Army releases industry request for proposal to support next-generation cryptographic device

By PEO C3TNovember 18, 2020

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (November 18, 2020) – U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communication-Tactical released a Request for Proposal for the Next Generation Load Device-Medium (NGLD-M), the Army’s effort to modernize cryptographic key load devices that are essential for Joint Service network security.

The NGLD-M will enable delivery of the strongest NSA-generated cryptographic keys to tactical, strategic, and enterprise network systems operating from SECRET to the highest levels of security classification. Modern cryptographic algorithms will be transferred by NGLD-M to counter the threat posed by increased proliferation of cyber and electronic warfare threats.

“The NGLD-M replaces the fleet of legacy fill devices including the aging Simple Key Loader, which the Army began procuring fifteen years ago,” said Mike Badger, product manager for the NGLD-M effort. “The NGLD-M will be an NSA Type 1 certified, ruggedized, battery-powered, hand-held device used to manage and transfer cryptographic key material and mission planning data.”

The NGLD-M is a network-enabled device allowing the network manager to reconfigure cryptographic products, perform Over-The-Network-Keying, conduct remote software downloads, and improve operational environment awareness. It will support all command echelons across the services, other government agencies and foreign military partner organizations. The maximum requirement under the resultant contract shall not exceed be 265,000 units.

This RFP is for a ten year firm-fixed price, cost-plus-fixed fee, cost reimbursable, Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) multiple award contract. Proposal responses to the RFP are due by December 23, 2020.

The RFP is posted on beta.SAM.gov at: https://beta.sam.gov/opp/cda8fdde436d45a5a0cbef5ec6bbf925/view?keywords=%22Next%20Generation%20Load%20Device%20Medium%22&sort=-relevance&index=&is_active=true&page=1