CDN Commercial Request for Information QnA

Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) Content Delivery Network Request for Information (RFI)
Federal Agency:
Program Office:
RFI Title:
Proposals Due:

Air Force
Department of the Air Force PEO Command Control Communications and Battle Management (PEO C3BM)
Content Delivery Network (CDN) Request for Information (RFI) Thursday, 31 August 2023 at 12:00 PM EDT

General Questions and Answers
Q: Will the Government provide any hardware as GFE? More specifically, does the Government anticipate installation on existing hardware and/or new hardware? A: The solution space is open to both existing hardware and new hardware. If a vendors CDN solution requires a specific hardware stack that information should be provided to the government. If the Vendors CDN solution can be hosted on any x86 based HW solution, or cloud vendor solution, then costs should reflect that.
Q: Does the Government anticipate leveraging existing COTS CDN like AWS Cloud Front or Akamai?
A: The government anticipates leveraging any CDN solution, COTS or otherwise, that meets the objective of the CDN RFI and Concept. The CDN solution needs to be interoperable across Cloud Service Providers. If a COTS CDN meets some objectives and an integrator proposes a “wrapper” or unique modification to a COTS CDN solution to achieve government objectives that is an acceptable answer.
Q: On the topic of networks, some of the RFI questions (such as those regarding botnet detection and DDOS) imply that these CDNs will be exposed to the internet, is that correct? Or will this be deployed on private networks and behind firewalls? A: It is anticipated that the ABMS “Black Fabric” will leverage commercial transport options. This presents unique risks, firewalls and other network defense solutions will be architected into the network, both external and internal to the network. C2 traffic is considered mission critical and directly related to National Security. Thus, ensuring proper risk mitigation techniques are inplace at various points along the network is essential to successful mission outcomes. Q: Is there a webserver that is preferred and/or expected? A: Web servers can be located on-prem and connected to existing DISN/AFNET networks or hosted within a cloud service provider offering.

Q: Is there an ICAM solution that is preferred and/or expected? A: ABMS is looking for interoperability/compatibility with DAF Enterprise ICAM investments based on SAF/CN roadmaps.
Q: What IPsec tunnel/encryption solution is being used for encryption in motion between