Space Launch Delta 30 - Western Range Internet Protocol Network
Challenge ended
Description
One Nation Innovation (ONI), on behalf of Space Launch Delta 30, is seeking qualified vendors to prototype a transport solution that extends the Western Range Internet Protocol Network (WPN) to eight remote instrumentation sites across Vandenberg Space Force Base. This Request for White Papers (RWP) is being issued under ONI’s OTA authority. The selected vendor will prototype a resilient, fiber or copper-based communications path to enable real-time electric field data transmission, supporting restoration of Lightning Launch Commit Criteria (LLCC) at Vandenberg.
Overall Objective
Deliver secure transport paths from designated instrumentation facilities to WPN Points of Presence, aligned with performance, cybersecurity, and environmental standards.
Problem Statement
Problem Statement & Operational Gap Space Launch Delta 30 (SLD 30), located at Vandenberg Space Force Base, is currently unable to evaluate Lightning Launch Commit Criteria (LLCC) due to a lack of real-time electrification data from remote Electric Field Mill (EFM) instrumentation. Additionally, bandwidth limitations of legacy transport from other Weather assets to processing centers impede SLD 30’s ability to use fullest fidelity modes on Weather assets. Without a resilient transport path from edge assets to the Western Range Internet Protocol Network (WPN), mission teams must waive LLCC requirements, which places constraints on launch schedules and operational assurance. The EFMs are being delivered in ‘sprints’ through another effort but will not be operationalized until all sprints are completed and operators/stakeholders complete their review and extended trial period after initial fielding. An agile and incremental approach to network development and fielding is needed to meet the timelines of trial periods at each EFM site and perform throughput/fidelity tests with the 915 MHz Profilers, MiniSODARs, and Weather tower assets as cutovers occur. Each site possesses slightly unique conditions and requirements based on topology and mix of technology. The results of the trial period will inform SLD 30 if fiber-based transport is suitable long-term for relevant sites and will lead to subsequent prototypes to hybridize with other means of transport before full-fielding at all sites. Mission Scope and Use Case Context This prototype will design and implement a fiber and copper-based transport architecture that links eight geographically distributed instrumentation sites with WPN Points of Presence (PoPs). These upgraded connections will enable SLD 30 to restore LLCC capabilities, improve weather- driven mission planning, and modernize Western Range communications infrastructure in alignment with the Spaceport of the Future vision. Technical Requirements and Integration Needs The selected vendor will prototype a fully integrated, cyber-compliant transport system that includes: • Engineering and installation of fiber (preferred) or copper (where necessary) connections from: B1937, B2525, B1764, B763 (SLC 3), B392 (SLC 6), B313 (Boathouse), B974, and B1605 • End-to-end network integration with WPN demarcation points at B21150 and B7025 • Bit Error Rate (BER) and latency testing for each link • Compatibility with Cisco-preferred hardware and WPN EMS/NMS systems • Cybersecurity compliance with RMF, STIGs, and DISA policy • Technical data package development, configuration documentation, and NEPA/ESOH tracking