Voice Interoperability Framework Research and Analysis

This is a notice of intent to solicit and award a sole source contract in accordance with the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition at 41 U.S.C. 3304(a)(3) implemented by the RFO Subpart 6.103-3 entitled Industrial mobilization; engineering, developmental, or research capability; or expert services. The Office of Procurement Operations (OPO) on behalf of the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) hereby issues this notice of intent to award a sole source contract to the Critical Infrastructure Resilience Institute (CIRI) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Champaign, Illinois 61820-7406 Background DHS seeks to procure on a research capability basis the development of improved, tested, and interoperable Push-to-Talk (PTT) solutions by industry, tailored to the needs of DHS Components.

This effort requires an assessment of the maturity of industry solutions for broadband Mission Critical Services (MCX), development of testing scenarios tailored to DHS missions, and the establishment of metrics and testing requirements for public safety. DHS S&T aims to ensure that solutions procured and used by DHS Components and first responders are interoperable and align with mission requirements. This requirement for Voice Interoperability Framework Research and Analysis addresses the strategic risks associated with interoperability across agencies using broadband voice applications, by actively working to assess broadband Mission Critical Services (MCX) to include voice, video and data market for public safety for interoperability across both carriers and vendors of MCX.

Recognizing that current broadband voice applications, including those available on FirstNet, are not interoperable, this project takes steps to mitigate these risks and enhance coordinated response capabilities facilitated by the research conducted.. This project will include

1. finalizing the interoperability testing framework
2. active participation in MCX standardization activities,
3. supporting the evolution of Certification of MCX Services, and
4. leading the MCX stakeholders group.

The Critical Infrastructure Resilience Institute (CIRI) is a DHS Center of Excellence (COE) led by University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). While the Phase XI CIRI COE Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) will not be awarded until Fiscal Year 2027, this effort requires a continuation of CIRI research in support of MCX interoperability. CIRI previously performed several relevant services for DHS S&T in support of MCX interoperability and has been engaged with the associated standards development organizations in this effort for several years.

As a result, CIRI's access to a number of MCX interoperability solutions and test equipment to meet the objectives of this Voice Interoperability Framework Research and Analysis project can be achieved seamlessly.

Period of Performance: The anticipated period of performance is 12-months. A determination by the Government not to compete based upon responses to this notice is solely at the discretion of the Government. This is a notice of the intent to award a sole source contract.

It is published for informational purposes only and not a request for competitive proposals. Therefore, no solicitation document exists for this requirement. Any firm believing that they can fulfill the requirement may be considered by the agency.

Interested parties may identify their interest and capabilities in response to this synopsis. All questions and/or comments regarding this notice shall be addressed in writing to the Contracting Officer, [email on the source notice].