Army ready to brief industry on next year’s NIE

The Army will host a Network Integration Evaluation industry day on July 19 to inform contractors about requirements associated with participating in its Capability Set Management and Agile Acquisition Process in the run up to NIE 13.2, Army officials said in a July 13 news release.

During the industry day, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md., Army officials will review NIE participation opportunities with a focus on NIE 13.2, which will be held in May 2013, the Army said. NIE 13.2 is the fifth event in the NIE series, which has as its primary goal the integration and rapid advancement of the Army tactical network.

Specifically, contractors participating in the industry day will learn about network and non-networked capabilities being sought that will support Capability Set 14, Army officials said.

Aberdeen Proving Ground is well suited for the event because it is where the Army's NIE risk reduction and assessment laboratories are located, according to Army officials. The laboratories enable Army engineers to resolve crucial integration issues before systems get to the field.

The event will offer contractors an opportunity to review capability gaps that exist as the Army develops the Capability Set 14 Integrated Network Baseline for evaluation at NIE 13.2, and also discuss NIE 13.1 and 13.2 timelines, event status and capability sustainment information.

After the event concludes in mid-afternoon, attendees will be able to tour Aberdeen Proving Ground laboratories that support industry technology assessments, integration and validation before the technologies are sent to Fort Bliss, Texas, and White Sands Missile Range, N.M., for the next NIE.