70RSAT26RFI000012 SES TED SETA Support.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION 70RSAT26RFI000012

Title: Systems Engineering and Technical Support (SETA) Services

NOTE: THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This RFI is issued solely for information and market research planning purposes. This RFI shall not be construed as an obligation on the part of the Government. This is NOT a Request for Quotations or Proposals. No solicitation document exists, and the Government may or may not issue a formal solicitation as a result of the responses received to this RFI.

The Government will not pay any response or demonstration expenses. All costs incurred responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested party's expense. Failure to respond to this RFI will not preclude participation in any future solicitation. Any information received will become the property of the Government and will not be returned to the submitter. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or sensitive information.

The Government’s explicit intent, in this request for information, is to not receive from respondents any proprietary data, trade secrets, business sensitive information, or information considered CONFIDENTIAL under 18 U.S.C.

§1905. The Government’s constraint does not in any way relieve contractors from their responsibility to properly mark proprietary data when it is provided, nor does it alleviate any requirement for the Government to protect marked data. The Government is not obligated to protect unmarked data.

The information provided in this RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. All submissions become the property of the Federal Government and will not be returned.

DESCRIPTION

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate requires professional Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) services to support efforts impacting Federal Government Acquisitions, and Research and Development (R&D) in the areas of Systems Engineering, Standards (SES), and Test and Evaluation (T&E). The S&T programmatic portfolio requires support that can identify, apply and explore technical needs across a full spectrum of research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E), and Federal Government acquisition engagements. Such disciplines may include, Systems Engineering (SE), Human Systems Integration (HSI), social science; communications and network systems, cybersecurity, software development and quality assurance, data science and analytics, standards development, biometrics, identity access and management, modeling and simulation (M&S), artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), autonomous systems;

explosives, engineering, physics, biology, virology, and chemistry, and behavioral economics.

SETA support requires providing technical knowledge, scientific information, advice, opinions, alternatives, analyses, feedback, and recommendations; providing support to program and technical management; and providing assistance to program planning and oversight, exercise, development, execution and evaluation; system level analysis; system integration support inclusive of understanding of threats and vulnerability; technical assessment & evaluation to support and complement the Government’s technical experts in applying both acquisition efforts and RDT&E towards accomplishing the DHS mission.

DHS S&T is looking for immediate technical assistance in support of SES and the T&E Divisions. S&T is in an oversight roll supporting all large acquisition efforts across the DHS enterprise; therefore it is critical to have a wide area of expertise when supporting S&T’s mission areas. S&T is looking to begin this effort on 2 June 2026 and will expect full fulfillment; The expected vehicle is the One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services Plus (OASIS+).

Specifically, DHS has a need for SE and T&E as identified in the tables below:

Table 1: System Engineering and Standards SETA Requirements

Required OASIS+ Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Title and Code.

Description Minimal Requirement (OASIS+ Level) and Training level

10 Engineer, all Other (17-2199)

Architectural and Engineering Manager (11-9041)

Database Architect (15-1243)

Provides insight and advice concerning strategic direction and applicability of current, industry standards or innovative solutions based on in-depth understanding of the latest developments relevant to a specialized functional area. Responsible for providing high level vision to program/project manager or senior leadership to influence objectives of complex efforts. Provides guidance on the functional procedures/processes/policies reflecting detailed knowledge of functional areas. May lead in-depth research in support of studies and analyses.

Advanced Degree or such equivalent credits/certifications + more than 10 years of relevant experience (Senior)

SE level 3 equivalent

8 Engineer, all Other (17-2199)

Architectural and Engineering Manager (11-9041)

Database Architect (15-1243)

Provides insight and advice concerning strategic direction and applicability of current, industry standards or innovative solutions based on in-depth understanding of the latest developments relevant to a specialized functional area. Responsible for providing high level vision to program/project manager or senior leadership to influence objectives of complex efforts. Provides guidance on the functional procedures/processes/policies reflecting detailed knowledge of functional areas. May lead in-depth research in support of studies and analyses.

Advanced Degree or such equivalent credits/certifications + 3 years to more than 10 years of relevant experience (Senior/Journeyman)

SE level 2 equivalent

6 Engineer, all Other (17-2199)

Architectural and Engineering Manager (11-9041)

Database Architect (15-1243)

Contributes to the evaluation, analysis, and development of recommended solutions. Resolves complex problems, which require in-depth knowledge of subject matter related to the designated field or discipline. Applies principles and methods of the subject matter to specialized solutions. Areas of expertise may include economic and behavioral analysis, data analytics, biometric analysis, chemical/biological, & radiological defense capabilities, communication and network systems, business process reengineering, performance management, statistical process control, individual and organizational assessment and evaluation, process modeling and simulation, strategic and business planning, change management, organizational development, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and situational awareness and decision support.

Advanced Degree or such equivalent credits/certifications + 0 years to 3 years of relevant experience (Junior)

SE level 1 equivalent

8 Operations Research Analyst (15-2031)

Management Analyst (13-1111)

Contributes to the evaluation, analysis, and development of recommended solutions. Resolves complex problems, which require in-depth knowledge of subject matter related to the designated field or discipline. Applies principles and methods of the subject matter to specialized solutions. Areas of expertise may include economic and behavioral analysis, data analytics, biometric analysis, chemical/biological, & radiological defense capabilities, communication and network systems, business process reengineering, performance management, statistical process control, individual and organizational assessment and evaluation, process modeling and simulation, strategic and business planning, change management, organizational development, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and situational awareness and decision support.

BA/BS + More than 10 years of relevant experience (Senior)

SE level 2 equivalent

4 Operations Research Analyst (15-2031)

Management Analyst (13-1111)

Contributes to the evaluation, analysis, and development of recommended solutions. Resolves complex problems, which require in-depth knowledge of subject matter related to the designated field or discipline. Applies principles and methods of the subject matter to specialized solutions. Areas of expertise may include economic and behavioral analysis, data analytics, biometric analysis, communication and network systems, business process reengineering, performance management, statistical process control, individual and organizational assessment and evaluation, process modeling and simulation, strategic and business planning, change management, organizational development, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and situational awareness and decision support.

BA/BS+ 3 years to10 years of relevant experience (Journeyman)

SE level 2 equivalent

3 Operations Research Analyst (15-2031)

Management Analyst (13-1111)

Contributes to the evaluation, analysis, and development of recommended solutions. Resolves complex problems, which require in-depth knowledge of subject matter related to the designated field or discipline. Applies principles and methods of the subject matter to specialized solutions. Areas of expertise may include economic and behavioral analysis, data analytics, biometric analysis, chemical/biological, & radiological defense capabilities, communication and network systems, business process reengineering, performance management, statistical process control, individual and organizational assessment and evaluation, process modeling and simulation, strategic and business planning, change management, organizational development, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and situational awareness and decision support.

BA/BS + 0 to 3 years of relevant experience (Junior)

SE level 1 equivalent

3 Management Analysts (13-1111)

Writer/Editor/ Communications (27-3042)

Gathers, analyzes, and composes complex technical information. Conducts research and ensures the use of proper technical terminology. Translates technical information into clear, readable documents to be used by technical and non-technical personnel. Organizes material and writes descriptive copy according to establish standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology. Selects photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.

Develops communications materials for publications, internet, strategic initiatives, user manuals, training materials, installation guides, white papers, reports, etc.

Develops, writes, and edits functional descriptions, system specifications, special reports, or any other customer deliverables and documents. Provides technical writing support and deciphers directions provided on scripted storyboards, specifications, etc.

Reviews documents for technical accuracy in accordance with applicable regulations. Supports content creating and management on networks and web platforms (i.e. Social Media).

BA/BS + 3 years to 10 years of relevant experience (Journeyman)

SE level 1 equivalent

2 Executive Secretaries

Executive Administrative Assistant (43-6012 – 43-6014)

Provide high-level administrative support by conducting research, preparing statistical reports, and handling information requests, as well as performing routine administrative functions such as preparing correspondence, receiving visitors, arranging conference calls, and scheduling meetings. May also train and supervise lower-level clerical staff.

BA/BS + 3 years to 10 experience (Journeyman)

SE Level 1 equivalent

2 Software Developer (15-1252)

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying

BA/BS + 3 years to 10 experience principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, as well as develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

(Journeyman)

*Reference: Occupational Classification Manual.

Table 2: T&E Personnel Requirements

Required Oasis+

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Title and Code.

Description Minimal Requirement (OASIS+ Level) and training level

8 Operations Research Analysts (15- 2031)

Review and comment/revisions of program T&E documents and provide the Government advice. These documents shall include but are not limited to: Operational Requirements Documents, Acquisition Strategies, Program Management Baselines, test strategies, test plans, Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs), test reports/system evaluation reports, Letters of Assessment (LOAs), and Analysis of Alternatives (AoAs). The Contractor shall Collaborate with OTD’s, other test directors and test teams on the development and revisions of test reports. The Contractor shall select and analyze data from all phases of testing to accurately assess the Critical Operating Issues (COIs), the system under test, and the system of systems in an operationally realistic environment and scenario.

Advanced Degree or such equivalent credits/certifications + more than 20 years of relevant experience (Senior)

T&E level 3 equivalent

2 Operations Research Analysts (15- 2031)

T&E Planning and Reporting Documentation. The Contractor shall assist in the review and edit of program T&E documents and provide the Government advice. These documents shall include but are not limited to: Operational Requirements Documents, Acquisition Strategies, Program Management Plans, T&E Strategies, Test Plans, test reports/system evaluation reports, and other documents.

credits/certifications + more than 20 years of relevant experience (Senior)

T&E level 3 equivalent

4 Operations Research Analysts (15- 2031)

Provide Subject Matter Expertise (SME) in the T&E of acquisition SMEs are expected to support multiple programs at a time across the breadth of DHS. OTE requires SMEs in Reliability, Cyber Resilience, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and HSI. SMEs shall provide T&E expertise in order to assist

Advanced Degree

T&E level 3 equivalent the Government with ensuring that DHS acquisition T&E efforts adequately include standard T&E. SME shall provide support, guidance, recommendations and mentoring within reliability T&E to all Deputy Directors in the review of program TEMPs, Operational Assessment/Test Plans, Operational Assessment/Test Reports, and the development of Letters of Assessment. SME shall provide support to the instructional advisor regarding their area of expertise for inclusion within the T&E curriculum. SMEs shall research Government and industry acquisition and T&E sources and analyze results for applicable T&E tools, plans, and procedure within their areas of expertise.

1 Training and Development Specialist (13- 1151)

Senior instructors shall support the Government with the review and updating of the Formal T&E Curriculum. This support may be required to update existing T&E course material and/or to develop new T&E course material. The Senior instructor shall be required to provide a Subject Matter Expert (SME), with experience in adult learning concepts and developing interactive web-based or classroom training.

The instructor shall conduct classroom instruction in a professional manner by one or more qualified, experienced instructors with experience in adult learning concepts in support of current Homeland Security Acquisition Institute (HSAI) T&E courses of instruction. These course(s) shall be conducted at DHS facilities or in a virtual format as required in support of the Government.

Advanced Degree or such equivalent credits/certifications + more than 10 years of relevant experience (Senior)

T&E level 3 equivalent

1 Training and Development Specialist (13- 1151)

The instructor shall assist the Senior instructor in developing course curriculum, and the administration of courses and workshops related to T&E. The instructor shall work with Homeland Security Acquisition Institute (HSAI) in the implementation of all curriculum updates.

credits/certifications + more than 5 years of relevant experience (Senior)

T&E level 3 equivalent

1 Operations Research Analysts (15- 2031)

The Contractor shall assist the Government with the development of internal and external T&E process and policy documentation, consistent with DHS directives, instructions. The Contractor shall assist the Government with update and/ or development of T&E policy that complements existing and future DHS acquisition policy to ensure decision makers have adequate T&E information to support milestone decisions.

The Contractor shall, as requested by the Government, review Office of T&E processes and provide the Government recommendations regarding improvements of program management and execution of T&E.

Recommendations shall include but not be limited to internal T&E process guide development, best practices, and

Advanced Degree or such equivalent credits/certifications + more than 20 years of relevant experience (Senior)

T&E level 3 equivalent improved document processing. The Contractor shall research Government and industry acquisition and T&E sources and analyze results for applicable T&E plans and procedures.

1 Management, All Others (13-1111)

Provide T&E Data management expertise. The Contractor support shall have demonstrated skills and abilities within program management support in the areas of:

• Records management, with particular emphasis to the collection, dissemination, tracking, use, and archiving of test data, reports, and key T&E documents.

• Design OTE SharePoint sites and develop libraries for and serve as external and internal site administrator

• Track and assist the Government with preparing response to external requests, audits and data calls.

BA / BS with more than 5 years experience in a relevant field

T&E level 1 equivalent

1 Management, Provide an interface and communicate at the executive level with other senior level offices both within and external to DHS. The Contractor shall assist in document preparation, scheduling, record keeping, recording minutes, after action reports, preparing travel orders, reserving Government facility meeting space, office supply and inventory, preparing briefing packages, property control, information research and archival, data entry, and project coordination.

The Contractor shall anticipate needs of senior executives and leaders, managing the office, appointments, and other calendars accordingly.

relevant field

T&E level 1 equivalent

1 Management, The Contractor shall be required to provide technical editor services. The Contractor shall assist OTE with the review of technical documentation in support of systems engineering, test and evaluation, policy/directives/instructions, requirements, standards. The Contractor will propose comments, corrections, questions, or improvements to all documents reviewed. The Contractor shall prepare a list of comment, corrections, questions, or improvements using a standard comment matrix format or by preparing a written narrative response. The Contractor shall participate, when requested, in comment adjudication meetings. The Contractor shall set priorities and work schedules accordingly and will maintain flexibility to support reviews of time sensitive documents and be able to prepare recommended responses outside of a comment matrix, which will include time sensitive reviews and responses.

relevant field

T&E level 1 equivalent

Management, Assist in financial management support to achieve the objectives of the organization, utilizing federal government best practices to ensure funds are managed in the most efficient and effective manner in accordance with federal laws and regulations as well as departmental policies. The Contractor shall assist the Government in Planning, BA / BS with more than 10 years experience in a relevant field

T&E level 1 equivalent

Programing, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) of funds needed to complete the mission of OTE. The Contractor shall assist OTE in achieving acquisition program cost, schedule, and performance goals, and compliance with acquisition requirements. The Contractor shall provide limited support to the procurement process, such assisting with market research and research for various justifications, determinations, and findings to support the OTE missions.

The Contractor shall provide support for OTE contract close-out activities. The Contractor shall assist the Government in liaison support between OTE and other DHS, United States Government (USG), or private organizations.

Below describes the courses led by the Homeland Security Acquisition Institute (HSAI) that are required for certification in both SE and T&E. Contractors for DHS S&T involved in technical areas are required to receive training equivalent to this level of training so they may perform their duties and interface with Government personnel.

Table 3: Training required to achieve certification for T&E and SE

T&E SE

Level 1

AQN 101 - DHS Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition

AQN 101 - DHS Fundamentals of Systems Acquisition

FTE 100 - DHS Fundamentals of T&E FSE 101 - DHS Fundamentals of Systems Engineering

FSE 101 - DHS Fundamentals of Systems Engineering

FSE 105 - Introduction to Human Systems Integration in DHS (6 CLP)

CLE 023 - Modeling and Simulation for T&E LOG 1000 - Life Cycle Logistics Fundamentals FTE 100 - DHS Fundamentals of T&E PMT 0170 - Risk Management

Level 2 AQN 201A & 201B - DHS Intermediate Systems Acquisition

AQN 201A & 201B - DHS Intermediate Systems Acquisition

FTE 202 - DHS Intermediate T&E for IT Systems FSE 201 - DHS Intermediate Systems Engineering FAC 062 - Cybersecurity FQN 491 – Developing and Managing DHS requirements CLE 035 - Probability & Statistics CLE 003 - Technical Reviews FCL-DHS-0088 Evaluation Framework (EF) Workshop

LOG 1050 - Fundamentals of Systems Sustainment Management

FCL-DHS-0103 Reliability Failure Definition and Scoring Criteria Workshop

LOG 104 - Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM)

FCL-DHS-0077 Scientific Test and Analysis Techniques (STAT) Workshop

Level 3 FTE 300 - DHS Advanced T&E FSE 301 - DHS Technical Leadership in Systems

Engineering FSE 201 - DHS Intermediate Systems Engineering FTE 202 - DHS Intermediate Test and Evaluation FSE 105 - Human Systems Integration (HSI) RQM 1510 - Analysis of Alternatives

FCL-DHS-0071 Incorporating T&E into Acquisition Contracts Workshop

LOG 2000 - Product Support Strategy Development, Part A (

CLE 021 - Technology Readiness Assessments

PURPOSE OF THIS RFI

The purposes of this RFI are:

1) To gain an understanding of the capabilities of smal l businesses to support DHS S&T’s SETA requirements.

2) To gain an understanding of Industry’s capabilities to support DHS S&T’s SETA requirements.

3) Conduct market research for a potential task order under the GSA OASIS+ contract vehicle.

INFORMATION REQUEST

Interested parties should submit responses addressing the following:

1. Describe your ability to provide sufficient personnel that meet the criteria listed in table 1 and 2 above, available to begin work on 2 June, 2026. What is the currently held security clearance level of these personnel?

2. Describe your capabilities and experience in providing a full spectrum of scientific and technical support and expertise in support of a portfolio of across the totality of mission domains under the Department of Homeland Security’s purview above the program management level.

3. Describe your capabilities and experience in applying systems engineering processes to Federal Government (DHS) acquisition programs to include HSI, Standards, and Digital Architecture to Federal Government acquisition programs and R&D efforts.

4. Describe your experience in the use of digital engineering (DE), model based systems engineering (MBSE), modeling and simulation (M&S) in support of both acquisition programs to include what you have done to verify and validate models and what steps you have taken in support of an accreditation decision for DE and M&S tools that are used throughout a system’s lifecycle beginning with requirements development, through product development, acquisition decisions and system operation and maintenance.

5. If your company currently lacks capability or experience in any of the four areas above, provide a detailed plan describing how your company would address and remedy such capability gaps. Include strategies for acquiring necessary expertise, resources, or partnerships to ensure successful performance and compliance with all requirements.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested parties are invited to address the questions pertaining to ST support services identified in this RFI.

The total submission page count shall not exceed 4 pages with Times New Roman, Font Size 11, excluding the cover page. Only one submission will be reviewed per vendor for this RFI. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Emails with attachments larger than 5 MB shall be broken down into multiple emails with no one attachment exceeding 5 MB. Each electronic submission shall include:

- RFI number 70RSAT26RFI000012 and “S&T SES TED SETA Support Services” in the Subject Line

- If the submission includes more than one electronic email, please include the file number and total files being submitted (e.g., File 1 of 4, File 2 of 4, etc.) in the Subject Line

- Responses must have a cover letter that includes the following information:

o Company Name o Company Address o Point of Contact, phone number, and email address of the point of contact regarding any correspondence between the Government and the vendor o SAM Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) Number o Company’s Size and Socio-Economic Status information for NAICS code 541611 o Technical Point of Contact(s) (Name, title, email, and phone number) o Contracting Point of Contact(s) (Name, title, email, and phone number) o GSA contract(s): contract numbers and contractor’s socioeconomic status

• If OASIS+ contracts are held, list of domains where the contractor has contracts

Submissions containing sensitive or proprietary information are discouraged unless excluding such information would inhibit vendors’ ability to provide a complete submission. Only unclassified submissions will be accepted.

Submitters are cautioned that AI responses will not be reviewed or considered capable of fulfilling the Government’s requirements.

All Responses shall be submitted to the Office of Procurement Operations (OPO) at the following email addresses: Jennifer.Koons@hq.dhs.gov and Robert.Marosz@hq.dhs.gov no later than NOON Eastern Time, February 20, 2026.

The Government reserves the right to hold one-on-one meetings as a result of responses received from this RFI as part of its market research. Meetings may be held in particular with vendors who provide comprehensive responses to the questions posed.

mailto:Jennifer.Koons@hq.dhs.gov mailto:Robert.Marosz@hq.dhs.gov