Enterprise Audio Routing, Consoles and Distribution
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Enterprise Audio Routing, Consoles and Distribution RFI Tracking Number: HQ0516-FY-20-008 CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS: Defense Media Activity - Riverside 23755 Z Street Ri... REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) Enterprise Audio Routing, Consoles and Distribution RFI Tracking Number: HQ0516-FY-20-008 CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS: Defense Media Activity - Riverside 23755 Z Street Riverside, CA 92518 The Defense Media Activity (DMA) is posting this RFI to gain information on the agency’s requirement for Enterprise Audio Routing, Consoles and Delivery Systems to support the American Forces Network (AFN) mission. The responses provided may be used by DMA to assist in budgetary planning and developing an acquisition strategy, Performance Work Statement, salient characteristics, and performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained in their response. Specific support is required to ascertain industry’s ability to furnish Audio Over IP (AoIP) Routing and Console Systems and IP Audio Distribution for installation at DMA locations worldwide. The system shall comprise components that meet the required capabilities detailed later in this document. This system is also intended to further AFN’s ability to operate remotely to support both emergency and daily activities. Vendors are encouraged to provide as much information as possible regarding their proven remote capabilities. DMA representatives may choose to meet with respondents and others who express interest and hold one-on-one discussions. Such discussions would only be intended to obtain further clarification of potential capability to meet the requirements, including any development and implementation risks. The Government reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for any purpose deemed necessary and legally appropriate. Any organization responding to this notice should ensure that its response is complete and sufficiently detailed. Information provided will be used to assess availability of the anticipated requirement and may lead to the development of a solicitation. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. INSTRUCTIONS: Respondents are encouraged to provide the following: 1. A summary of the respondent’s capabilities relating to DMA’s requirements. 2. Questions related to the RFI’s Required Capabilities. Any questions received and subsequent answers will be posted to https://beta.sam.gov/ for the benefit of all interested parties. 3. An itemized budgetary estimate for a system capable of satisfying the RFI’s Required Capabilities. Itemized estimates are preferred should DMA need to adjust system specifications. BACKGROUND The Defense Media Activity (DMA) provides comprehensive internal and external information to the entire Department of Defense through all available media. DMA communicates messages and themes to the Secretary of Defense, Service Secretary and other DoD and Military Service through the medium of print, the worldwide web, radio and television in order to support and improve quality of life and morale, situational awareness, force protection and sustain readiness. AFN provides U.S. radio and television news, information and entertainment programming to military service members, DoD civilians and their families overseas, and aboard U.S. Navy ships. This Enterprise Audio Routing, Consoles and Delivery System will support the American Forces Network (AFN) mission under the DMA Performance Plan: Key initiative 2: “Transform delivery of Radio Overseas: Retain the ability to deliver both entertainment and command information while exploring cost reductions by adjusting overseas infrastructure, facility footprint, and communications costs.” REQUIRED CAPABILITIES: These systems shall serve as lifecycle replacement of existing Wheatstone and Axia Routing and Console systems and are intended to create an environment where all locations are operating off the same platform. The Routing and Console systems are required to seamlessly integrate with existing Broadcast Electronics (BE) AudioVault Radio Automation Systems. These systems shall provide AFN the ability to operate in a remote environment, as detailed below. Additionally, this RFI includes the lifecycle replacement of existing Gates Air Intraplex IP delivery systems, which deliver AFN Radio services via an existing VPN to/from worldwide DMA locations and the AFN Broadcast Center. The existing systems consist of the Major Subsystems below. AFN Broadcast Center, Riverside CA Major Subsystems: ? Wheatstone Wheatnet AoIP Routing consisting of: o Aura8 Vorsis Blade: 35ea o IP88a Analog Blade: 5ea o IP88d Digital Blade: 35ea o IP88ad Hybrid Blade: 10ea o PC Blade Driver 1ch: 4ea o PC Blade Driver 4ch: 10ea o PC Blade Driver 8ch: 6ea ? Wheatstone Vorsis Router-Integrated Audio Processing for 272 AES or Analog Audio Sources; ? Dedicated Wheatstone LIO-48 Blade, 16ea, providing 512 GPI/O logic routing; ? Six AoIP dynamic, user changeable Router Control Studio Consoles with X/Y control, comprised of three 12 Fader, three four Fader and six Mic processing blades and six mix engines; ? Integrated Intercomm 6ea, Dynamic 16 channel Silence Detect Panels 4ea, 16 button Programmable Interface Panels 4ea; ? Redundant Wheatstone Navigator Router Control Servers; ? Wheatstone Screen Builder software, 6ea licenses; ? Wheatstone GlassE surface control software complete site license; ? Embedded Scheduling Software to enable scheduled switching of router crosspoints; ? Embedded Salvo creator/editor capable of a minimum of 256 unique salvos; ? SNMPv3 monitoring of each component to identify failing blades or degraded links. ? Remote access to enable complete studio operability from an alternate location; ? BE AudioVault Automation Integration. Defense Information School, Fort Meade, MD Major Subsystems: ? Wheatstone Evolution 11 Consoles, Model E-16, with redundant power supply, 10ea; ? Wheatstone Evolution 4 Consoles, Model E-12, with redundant power supply, 4ea; ? Wheatstone IP88E Engine blades, 14ea; ? Wheatstone IP88A Analog blades, 8 analog channels in/out, 14ea; ? Wheatstone IP88D Digital blades, 8 digital channels in/out 14ea; ? Wheatstone IP88M Mic blades, 4ea; ? Telos 100 Delta Digital Telephone Interface 10ea; ? Gentner SPH10 Phone Interfaces, 4ea. ? BE AudioVault Automation Integration. ? Axia 22 Position Element 2.0 Consoles, 2ea; ? Axia PowerStation Main Integrated Console Engines, 2ea; ? Axia 4-Fader modules, 6ea; ? Axia Standard Monitor/Navigation modules, 2ea; ? Axia Call Controller modules, 2ea; ? Axia SmartSwitch modules, 2ea; ? Axia Module blanks, 2ea; ? Axia AES/EBU xNode Audio Interface, both with four (4) AES Inputs/Outputs, 2ea; ? Axia XY Router Control Panel, 1ea; ? Telos HX6 Phone Interface sets; 2ea ? 25-Seven Program Delay Manager 2ea. ? BE AudioVault Automation Integration. DMA Atlantic Major Subsystems and Locations: AFN-Europe Headquarters, Sembach Germany: ? Axia Pathfinder AoIP Routing consisting of, in total, 58 AES inputs, 58 AES outputs, 46 Analog Inputs, 54 Analog Outputs, 8 native Mic inputs; o 12 AES xNodes o 6 Analog xNodes o 2 Mix xNodes ? Four Axia PowerStations with each: 2 Mic Inputs, 4 Analog inputs, 6 Analog outputs, 2 AES Inputs, 2 AES Outputs, 4 Logic GPI/O Ports (included in total count), expanded capabilities for 4 additional Mics, 5 Stereo Headphones, Tieline Remote CODEC; ? 2 Axia Studio Consoles with X/Y control, comprised of 14 programmable Stereo Faders, 2 telephone hybrid Faders with 24-call stacking, 4 output busses, and 10 one-touch audio path routing shortcuts; ? Programmable Routing Execution (Customizable shows, Salvos and Stacking Events) ? Silence Detection/Failover; ? Riot Box GPI/O to IP converters, 2ea; ? Multiple licenses, Pathfinder Control Software; ? BE AudioVault Automation Integration. ? Profanity Delay Capabilities; ? 10 Henry Digimatch 2x6 Converters; ? 24 channel virtual soundcard drivers for multi-channel desktop application integration. AFN-Atlantic Affiliate Locations (x15) ? Axia Pathfinder AoIP Routing consisting of, in total, 26 AES inputs, 26 AES outputs, 22 Analog Inputs, 30 Analog Outputs, 8 native Mic inputs; o 4 AES xNodes o 2 Mix xNodes ? Four Axia PowerStations with each: 2 Mic Inputs, 4 Analog inputs, 6 Analog outputs, 2 AES Inputs, 2 AES Outputs, 4 Logic GPI/O Ports (included in total count), expanded capabilities for 4 additional Mics, 5 Stereo Headphones, Tieline Remote CODEC; ? Two AoIP Studio control surfaces comprised of 14 Dynamic, user changeable stereo Faders, 2 telephone hybrid Faders with 24-call stacking, 4 output busses, and 10 onetouch audio path routing shortcuts; ? Silence Detection/Failover; ? Programmable Routing Execution (Customizable shows, Salvos and Stacking Events); ? Riot Box GPI/O to IP converters, 2 ea; ? Axia Router Control Panel with X/Y control; ? BE AudioVault Automation Integration; ? 10 Henry Digimatch 2x6 Converters; ? 2 Off-Air Tuners. DMA Pacific Major Subsystems and Locations: AFN Pacific Headquarters, Yokota AB Japan ? Axia Pathfinder AoIP Routing consisting of 34 AES inputs and 26 AES outputs; ? Axia Pathfinder AoIP Routing consisting of 24 Analog inputs and 38 Analog outputs; ? Axia Pathfinder AoIP Routing consisting of 18 Mic inputs; ? 10 In-studio headphone ports with individual level controls; ? Riot Box GPI/O to serial converters providing 10 control terminals; ? 2 AoIP Studio control surfaces comprised of 12 stereo, dynamic, user changeable faders, 2 telephone hybrid faders with 24-call stacking, 4 output busses, and 10 one-touch audio path routing shortcuts; ? Axia Router Control Panel with X/Y control; ? Integration with Program Delay Module; ? Silence Detection/Failover; ? Programmable Routing Execution (Customizable shows, Salvos and Stacking Events); ? Remote access to enable audio signal route configuration from an alternate location for contingency operations; ? BE AudioVault Automation Integration; ? 8 full-duplex virtual soundcard drivers for multi-channel (16 in, 16 out) desktop application integration; ? SNMP monitoring of each component to identify failing nodes or degraded links; ? Source/multi-source recording & archiving. ? 2 tone encoders / 2 tone decoders for in-signal automation cues. ? Off air tuner AFN Pacific Regional HUB Site: Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea ? Axia Pathfinder AoIP Routing consisting of 50 AES inputs and 50 AES outputs; ? Axia Pathfinder AoIP Routing consisting of 54 Analog inputs and 66 Analog outputs; ? Axia Pathfinder AoIP Routing consisting of 14 Mic inputs; ? 10 In-studio headphone ports with individual level controls; ? Riot Box GPI/O to serial Converters; ? 3 AoIP Studio control surfaces comprised of 12 stereo, dynamic, user changeable faders, 2 telephone hybrid faders with 24-call stacking, 4 output busses, and 10 one-touch audio path routing shortcuts; ? Axia Router Control Panel with X/Y control; ? Integration with Program Delay Module; ? Silence Detection/Failover; ? Programmable Routing Execution (Customizable shows, Salvos and Stacking Events); ? BE AudioVault Automation Integration; ? 10 full-duplex virtual soundcard drivers for multi-channel (16 in, 16 out) desktop application integration; ? SNMP monitoring of each component to identify failing nodes or degraded links; ? Source/multi-source recording & archiving; ? 2 tone encoders / 2 tone decoders for in-signal automation cues. ? Off air tuner AFN-Pacific Affiliate Locations (x8) ? Axia Pathfinder AoIP Routing consisting of 26 AES inputs and 26 AES outputs; ? Axia Pathfinder AoIP Routing consisting of 24 Analog inputs and 38 Analog outputs; ? Axia Pathfinder AoIP Routing consisting of 18 Mic inputs; ? 10 In-studio headphone ports with individual level controls; ? Riot Box GPI/O to serial Converters; ? 2 AoIP Studio control surfaces comprised of 12 stereo faders, 2 telephone hybrid faders with 24-call stacking, 4 output busses, and 10 one-touch audio path routing shortcuts; ? Axia Router Control Panel with X/Y control; ? Integration with Program Delay Module; ? Silence Detection/Failover; ? Programmable Routing Execution (Customizable shows, Salvos and Stacking Events); ? BE AudioVault Automation Integration; ? 8 full-duplex virtual soundcard drivers for multi-channel (16 in, 16 out) desktop application integration; ? SNMP monitoring of each component to identify failing nodes or degraded links; ? Source/multi-source recording & archiving. ? Off air tuner Audio Distribution System: ? Currently uses GatesAir Intraplex codecs; ? Interconnects each of the 24 Affiliate sites to the two Regional Headquarters and the Broadcast Center via a DISA provisioned MPLS VPN at 256kbps per stream; ? Codec traffic is UDP unicast and is routed through multiple networks; ? Codecs are capable of packet loss correction using FEC and Jitter buffers; ? Codecs can be monitored via SNMP; ? Codecs include the ability to transmit/receive contact closures. Additional Considerations: ? All systems shall include the necessary networking hardware to comprise a complete system. All supplied network hardware shall be industry recognizable brands with an assessable reputation of reliability and sustainability in the United States broadcast and Information Technology (IT) industries and be on the DISA Approved Product List (APL). ? Remote Access shall provide AFN the following minimum capabilities: o Enable audio signal route configuration from an alternate location for contingency operations; o Ability to perform live remote production; o Ability to support Telework Operations on a regular or contingency basis; o Consolidate Operations for multiple stations that may be located across a region. o Multiple/simultaneous connection possibilities ? Vendors are also encouraged to share any potential solutions for a contemporary affiliate cueing solution. The Broadcast Center is required to provide cueing to enable local stations to insert local spots during a portion of the commercial breaks. The Regional HQ’s are also required to cue their respective local stations for insertion in regional programming. AFN currently uses 25/35Hz tones to initiate the local playback and would appreciate industry input on a way forward to retire this method. ? Any supplied Telephone Hybrids shall support VoIP or provide an additional module to integrate with Cisco Call Manager. Services: The Contractor shall provide the tools, personnel, hardware and software necessary to provide a turnkey System. The Contractor shall design, engineer, integrate, configure, test and commission all hardware, software and materials necessary to successfully meet the system requirements. The Contractor should also be aware that any provided workstations and servers shall be compliant with the appropriate DISA Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIG). The Contractor shall furnish licensing and 24x7x365 manufacturer’s warranty support for the complete system for one year and Government options for four additional years. NOTE: Please estimate mandatory licensing and warranty support as separate line items. The Contractor shall provide onsite installation, integration, commissioning and training services. Training shall be performed by manufacturer certified trainers. The Contractor shall participate in no more than three formal design reviews prior to system delivery. Informal design communication via email or phone conference The Contractor shall provide AutoCAD as-built system drawings, a commissioning plan and a transition plan intended to give AFN personnel a thorough understanding of how to transfer capabilities from the current system to this redundant system. INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES The Government shall provide equipment racks, cooling and power per the Contractor provided space, heat load and power requirements. REQUESTED INFORMATION: a. Company’s Name, mailing address, phone number, fax number, company’s website, and e-mail of designated point(s) of contact. b. Business Type: Based upon North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 334220 Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing. Identify the type of entity (large business, small business, small disadvantaged, woman-owned, 8(a), HUBZone, service disabled veteran-owned, etc.). c. Cage Code: d. Contractor’s past performance in meeting stated objectives/requirements, statement of qualifications to include information that clearly demonstrates the respondent’s capabilities, expertise and experience to perform the specific requirements contained in this RFI. e. Contract vehicles that would be available to the Government for the procurement of the product and service, to include General Service Administration (GSA), GSA MOBIS, NIH, NASA SEWP, Federal Supply Schedules (FSS), or any other Government Agency contract vehicle. (This information is for market research only and does not preclude your company from responding to this notice.) RESPONSE GUIDELINES: Vendors who wish to respond to this should send responses via email no later than 27 MAY 2020, 9:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) to shawnte.l.miles.civ@mail.mil and raushanah.l.pendleton.civ@mail.mil. Interested parties are requested to respond to this RFI with a white paper. Submissions cannot exceed 10 pages, single-spaced, 12-point type with at least oneinch margins on 8 1/2” X 11” page size, not including any manufacturer cut sheets or system block diagrams. Responses must specifically describe the contractor’s capability to meet the requirements outlined in this RFI. QUESTIONS: Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted by e-mail to shawnte.l.miles.civ@mail.mil and raushanah.l.pendleton.civ@mail.mil. Verbal questions will NOT be accepted. The Government does not guarantee that questions received after 4:00 PM (PDT), 22 MAY 2020, will be answered. The Government will not reimburse companies for any costs associated with the submissions of their responses. DISCLAIMER: This RFI is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation or ultimately award a contract. Responses will not be considered as proposals nor will any award be made as a result of this synopsis. All information contained in the RFI is preliminary, as well as, subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government. FAR clause 52.215-3, “Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes”, is incorporated by reference in this RFI. The Government does not intend to pay for information received in response to this RFI. Responders to this invitation are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI. This RFI will be the basis for collecting information on capabilities available. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes. Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received in this RFI that is marked “Proprietary” will be handled accordingly. Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned nor will receipt be confirmed. In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. PARTICIPATION IN THIS RFI IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY AND FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PROCURE ANY ITEMS/SERVICES OR FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY FOR THE INFORMATION RECEIVED. THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ASSOCIATED COSTS AS A RESULT OF PROSPECTIVE OFFERORS INTEREST, RESPONSE OR PARTICIPATION IN THIS RFI. ANY FORMAL SOLICITATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE. THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL THIS REQUIREMENT AT ANY TIME DURING THE ACQUISITION PROCESS. ANY SOLICITATION RESULTING FROM THE ANALYSIS OF INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE POSTED TO THE PUBLIC IN FEDERAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FAR PART 5. HOWEVER, RESPONSES TO THIS NOTICE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED RESPONSES TO A SOLICITATION
Data sourced from SAM.gov.
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