Military Messaging

Background. 1 High Grade Messaging (HGM), is the ability to securely transfer critical and time sensitive information between users with a high level of assurance. The legacy HGM capability is available at all key MOD sites globally and supports a significant number of users. HGM has been in-service since approximately 1985, due to obsolescence and technical limitations, it now needs to be replaced. Military Messaging (MM) is the intended replacement capability for HGM. Aim of the Project. 2 The Authority is intending (subject to approvals) to launch a procurement for the delivery and support of, a high integrity, non-repudiatory Military Messaging capability to be delivered in support of MOD wide Command and Control (C2) communications. The capability is expected to consist of: a. a front-end system for the generation of formatted messages; b. a message management system to ensure routing; message delivery and audit of messages. 3 The capability will also consist of the hardware to provide centralised storage and Support both the front-end and message management systems. 4 The capability is expected to consist of configurable COTS hardware and commercially available software, it should be able to manage a virtual messaging network and enable rapid throughput and storage of data (majority text-only messages) for both short-term instant access and long-term archiving. This should be through a one-way archiving system that also includes a search and recall capability. The front-end messaging interface should be Windows Icons Menus and Pointers (W IMP) and enable most generic messaging and format conversion capabilities. The users will be able to draft, edit and release messages to any approved recipient in a number of Combined Communications Electronics Board (CCEB) standardised messaging formats (including but not limited to, ACP127, DOI-102S). The message management capability should be able to redirect, track and manage messages in addition to other administrative functions. The system should predominantly run over Internet Protocol (IP) but be able to support any bearer of choice (e.g. Serial). It will be required to have high availability (99.999%) with appropriate failback and back-up design to support when necessary. Both the hardware and software must be able to be integrated into Land and Maritime environments dependent on specific operational or hosting requirements. The solution will also include a deployable (mobile) (“flyaway”) capability which will be required in a number of configurations. It is required to be an assured capability therefore security of the supply chain will be an important consideration. The capability shall also be ‘Sovereign’ in that it will allow Freedom of Action/Freedom of Manoeuvre for the UK. 5 Any resultant contract will consist of, but not be limited to equipment provision; safety management; planned obsolescence management; security accreditation documentation production; software update provision; enduring helpdesk User support; initial and subsequent ongoing training support and integration to a number of UK locations. 6 The MM capability is to initially be deployed and used alongside the existing HGM solution in order to provide assurance testing during a dual-running period. There is to be full interoperability prior to becoming the primary and sole deliverer of the MM service. Key metrics will include the ongoing provision of equipment in the event of failure and the ability to ensure no reduction in operational capability through defect or failure, as well as ongoing safety and capability. 7 The initial deployment of the fixed UK solution (specifically pertaining to the message management capability) is required to be ‘live’ no later than April 2023 to support the dual-running period of up to two years. The front-end system, to be supplied in a variety of formats (zero client, thick client, web client, etc), will need to be deployed no later than April 2024 in the UK