Overview
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) is seeking solutions for the idea generation and development of use cases that demonstrate the potential of 5G technology relevant to Army installation operations. The solutions detailing 5G use cases applicable to Army installations will be presented during a summit/conference to foster discussion with Army stakeholders and influence the way-ahead.
Proposed solutions shall be submitted in the form of a solution brief and corresponding presentation material and should address the following:
- Revolutionary ideas that reach into the realm of the possible to inspire next generation capabilities and requirements and support development of innovative use-cases for compelling 5G IoT and applications relevant to DoD installations.
- Evolutionary ideas that optimize existing technologies and capabilities to utilize the connectivity of 5G and support DOD installation operations.
- The way ahead for Army installations, identify what is possible with 5G that was not feasible with 4G, prioritize specific 5G projects on which to focus (low-hanging fruit).
The solution briefs should consider the following influencing factors and requirements:
- Consideration for DOD strategy regarding 5G
- Consideration for DOD implementation plan
- Leverage (if applicable) lessons learned related to ongoing DoD 5G demonstrations, 5G – DoD Research & Engineering
- Address security aspects which follow NIST guidelines, 5G Cybersecurity | NCCoE
Compilation and presentation of the innovative material is required. The briefing shall be made at an ERDC-hosted 5G Summit to be held in the summer of 2022. Presentation will be limited to one hour and should include adequate diagrams such as an OV-1 or SV-1 as applicable.
Estimated Government Funding Profile
A fixed amount of $50,000 may be awarded to each party selected to write a detailed solutions report and prepare for and present at the 5G Summit. (Updated 21 December 2021)
Estimated Period of Performance
From point of award to presentation at 5G Summit
Project Manager
Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)
Background and Problem Statement
The fifth generation of wireless technology, 5G, is an exciting new development that will impact the way data is transmitted over cellular networks. The increased speed and consistency of 5G along with latency reductions, leads to a plethora of opportunities for 5G technology over the coming months, years, and decades.
The U.S. military is dedicated to utilizing the connectivity provided by 5G to operate with the speed, precision, and efficiency necessary to protect and sustain the force while assuring power projection from installations as strategic staging areas in the future. (DOD 5G Strategy, May 2020)
Desired End State
ERDC seeks to develop a set of 5G use cases focused on the installation of the future and in support of DOD strategy toward broad 5G adoption at military installations.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated based on the criteria described in ERDC’s CSO Solicitation document. Evaluations will be conducted by a project team comprised of nationally recognized government experts. Solutions will be evaluated as they are received.
Notional Project Schedule
Proposed project milestones include:
22 November 2021 Project Announced, Submissions Open
10 January 2022 Submissions Close
21 January 2022 ERDC Completes Evaluation of Submissions
14 February 2022 ERDC Initiates Process to Makes Award(s) to those selected for Summit presentation
Summer 2022 Summit
Post Summit selected solutions documents for Army consideration
*If needed; dates may vary to accommodate project team and participant availability.
The Government reserves the right to share submissions for this project with other ERDC teams when there appears to be a fit with other projects being undertaken or planned by ERDC researchers.
How to Participate
Qualified parties may submit by completing a submission form and uploading required documentation as defined in the CSO Solicitation document.
1. Develop proposal in solution brief format (download solution brief template)
2. Review FAQ
3. Complete the submission form; attach solution brief and pitch deck PDF(s)
Questions:
Interested parties may submit questions using this form until 27 December 2021.
Submission Instructions: This solicitation is issued consistent with the authority granted to the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) through the establishment of its Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) with a focus on “Installations of the Future” solutions. Submissions must follow the requirements as detailed in the CSO Solicitation document.
Submissions must meet stated requirements and be received no later than 11:00 am CST on Friday, 10 January 2022.
ERDC-CERL is conducting this project announcement on a full and open basis and intends to award contracts in accordance with FAR part 12 and the FAR part that is deemed most appropriate for the solution proposed (i.e. FAR part 13, 15, and/or 35); the government reserves the right to award prototype agreements (e.g. Other Transaction Agreements), in accordance with 10 U.S.C. §2371b, if deemed appropriate and in the government’s best interest.