MERCURY: Mobile Expeditionary Rapidly-Deployed C4IT Unit

This proposal aims to revolutionize the capabilities of U.S. expeditionary medical (EXMED) units by developing and integrating a state-of-the-art, turn-key Medical Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (MEDC4) system within a CSC-certified ISO shipping container. The project focuses on robust, self-healing communications infrastructure, advanced medical and IT equipment, and a sophisticated middleware system that serves as the cornerstone for seamless data integration and real-time operational effectiveness. At the heart of the proposed MEDC4 solution lies the middleware, a groundbreaking technology designed to enable secure, automated, and asynchronous communication between on-site medical devices and centralized Electronic Health Records (EHR) platforms such as Joint Operational Medicine Information Systems (JOMIS) and MHS Genesis. This middleware will drive smart loading of medical records, efficient store-and-forward data uploading, and real-time patient monitoring, all while ensuring data integrity and security through a zero-trust architecture. By automating the integration of data from Wi-Fi-enabled medical devices such as portable digital X-ray units, Abbott I-Stat Point of Care devices, and multiparameter patient monitors, the middleware will dramatically reduce administrative burdens, empowering medical personnel to deliver superior patient care. The communications subsystem will feature advanced Cisco components, including Meraki MX, Palo Alto Networks PA-Series, and Cisco ISE, to establish a resilient, self-healing network architecture. This system will support multiple connectivity options, including satellite (Starlink, Iridium), LTE cellular, and long-range Wi-Fi, ensuring uninterrupted and reliable communication even in the most remote and challenging environments. The integration of software-defined networking components orchestrated by Kubernetes will facilitate automated failover, load balancing, and network optimization, providing EXMED units with assured connectivity and unparalleled operational flexibility. The IT equipment package will encompass high-performance Dell Latitude laptops, Microsoft Surface Pro tablets, Dell OptiPlex thin clients, and Epson wireless all-in-one printers/scanners, ensuring comprehensive support for data entry, telemedicine consultations, and patient record management. Each device will be fully STIG-compliant, fortified with the latest DOD-approved security configurations to safeguard sensitive medical data.The system proposed will transform the operational capabilities of EXMED units, enabling seamless data integration, robust communications, and advanced medical functionalities within a rapidly deployable, self-contained system - providing them the tools they need to deliver exceptional medical care in any environment, enhancing mission success and improving patient outcomes.