessment of a new Vault Unlock Management System, a new Vault Processor, and a new Vault Motion-Control System. 5. Objectives of the Sources Sought Notice (SSN) a. Identify potential vendors and levels of interest in satisfying this requirement to create pool of candidates. b. Determine if small business can perform the work required. c. Obtain descriptions of vendor capabilities and relevant experience. d. Obtain comments regarding any ambiguities or needed clarifications of the draft technical requirements/specifications listed. e. Obtain vendor feedback on any existing government contracts of which this effort might be within scope. 6. Requirements Summary VMP will implement WS3 system upgrades to maintain the capabilities for authorized weapon access and prevent unauthorized weapon access. The upgrades will extend WS3 operational life to support deterrence missions. Below is a notional characterization of VMP requirements: a. Estimated to be a FY25, ~$150M-$200M, 6-year Period of Performance. b. Up to 180 vaults are planned to be modernized at various OCONUS locations as well as two CONUS locations. c. Modernization of WS3 components shall include design, development, and implementation of an engineered materiel solution. It shall also include production, integration, installation, and of existing vaults, while obtaining NSA certifications, Air Force Certifications, and completing special studies. Affected subsystems: i. Vault Unlock Management System ii. Vault Motion-control System iii. Vault Processor (VP) d. Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) components resolution. e. Quantum Resistant Algorithms (also referred to as post-quantum algorithms) shall be implemented IAW NSA Information Assurance Security Requirements Directive (IASRD). f. The VMP contractor shall be appraised at Maturity Level 3 or higher against the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) for software development or have a Process Improvement Plan in place for achieving Maturity Level 3. NOTE: VMP’s Technical Specification and Description document is designated as Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and exclusively available to DoD contractors certified under the Defense Logistic Agency’s (DLA) Joint Certification Program (JCP). Certification under the JCP establishes the eligibility of a U.S. or Canadian contractor to technical data governed, in the U.S., by DoD Directive 5230.25 and, in Canada, by the Technical Data Control Regulations (TDCR). Information on DLA JCP registration can be found at https://www.dla.mil/Logistics-Operations/Services/JCP/. For a copy of VMP’s Technical Specification and Description document, please email a request to the point of contact identified below with proof of JCP certification, corporate information as described in section 8 of this notice, and inclusion of the statement below: “By submission of this request, this firm agrees that it is familiar with, and will comply, with the standards for accessing, disseminating, handling, and safeguarding the information to which we are granted, and it will protect the CUI VMP Technical Specification and Description from unauthorized disclosure, will not post it on any publicly accessible web site or other location, will use it only for the purposes of responding to this notice and considering the potential for submitting a proposal in response to a future RFP (if released by the Government), and will not provide it to any organization outside of the firm, except: to other potential contractors, with a verified DLA JCP Certification, interested in the possibility of a proposal and then by secure means for CUI only; or to other entities as provided by applicable law or regulation" Address any questions, clarifications or concerns you may have via email to: Charlotte Spencer at charlotte.spencer@us.af.mil and Chad Miller at chad.miller.31@us.af.mil. 7. Cybersecurity Compliance The Weapon Storage and Security System (WS3) has been identified as a National Security System (NSS) in accordance with the following: a. NIST SP 800-59, Guideline for Identifying an Information System as a NSS b. NMM 2002-05 Identification and Inventorying of National Security Systems Guidance The WS3 VMP will implement: a. NIST Special Publication 800-53 Rev. 5, Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and Organizations b. Committee on National Security Systems Instruction (CNSSI) No. 1253, Security Categorization and Control Selection for NSS c. DoDI 8510.01, Risk Management Framework for DoD Systems d. DAFI 17-101, Risk Management Framework (RMF) for Air Force Information Technology (IT) e. DAFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management f. NIST SP 800-39, Managing Information Security Risk: Organization, Mission, and Information System View g. NIST SP 800-60 Volumes 1 & 2 Revision 1, Guide for Mapping Types of Information and Information Systems to Security Categories 8. Response Content All interested parties who believe they may have the capability to meet the needs as described above are encouraged to submit a Statement of Capability (SOC) in accordance with administrative requirements stated in Sections 5 and 6 of this document. The SOC should detail the ability to meet requirements as stated in Sections 3 and 4 above as well as VMP’s Technical Specification and Description document. In addition to the SOC, respondents are required to fill out the Market Research Questionnaire. Corporate Information and Points of Contact a. Company name and mailing address b. Point of Contact (POC), email address, and telephone numbers c. Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code d. Unique Entity ID (UEI) e. Business type identification (large business, small business, small-disadvantaged business, 8(a)-certified small-business, HUBZone small business, woman-owned small business/economically disadvantaged women-owned small business, veteran- owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business. Small businesses with the capability to perform this requirement are encouraged to participate. If interested only in subcontracting opportunities, indicate this clearly in any submission. Small business joint ventures would be considered. 9. Response and Submittal Instruction a. Response Classification – All material provided in response to this notice shall be UNCLASSIFIED and Non-Proprietary. b. Response Format – Responses may be provided in Microsoft Word, and/or PDF formats. Responses are not to exceed 10 pages. The Government will not consider information in excess of 10 pages. Responses to the Market Research Questionnaire do not count against the page limit. c. Submission Instructions – Submit an electronic copy of the SOC. The Government requests responses be sent to the POCs identified in Section 6 prior to the due date. Hard copy responses will not be accepted. d. Response Due Date – Responses to this SSN are due NO LATER THAN 2:00pm MDT on Monday 02 October 2023.