ESSS GUARD Capabilities RFI.docx

Request for Information Integrated Base Defense Security Systems (IBDSS) 7 May 2026

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) NOTICE ONLY. This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future. It is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government for any actual procurement of materials, machinery, or services. Respondents are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI are solely at the responding parties' expense. Respondents are solely responsible for properly marking and clearly identifying any proprietary information or trade secrets contained within their response. The Government will not be liable for or suffer any consequential damages for any proprietary information not properly marked and clearly identified. Proprietary information received in response to this sources sought will be safeguarded and handled in accordance with applicable Government regulations only if properly marked and identified.

The Force Protection Division (AFLCMC/ESS) is seeking information regarding the acquisition and sustainment of Integrated Base Defense (IBD) physical security and force protection electronic security systems, items/equipment, and system integration capabilities. These activities include installation and sustainment services tailored to the Air Force Security Forces community; specifically electronic security intrusion detection systems which provide for a means to deter, anticipate, deny, detect, report, delay, assess, and track hostile and potentially hostile forces and targets for the protection of resources, work environments, and personnel. The scope of this work has historically consisted of, at a minimum: the design; development; procurement; system installation and integration; system test; system certification and accreditation; and performance-based logistical support of IBD systems and equipment at Department of War (Dow) locations at both Continental United States (CONUS) and Outside of the Continental United States (OCONUS) locations, as well as the ability to qualify candidate Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) equipment for use in Security Forces Government Off The Shelf (GOTS), Defender Multi-Domain Command, Control, and Communications (DMDC3) system architecture; support to DoD security system architecture development.

The Government is considering a 10-year ordering period for this potential IDIQ. A Request for Proposal (RFP) is tentatively planned for release in 1QFY27, and IDIQ Award in 3QFY27. The IDIQ ceiling is estimated to be $1B, with orders potentially encompassing 50+ separate installation projects, item/equipment buys, and related item/equipment and infrastructure upgrades. Fixed site sustainment actions may span vast geographic regions, requiring the contractor to simultaneously sustain 50+ sites simultaneously.

Interested potential sources should respond by identifying their capabilities and recent experience (within the last 5 years) in providing the scope of work identified above. Responses should address:

a) Experience in designing/installing physical security IDS installations at OCONUS locations for the DoW, Department of State (DoS), or any other federal agency, including theater Area of Responsibility (AOR) locations that provide the full range of intrusion detection system (IDS) capability (e.g. deterrence, detection, assessment, surveillance, command and control, automated access control, etc.).

b) Experience in designing/installing DoW or Department of Energy (DoE) physical security IDS projects at facilities or locations used for nuclear material storage or disposal, nuclear weapon storage, disposal or maintenance, and/or energy production using fissionable materials that provide the full range of IDS capability (e.g. deterrence, detection, assessment, surveillance, command and control, automated access control, etc.)experience in designing/installing physical security IDS to Intelligence Community Directives (ICD) and Standards (ICS) as well as Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 2050 standards in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF) or Special Access Program Facilities (SAPF) at US Government (USG) site locations for the DoW, Department of State (DoS), or any other federal agency, including theater Area of Responsibility (AOR) locations that provide the full range of intrusion detection system (IDS) capability (e.g. deterrence, detection, assessment, surveillance, command and control, automated access control, etc.).

c) Experience in designing/installing/certifying physical security IDS to ICD/ICS and Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 2050 standards in SCIF or SAPF at non-USG controlled locations for the DoW, Department of State (DoS), or any other federal agency, including theater Area of Responsibility (AOR) locations that provide the full range of intrusion detection system (IDS) capability (e.g. deterrence, detection, assessment, surveillance, command and control, automated access control, etc.).

d) Knowledge of and experience with physical security requirements, items/equipment, technology, and Air Force Instructions (AFI), manuals, and DoD directives regarding the security of Protection Level (PL), 1, 2, 3, and 4 resources to include those found in Strategic Instruction 538-02 and AFI 31-101 (this will adjust to the AFI 31-120 upon publication).

e) Civil engineering expertise and experience supporting the installation of necessary infrastructure to support IDS project installs.

f) Experience in developing physical security systems design, construction, and other engineering documentation to codify IDS project design, installation, and supporting infrastructure.

g) Experience in performing security studies, analyses and/or surveys as well as applying advanced tools and techniques such as modeling and simulation as necessary to support technology development initiatives, facilitating cost and capability trade-offs, and optimizing security designs for system installations.

h) Familiarity with Open Mission Systems (OMS) Definition and Documentation (D&D) version 1.2 or newer.

i) Ability to interpret the requirements and integrate current technology into the DMDC3 platform.

j) Experience in, including but not limited to, configuring and installing layer 2 & layer 3 network infrastructure, firewalls, Virtual Private Networking (VPN), Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA) servers, Network Time Protocol (NTP) servers, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) servers, and SysLog servers in compliance with DoD regulations and accurately depict both the logical and physical network topologies for the implementation of these items.

k) Staff with “professional” level network engineers, certified in the network manufacturer platform to be used such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification, or other manufacturer equivalent.

l) Ability to identify existing network infrastructure and translate any shortfalls into a viable upgraded solution.

m) Experience providing interim and extended contractor logistics support and sustainment of intrusion detection systems, leveraging current performance-based data collection practices, maintenance planning, supply chain management, parts obsolescence, packaging, shipping and transportation, facilities management, training, and manpower.

n) Experience developing and implementing a program protection plan that details critical program information related to software, firmware, and hardware; that includes, but is not limited to, a written strategy and plan that facilitates early detection and support for the mitigation and denial of parts counterfeiting, supply chain exploits, to include an anti-tamper plan and a plan that details current threats, vulnerabilities, and countermeasures.

o) Demonstrated experience in implementing and maintaining DoD technical Cybersecurity requirements (i.e., DISA STIGs), staff with at least DoDD 8140.01 certified IAT level II personnel, and providing requisite IA documentation.

p) Demonstrated knowledge of the DoD Architecture Framework and the experience in documenting and building security/force protection solutions in accordance with the DOD framework.

q) Quality management system in accordance with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001-2008 or equivalent.

r) Demonstrated experience in supporting an agile DevOps software development pipeline

s) Demonstrated experience operating and maintaining cloud computing environments.

t) Whether or not your company has an approved Defense Contract Auditing Agency (DCAA) cost estimating and contract accounting system. See Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) part 31.201 and Contract Audit Manual (CAM) part 5-202. In addition, indicate if either system has had DCAA disapproval (in whole or in part) within the last 5 years.

u) Personnel and facility security clearance to the SECRET level at a minimum is mandatory. ESSS will not sponsor personnel for clearances – the offeror must possess an active clearance at the time of submission and maintain it through contract performance.

v) Use of Digital Engineering (DE) and Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) as the primary mechanism that, to the extent practicable, captures and links the authoritative versions of requirements, architecture, design, analysis, and test artifacts for IBDSS.

w) Demonstrated knowledge of DE and MBSE tools such as IBM Rational DOORS and No Magic Cameo Enterprise Architecture/MagicDraw suite of products.

x) Experience in deployment and sustainment of tactical security systems, wide area surveillance, drone training/sustainment and RF networks in imminent danger areas.

y) Ability to obtain multiple host nation business licenses and Visas.

Additionally, please address the following:

a) Are you currently on a GSA schedule or IDIQ contract? If so, please provide the schedule or contract number.

b) Please state if your business is a Value-Added Reseller (VAR) for any applicable systems.

In a RFI regarding commerciality of the efforts described herein, respondents asked several questions regarding acquisition approach – answers to those questions as follows:

Does the Government anticipate awarding this scope to a single prime contractor or is the Government highly receptive to Contractor Teaming Arrangements (CTAs) / prime-subcontractor relationships to satisfy the blend of physical security engineering and complex software/cloud infrastructure requirements?

· The Government is receptive to prime-subcontractor relationships, but offerors should be able to fulfill the holistic scope of work.

If a respondent lacks experience in specific niche requirements listed (such as nuclear material storage facilities or operating cloud environments), but has strong past performance in military IDS design and installation, should we submit a response highlighting our specific physical security capabilities, or is the Government only looking for respondents who can fulfill the holistic scope?

· As the purposes of this RFI are to gauge industry capability and interest, experience in every specific category is not a requirement to respond. Please detail your company’s experience and state clearly the circumstances in which experience is not present.

Regarding the mandatory SECRET facility security clearance, will the Government sponsor an uncleared Prime Contractor for a Facility Clearance (FCL) upon contract award, or must the offeror already possess an active FCL at the time of proposal submission?

· The Government will not sponsor uncleared personnel. Offerors must fulfill the clearance requirements at the time of submission and must maintain them through contract performance.

The RFI seeks industry feedback on assigning a commercial designation to this scope, yet it also lists heavy IT requirements such as supporting an agile DevOps software development pipeline and operating cloud computing environments. To help industry accurately assess the barriers to commerciality, is the Government considering separating the physical security hardware design/installation from the software development/cloud hosting requirements in the ultimate acquisition approach, or must commercial respondents be prepared to deliver both under a single prime contract?

· Respondents must be prepared to deliver both aspects under a single prime contract.

Anticipated contract structure: Single IDIQ with multiple task orders, or multiple contracts by functional area? What is the anticipated ceiling value range?

· A contract structure has not been decided, but a multiple-award IDIQ is anticipated. A ceiling value has not been determined, but ESSS estimates $1B.

Geographic scope: Relative priority of CONUS vs. OCONUS installations in upcoming requirements? Are there specific theater AORs or installations identified for near-term work?

· There are no specific AORs identified as a priority.

DMDC3 integration: Are interface control documents (ICDs), system specifications, or technical data packages available for review to support integration planning?

· This documentation will be available for review at the time of Delivery Order solicitation.

Technology preferences: Are there incumbent systems, preferred manufacturers, or technology standards the Air Force expects to maintain or migrate from?

· The Configuration Management Database (CMD) with approved items and equipment is expected to be provided to contractors at the time of solicitation.

Transition planning: If replacing existing contracts, what transition support or knowledge transfer is anticipated from incumbent contractor?

· System documentation will be provided (as-builts, designs, inventory documentation) to the contractor to ensure a full understanding of the system at time of award.

In delineating previous experience, please identify the complexity, scope, dollar value, start and end dates of the effort, customer point of contact, and whether the work was performed as a prime or subcontractor. Relate scope to the requirements identified above and describe breadth of experience in all functions of IDS project design and installation (e.g., surveillance, detection, etc.). In addition, please provide the following information in your response:

a) Company Name

b) CAGE code and DUNS number

c) Address

d) Telephone Number

e) Fax Number

f) Email Address

g) Point of Contact for further clarification or questions

An ombudsman has been appointed to hear and facilitate the resolution of concerns from offerors, potential offerors, and others for this acquisition. When requested, the ombudsman will maintain strict confidentiality as to the source of the concern. The existence of the ombudsman does not affect the authority of the program manager, contracting officer, or source selection official. Further, the ombudsman does not participate in the evaluation of proposals, the source selection process, or the adjudication of protests or formal contract disputes. The ombudsman may refer the interested party to another official who can resolve the concern.

Before consulting with an ombudsman, interested parties must first address their concerns, issues, disagreements, and/or recommendations to the contracting officer for resolution. Consulting an ombudsman does not alter or postpone the timelines for any other processes (e.g., agency level bid protests, GAO bid protests, requests for debriefings, employee-employer actions, contests of OMB Circular A-76 competition performance decisions).

If resolution cannot be made by the contracting officer, the interested party may contact the ombudsman:

Cecilia I. Montes de Oca, Colonel, USAF Address: 1790 10th Street, WPAFB OH 45433-7630 Telephone number: 1-385-635-0765 Facsimile number: N/A E-mail address: aflcmc.1.ombudsman@us.af.mil

Concerns, issues, disagreements, and recommendations that cannot be resolved at the Center/MAJCOM/FLDCOM/DRU ombudsman level, may be brought by the interested party for further consideration to the Department of the Air Force ombudsman:

Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary (ADAS) (Contracting), SAF/AQC 1060 Air Force Pentagon, Washington DC 20330-1060 Phone Number (571) 256-2395 Facsimile Number (571) 256-2431

The ombudsman has no authority to render a decision that binds the agency.

Do not contact the ombudsman to request copies of the solicitation, verify offer due date, or clarify technical requirements. Such inquiries shall be directed to the contracting officer.

Interested potential sources should provide their responses to this Request for Information (RFI) to mckenna.clippert@us.af.mil not later than 8 June 2026 at 3:00 PM, Eastern Daylight Time. Responses should not exceed 10 single-sided pages and should be UNCLASSIFED. This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) nor does its issuance restrict the Government as to the ultimate acquisition approach. The Government will not reimburse the contractor for any cost associated with preparing or submitting a response to this notice. Questions concerning this RFI should be sent to IBDSS Next Contracting Officer, McKenna Clippert, at mckenna.clippert@us.af.mil. All responses to questions to this RFI will be posted on the SAM.gov website.

Submission of Proprietary Information Caution: The government appreciates that interested firms may not be able to respond to this RFI without disclosing information deemed to be "proprietary". Data submitted in response to this RFI will be widely distributed and discussed within the government. It is the responsibility of the Respondents to clearly mark submitted information with appropriate restrictive markings. Respondents are further advised that the government's analyses of your responses may require disclosure of your responses to Advisory and Assistance Services support contractor personnel. All members of the government and contractor team will be reminded of their obligation to protect such information to the maximum extent permitted or required by the Economic Espionage Act, 18 U.S.C. 1831 et seq., and other applicable statutes or regulations. In addition, Government members will be reminded of their obligation to afford protection under the Trade Secrets Act, 18 U.S.C. 1905. All support contractor members are required to protect the information by the terms of their contracts. The Government has also determined that the support contractor personnel have no organizational conflicts of interest that could adversely affect protection of the information.