13 July 2001 ----------------------------------------------------------------- [Printed Issue Date: July 13, 2001] From the Commerce Business Daily Online via GPO Access [cbdnet.access.gpo.gov] PART: U.S. GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENTS SUBPART: SERVICES CLASSCOD: A--Research and Development OFFADD: Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, 4301 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA 92110-3127 SUBJECT: A--RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT AND INFORMATION ASSURANCE SOL N/A DUE 072701 POC Mr. Marc Radi (619) 524-7163 DESC: DESC: Request for Information (RFI) is an Information Assurance (IA) market survey. Recent advances in information technology coupled with the need for improved efficiency and performance have led to many of the nation's infrastructures becoming increasingly automated and interconnected. These advances, while providing mission advantages, have also increased the risk of deliberate and inadvertent intrusions and denials of service. In addition, the environment in which these information systems may be used can include users with varying access levels and security clearances based upon their individual functions, organizations, or countries of origin. Ensuring that rapid access to information is available to users in accordance with established security practices will be critical for successful mission completion and health of our information systems architectures. To adequately protect and defend our systems and our information, a structured and dynamic information assurance program is essential. The Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) Code PMW 161 is the Navy Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Program Office, assigned by SECNAVINST 5239.3 as the technical lead for INFOSEC within the Department of Navy (DON) and responsible for developing, managing, and executing the DON's INFOSEC research and development (R&D) program. SPAWAR PMW 161 is interested in soliciting innovative and creative proposals and ideas to focus its R&D program in ways that will substantially enhance the security posture of Navy networks and information systems in near-term, tangible, and measurable ways. SPAWAR PMW 161 is seeking contractors, government agencies, laboratories, universities, consortia, and other research and development organizations that are capable of designing, developing, integrating, demonstrating, and otherwise delivering capabilities in the general categories of network security, secure voice and video, security management infrastructure / cryptography, multi-level security and coalition interoperability. In the area of network security, SPAWAR PMW 161 is interested in integrated solutions which protect, detect (intrusion detection, monitoring), visualize, and react to attacks on Navy networks in near-real time. Emerging products and R&D efforts involving an integrated approach to centralized security management, including intrusion detection/reaction, response to malicious mobile code, vulnerability/virus detection and response, infrastructure hardening, host-based security tools, file encryption, authentication (including biometrics), security protection for wireless/PDA devices, scalable boundary level security systems (including Firewalls and Virtual Private Networks (VPN)), and other related information systems security technologies, are of interest. PMW 161 is also particularly interested in emerging solutions, which expedite the assessment of software applications for potential security vulnerabilities. In the area of secure voice and video, SPAWAR PMW 161 is interested in identifying potential replacement solutions to the STU-IIIA/IIB, which is approaching the end of its effective lifecycle. This includes Internet Protocol (IP) based solutions, which enable integration of voice, video, and data on a common data infrastructure, such that the quality and reliability of the voice/video service is assured. For secure voice technologies, PMW-161 is specifically interested in the level and scope of security certifications approved or being targeted, interface support (RS-232, Ethernet, etc.), vo-coders used, and product footprint. In the areas of cryptography and security management infrastructure, SPAWAR PMW 161 is interested in the design and development of flexible, multi-channel, programmable cryptographic solutions that can be used to replace existing and aging communications security (COMSEC) assets. SPAWAR PMW 161 is also interested in ideas related to smart cards and public key infrastructure (PKI) integration and implementation, including the convergence of medium and high assurance services and the integration of these security services with commercial off the shelf (COTS) and government off the shelf (GOTS) applications. In the areas of Multi-Level Security (MLS), Multiple Single Level (MSL) security, and Coalition / Allied interoperability, PMW 161 is interested in the design, development, and integration of "multi-level" solutions which allow collaboration from a single workstation across multiple security / sensitivity levels in a secure manner. Target solutions must already be in the process of or have already achieved Common Criteria certification (EAL 2 or above). Preferred solutions would enable collaboration across multiple security levels, and between US, Coalition, and Allied Forces. Key MSL collaborative capabilities include the ability to securely push Low data from a High network to a Low network, securely push data from a Low network to a High network, enable downgrade of data on High network to Low and push of the downgraded data to the Low network, and allow users on the High network to view and import (pull) data that exists on a low network. All interested firms and agencies, regardless of size, are encouraged to respond to this announcement. The ideas and proposals submitted may involve areas other than those specifically identified herein. Preferred format may be downloaded from the Business Opportunities section of the SPAWAR website, located at http://enterprise.spawar.navy.mil. Electronic (soft copy) responses are preferred and must be received by the indicated due date. All respondents are cautioned that this Request For Information is not an Invitation To Bid (IFB) or a Request for Proposal (RFP) and does not represent a commitment on the part of the government to ultimately issue a request for proposal or award a contract. The government will not pay for any information provided in response to this RFI. Information provided in response to this RFI will not be used to exclude anyone from responding to a Request For Proposal if an acquisition is warranted. LINKURL: Not Applicable LINKDESC: Not Applicable EMAILADD: EMAILDESC: Not Applicable CITE: (W-132 SN330912) LINKURL: http://enterprise.spawar.navy.mil LINKDESC: ERROR-- EMAILADD: radim@spawar.navy.mil EMAILDESC: Click here to contact the contract specialist CITE: (W-192 SN50R4U7) -----------------------------------------------------------------------