Structurally Integrated Enclosure (SIE), which could house all of the components currently spread across the aforementioned cabinet designs, would provide a common structure that standardizes component interfaces, host cooling and power services, and save time and money on the installation of the latest in computing technology. A common structural interface to the ship would facilitate standardization and open architecture allowing for fewer obsolescence issues resulting in engineering changes that increase costs. The introduction of a SIE will reduce the overall cost of CPS and AAU equipment by 50% and will allow it to be installed on a shorter timeline (days versus months) without the need to qualify an enclosure.

 

As demonstrated by the success of the SIE concept in the Virginia Class Submarine program, combat system computing resources housed in a single SIE design facilitates the upgrade of advanced computing capabilities at significantly reduced production and acquisition costs and timelines compared to prior submarine classes and surface ship platforms. The SIE design approach establishes system requirements such as space, weight, power, and cooling limitations for computing hardware for HM&E interfaces such that there is minimal to no impact when upgrading combat systems hardware. Today, changes to the ACS significantly affect hull designs and ship services from both a cost and manufacturing timeline perspective. Each new hardware upgrade requires that weight, shock and vibration, power, and cooling impacts be evaluated and usually results in a redesign of the ship and associated services to the computing equipment.

 

Unfortunately, the Virginia Class SIE is not readily transferable to the AEGIS platform. The diversity and number of computer hardware systems in the ACS, the decentralized nature of the ACS that complicates ruggedizing the SIE for MIL-S-901D Grade A shock and MIL-STD-167-1 vibration, and the challenge of developing common interfaces associated with 72 Participating Acquisition Resource Manager (PARM) product lines on AEGIS as compared to the 12 PARM product lines for the Virginia Class program drive the need for innovation. Commercially, there is no equivalent to a SIE. Server farms or critical computing equipment in the public sector are shock hardened in large buildings or structures with no limitations on weight and size, which are critical for the design in a ship or submarine. In order for AEGIS class ships to reduce cost and accelerate the development, integration, and installation of the multitude of ACS components, a common innovative SIE concept is required for AEGIS platforms. The ACS SIE would need to accommodate Navy standard 19-inch wide by 24-inch deep component payloads (computing equipment) and meet the following environmental requirements: (1) MIL-S-901D Shipboard Shock, heavy weight test Class 1/II, 12-16 Hz deck frequency; (2) MIL-STD-167-1 Shipboard Vibration, 5-25 Hz input; (3) MIL-S-461E Electromagnetic Interference (EMI); (4) MIL-STD-1474D Airborne Noise; (5) MIL-STD- 740-2 Structure-borne Noise; and (6) MIL-STD-108 Enclosures for Electric and Electronic Equipment. The ability to integrate power distribution and local cooling capabilities using existing shipboard chilled water supplies should also be considered in proposed designs. Existing MCE cabinets provide air and water cooling options and power provisions. The resultant AEGIS SIE will reduce combat system computing upgrades and insertion timelines from years to months.

 

The Phase II effort will likely require secure access, and NAVSEA will process the DD254 to support the contractor for personnel and facility certification for secure access. The Phase I effort will not require access to classified information. If need be, data of the same level of complexity as secured data will be provided to support Phase I work.

 

Work produced in Phase II may become classified. Note: The prospective contractor(s) must be U.S. Owned and Operated with no Foreign Influence as defined by DoD 5220.22-M, National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, unless acceptable mitigating procedures can and have been be implemented and approved by the Defense Security Service (DSS). The selected contractor and/or subcontractor must be able to acquire and maintain a secret level facility and Personnel Security Clearances, in order to perform on advanced phases of this contract as set forth by DSS and NAVSEA in order to gain access to classified information pertaining to the national defense of the United States and its allies; this will be an inherent requirement. The selected company will be required to safeguard classified material IAW DoD 5220.22-M during the advance phases of this contract.

 

PHASE I: Develop a conceptual design for a Structurally Integrated Enclosure (SIE) and demonstrate that the technology meets the requirements in the Description. Demonstrate the feasibility of the concept in meeting Navy needs by providing design data on power and cooling approaches and analytical modeling of the actual enclosure. Develop a Phase II plan. The Phase I Option, if exercised, will include the initial design specifications and