FINAL RFI 4 March 2026.docx

Request for Information (RFI) Defense Injection Reception Emergency Action Message Command and Control Terminal (DIRECT) Request for Information (RFI) Defense Injection Reception Emergency Action Message Command and Control Terminal (DIRECT) 4 March 2026

The Government is conducting market research to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities, and experience required for the sustainment of the Defense Injection Reception Emergency Action Message (EAM) Command and Control (C2) Terminal (DIRECT) program.

The Contractor will be required to work with teams consisting of military, civilian and contract personnel. This is a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) program and requires personnel to either possess a TS/SCI or Secret clearance, as determined by position for proper accomplishment of contract/order requirements, or else to maintain eligibility during the adjudication process for TS/SCI clearance.

Technical Data may be provided to the Contractor as Government Furnished Information (GFI) or Government Furnished Property (GFP). The Government may furnish the Contractor with specific technical data, such as engineering drawings, specifications, tests reports which will be designated as Government Furnished Information (GFI) or Government Furnished Property (GFP).

The DIRECT contractual requirements are to provide continued sustainment, production, tech refresh and contractor logistics support (CLS) for the successful operation of the program. These requirements are inclusive of acquisition support to include repair services, engineering services, software maintenance, software upgrades and studies, logistics, information assurance, on-site support, field support, data and other support as directed by the Government.

The Contractors/Institutions responding to this market research are placed on notice that participation in this survey may not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. The Government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation in this survey.

The Government respectfully requests that interested parties respond to this RFI. However, this RFI does not commit the Government to issue a contract for any material, supply, or service.

At this time, the Government is not seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Responders are advised that the Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred resulting in response to this RFI. All costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the expense of the interested party. Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future solicitation for proposals if any is issued.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Below is a document containing a functional requirement for the sustainment of the DIRECT program as well as a Contractor Capability Survey. This survey allows your company to provide its capabilities.

2. After reviewing this documents, if you wish to participate in the market research, please provide documentation supporting your company’s capability to meet these requirements. Failure to provide documentation may result in the government being unable to adequately assess your capabilities. If your company lacks sufficient experience in a particular area, please provide details explaining how you would overcome this deficiency (e.g., teaming, subcontracting, etc.).

3. Both large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this market research. Joint ventures or teaming arrangements are also encouraged.

4. Questions relative to this market survey should be addressed to Clevetta Brown, clevetta.brown@us.af.mil, with copy to Natasha Montano, natasha.montano.1@us.af.mil.

Electronic communication shall be received no later than 4:00pm EST, Thursday, 19 March 2026. Vendor’s email response to this RFI shall have in subject line, “RFI Sustainment of the Defense Injection Reception Emergency Action Message Command and Control Terminal (DIRECT)”.

REQUIREMENTS DESCRIPTION:

Background The DIRECT requirement is for sustainment of the Defense Injection Reception Emergency Action Message (EAM) Command and Control (C2) Terminal (DIRECT) system was fielded in 2000 and has been in sustainment for 26 year. DIRECT provides an automated capability to compose, transmit, receive, process, readdress, and acknowledge Emergency Action Messages (EAMs), Emergency Action Support Messages (EASMs), and non-Emergency Action Messages (non-EAMs) on all available EAM communication circuits with expansion for future growth. DIRECT-LITE provides these same capabilities on a single EAM communication circuit. DIRECT has an Operational Availability (Ao) of 0.999 as defined by the DIRECT Operational Requirements Document (ORD). Currently, the Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) contractor maintains the fielded systems utilizing DIRECT Maintenance Representatives (DMRs) via contracted teaming efforts with other programs located at the same or nearby facilities. This teaming effort allows the dual use of the on-site DMRs to minimize costs while ensuring full-time DMR support at each location.

The contractor shall provide the following: Total on-site management coverage, software updates, logistics support of the Government’s Information Assurance (IA) program, field support, and Engineering services. Total on-site management coverage includes Removal & Replacement (R&R), repairs of failed units, and on-site support. The contractor shall repair items to a serviceable condition with the latest hardware/software configuration approved and funded by the government for that item. Production includes the manufacture, assembly, inspection, and acceptance testing of the DIRECT Prime Mission Equipment (PME) and associated kits and spares for items produced, as required. Installation includes detailed planning, coordination with site personnel, packaging and transportation, installation and checkout, and activation of the DIRECT systems, including checkout of the interfaces between DIRECT and the required communication assets. Once a new system is procured and installed the contractor will maintain the additional site.

The DIRECT vision is to provide continued sustainment, production, tech refresh and contractor logistics support (CLS) for the successful operation of the program.

Performance Requirements All performance requirements will apply to all DIRECT systems.

1. The Contractor shall provide Program Management, Administrative Support, Budget Analysis and Budgetary Cost Information, Safety, Security, Supply Chain Management, Asset Management, Quality Assurance, Software Updates and Maintenance, Sustainment Engineering Services, Technical Data and Configuration Management in support of sustaining DIRECT as directed by the Government to meet current and future mission requirements.

2. The Contractor shall assign a Program Manager responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, administering, and controlling all activities to ensure that cost, schedule, and technical objectives are achieved. The Program Manager shall establish budgets, schedules, and specific tasks to meet the overall program objectives

3. The Contractor shall incorporate a disciplined risk management process across all aspects of DIRECT to facilitate attainment of all program objectives.

4. The Contractor shall adhere to the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 3 standards. Quality Assurance (QA) shall provide hardware and software quality engineering during the design, assembly, inspections, and testing of the systems and subsystems provided by the Contractor in compliance with ISO9001. QA shall also maintain surveillance over the packaging, handling, and transportation of system equipment for conformance to acceptable standards.

5. The contractor shall provide systems engineering services required to sustain the DIRECT system as directed by the Government to meet mission requirements.

6. The Contractor shall maintain complete document records of DIRECT:

a. Maintain configuration control of the applicable system/subsystem specification (SSS), software requirements specification (SRS), software product specification (SPS) and Bill of Materials (BOM).

b. Incorporate specification and requirement changes into the applicable documents as they are modified by Task Order accomplishments. Changes shall also be included in Design Reviews.

7. The Contractor shall provide logistics support to all nine (9) fielded DIRECT locations specific to the particular system baseline located at each site.

8. The Contractor shall deliver on-site support for those sites receiving deployed DIRECT hardware as designated by the Government. In addition to normal site coverage, in the event of a Continuity of Operations (COOP) event, the contractor shall provide daily twelve-hour DIRECT support for a period of up to seven days at a time and at a location as specified by the Government.

9. The Contractor shall provide support associated with the installed sites to include service desk, trouble calls, and additional training. The Contractor shall operate and maintain all the equipment under DIRECT to maximize equipment benefit and minimize staffing costs.

10. The Contractor shall provide systems engineering services required to sustain DIRECT as directed by the Government to meet and sustain mission requirements. The Contractor shall maintain an engineering staff to conduct security, system, and software engineering activities. The Contractor shall provide the systems engineering services through non-task orders when required to modify or expand DIRECT, as directed by the Government, to meet evolving mission requirements.

11. The Contractor shall deliver a National Security Agency (NSA)/Air Force Intelligence Community accreditable system and a system security-compliant architecture that supports intelligence data and dissemination of information at multiple security levels and maintain accreditation throughout the contracted Period of Performance. The Contractor shall produce and deliver Risk Management Framework (RMF) package artifacts as required by the Designated Accrediting Authority (DAA), Authorizing Official (AO), or Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) to successfully achieve Platform IT (PIT) Designation, Platform IT Risk Approval (PRA), Interim Authority to Test (IATT), and/or Authority to Operate (ATO).

12. Future requirements shall be developed by the Contractor in accordance with Program Office guidance, as required to support DIRECT capabilities. Subject to Government Procuring Contracting Officer direction and funding availability, tasks shall include studies, requirements analysis, design, software development, hardware procurement, hardware and software integration, installation, test, training, and documentation.

a. Training activities include maintaining Computer-Based Training (CBT) enhancements and presentations.

b. Test activities include planning, support, data analysis, and test event support. The requirements process will be perpetual and will require upgrade releases on a periodic basis.

CONTRACTOR CAPABILITY SURVEY

Part I. Business Information Please provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners:

• Company/Institute Name:

• Address:

• Point of Contact:

• CAGE Code:

• Phone Number:

• Email Address:

• Web Page URL:

Size of business pursuant to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code: 541330 Based on the above NAICS Code, state whether your company is:

• Small Business (Yes / No)

• Large Business (Yes / No)

• Woman Owned Small Business (Yes / No)

• Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes / No)

• 8(a) Certified (Yes / No)

• HUBZone Certified (Yes / No)

• Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No)

• Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business (Yes / No)

• System for Award Management (Yes / No) A statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership).

Part II. Capability Survey Questions:

1. Describe your company's past experience on previous projects similar in complexity to this requirement. Include contract numbers, a brief description of the work performed, period of performance, agency/or organization supported and individual point of contact (Contracting Officer or Program Manager).

2. Describe your capabilities and experience in managing software development projects, including subcontractor involvement. Include any experience in project planning, work breakdown structures, resource allocations, schedule tracking, risk analysis and cost management.

3. Describe your capability to implement ground communication site installs and move existing ground communication sites to a new location.

4. Are there specific requirements in the documentation that we provided that would currently preclude your company from providing the sustainment support described in this document?

5. Would you be able to accomplish these requirements without the USG Technical Requirements Document (TRD) or Technical Data Package (TDP). If so, how?

6. Does your company have a minimum of ten engineers cleared to TS/SCI with the following experience:

a. Comprehensive DIRECT system knowledge equal to the Original Equipment Manufacturer DIRECT developers

b. 12+ years of hands-on experience in providing logistics support to DIRECT, or same function and capability, sustainment

c. Extensive Message processing and EAM certification experience

d. Detailed systems knowledge of nuclear C3 systems and command center operations for nuclear weapons IAW Emergency Action Plan (EAP)-Charmin Joint Chief Staff (CJCS) Vols. I, II, V, and VII

e. Proven skills of designing, producing, testing, installing, and sustaining nuclear command and control equipment, including systems that provide automated processing of EAM messages IAW the requirements of EAP-CJCS Vols. I, II, V, and VII

f. Extensive experience in interfacing communications systems including the Navy Modernized Hybrid Solution, MIL SATCOM (multiple networks), and Red Switch (voice)

g. Hands-on experience in performing Nuclear C2 / Communications Integration / Command Center installation in NC2-ESI facilities

h. Experience in designing and fabricating TEMPEST-qualified equipment

i. Ten or more years of experience in automatically processing multiple databases from DISA in order to generate and maintain the DIRECT Address Database

j. Thorough understanding and working knowledge of information system security IAW DOD S5200.16, DODD 5200.28, and CJCSI 3231.01

k. Firm commitment to providing long-term sustainment to a legacy system such as DIRECT in the years to come.

7. Does your company have the following facilities and capabilities:

a. Approved TS facilities, networks, and tools currently in place and available for dedicated use on DIRECT

b. Complete software development environment in place

c. Mature development, production, installation and sustainment capabilities

d. In-place network of field service technicians in CONUS and OCONUS capable of providing 24/7/365 support around the world fixing problems with four (4) hour timeline from initial notification

e. Minimal Capability to maintain requirements documents in Data Object Oriented Repository System (DOORS)

8. Explain how you can provide organizational maintenance at the sites where DIRECT system is installed:

a. Provide field support personnel at each DIRECT location to meet all on-site support requirements, including response time (immediate response and four-hour window to restore system).

b. Field personnel available 24/7/365.

c. Provide a 24/7/365 Help Desk facility to support both system operators and field support personnel.

d. Support all software loads, typically twice a year, and make preventative maintenance visits monthly.

9. Explain how you can provide organizational and depot level maintenance support for DIRECT support equipment including:

a. Multi-functional Secure Gateway (MSG)/ Network Gateway Processor (NGP), DIRECT Relocatable, and DIRECT Lite.

b. Configuration changes to the DIRECT, DIRECT LITE, DIRECT Relocatable and MSG/NGP should be a part of the bi-annual software releases.

c. Provide depot maintenance for both hardware and software

d. Provide full depot support including tracking and control of depot spares and faulty equipment returned from the field.

e. Failed LRUs received from the field for repair, and shipments made from the depot to replenish on-site spares.

f. Have and maintain a database to track all equipment.

g. Provide and maintain a mature Top Secret software development environment dedicated to supporting the DIRECT program.

h. Develop and maintain software in compliance with the 23 Trusted Software Design Methodology (TSDM) principles required for Level 3 development.

i. Satisfy National Security Agency (NSA) shared knowledge principle for Level 4 development.

10. Explain how you can provide Depot Repair of failed items and address the following:

a. Repair failed equipment and procure parts/material for spares replenishment.

b. All custom-designed equipment (KAMs, MRFs, cable assemblies) to be repaired at the depot.

c. COTS equipment to be repaired at the depot, as well as returned to the vendor for repair.

d. Sell off repairs to the Government via formal Acceptance Test Procedure (ATP). Maintain/update ATPs for all equipment

11. Explain how you can accomplish Technical Refresh of all systems to avoid system degradation caused by parts obsolescence and inability to obtain support for vendor items and address the following:

a. Perform periodic Technical Refreshes on the DIRECT System to avoid system degradation caused by parts obsolescence and to proactively manage the system architecture and components to ensure that DIRECT remains a modern, up-to-date, fully maintainable system that continues to meet the high availability and reliability requirements of its critical NC3 mission.

b. Tech Refreshes to include all system components, including Operating Systems, servers, Workstation Processors, custom-designed Message Release Function, Keyturn Assembly Module, Comm Interface Processors, and all parts of the Local Area Network (LAN).

12. Explain how you can perform special studies as authorized by the government and address the following:

a. Demonstrate expertise in signal coding and modulation, error detection/correction, networking, statistical analyses, system design tradeoffs, hardware and software implementation, and logistics.

b. Provide studies to include evaluation of system operation, message processing techniques, comm system interfaces, and human factors.

13. Explain how you can provide operator training to Emergency Action (EA) operators as required/authorized by the government and address the following:

a. Prepare and deliver updated releases of EA and Site Administrator Training Packages to reflect the updated capabilities of the system as they are implemented.

b. Conduct operator and maintenance training at all sites and have the capability to conduct training at Contractor’s facilities.

c. Update all training material following each Software Release.

14. Explain how you can provide updates for DIRECT communication system interfaces as required by user agencies and the government in a timely manner and address the following:

a. Design, produce, install and test interfaces to new Communication Systems as designated by the Government.

b. Perform site surveys as required.

c. Comm System interfaces will include both those at land and airborne locations. Design custom protocols as required.

15. Explain your abilities to fulfill other Capabilities listed below:

a. Describe your capabilities and experience with developing, fielding, and testing software and database changes as directed by JCS for the OPLAN 8010 and in accordance with applicable JCS regulations and directives

b. State how many software engineers you presently employ who hold a TOP SECRET/SCI clearance and are available to fully support a CLS contract.

c. Describe what facilities you possess or have immediate access to with capability of processing TOP SECRET.

d. State what Software Engineering Institute Capability Maturity Model rating you currently possess, the date of the rating, and the source of the rating, any efforts in which you are currently involved to improve your rating, and when you expect to receive the new rating.

e. Describe how you would provide around-the-clock on-call maintenance at each of the nine operational sites.

f. Describe recent (within five years) experience in accomplishing security reaccreditations and recertification for systems used to support the OPLAN 8010 and include support to the Government in the evaluation and production of a DIACAP Certification and Accreditation package. This Certification and Accreditation is applicable to the DIRECT system, the DIRECT LITE system, the MSG device, and the DIRECT-R device.

g. Describe any relevant and recent (within five years) experience in and knowledge of interfacing communication systems to assist in analysis of interface problems.

16. Describe your availability to support DIRECT System’s major COTS components:

Message Processor, Ethernet Switch Assembly, Communications Processor (CP), Communications Processor Memory assembly (CPMA), Communications Processor Interface Controller (CPIC) Serial, Communications Processor Interface Controller (CPIC) Voice, Printer Assembly, Card Nest, Message Release Function (MRF), Keyturn Assembly Module (KAM), Network Gateway Processor (NGP), Multifunction Secure Gateway (MSG) and DIRECT-R Components, DIRECT LITE, Workstation Processor (WSP), DIRECT Video Display Unit (VDU), Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) Card Assembly, Red/Black Isolator Assembly.

17. Information Assurance Questions:

a. Are your Information Assurance (IA) personnel, Department of Defense (DoD) 8570 Certified?

b. What experience do you have with the Platform Information Technology (PIT), Certification and Accreditation (C&A) process?

c. What capabilities do you have to perform Information Assurance Vulnerability Assessment (IAVA) patching and security testing (scans)?

d. Describe your company’s experience and capability to produce C&A artifacts to support the PIT C&A process. For example, System Security Plan (SSP), Plan of Action and Milestones (POA&M), Port Protocols and Services (PPS) Worksheet, Risk Assessments (RAs), Architecture Analysis Report (AAR).

e. Describe your company’s knowledge and experience with EAM certification and the process required to obtain/maintain EAM certification in the nuclear environment.

18. Repair Questions:

a. Describe, for DIRECT System, your company's capabilities and experience in generating technical data, engineering drawings and manuals. Identify what software programs you utilize to generate these data products and what formats are available for delivered items.

b. Are you capable of delivering engineering drawings in the metadata, Computer Aided Drafting (CAD), neutral Drawing eXchange File (DXF), and Adobe Potable Document File (PDF) format, as required by the Engineering Data Management Office (EDMO)?

c. Describe your capability of updating your or another company’s engineering drawings.

d. Are you able to send and receive export control data?

e. Do you currently have a process in place for transmitting and/or shipping classified items?

f. Describe your Configuration Management processes, how you identify and resolve parts obsolescence and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources problems.

g. Describe your capabilities and experience in modifying existing systems/ equipment (hardware and software) to solve maintenance and support problems out in the field.

h. Describe your company’s ability to provide help desk support or provide on call/on-site maintenance. Please note: The Government possesses limited drawing and technical manual documentation.

i. Describe your capability of collecting and providing monthly or quarterly data reports to assess Operational Availability (Ao) to the Government.

19. The Government is requesting industry to identify interest in the following sources:

a. The Government is seeking:

i. Input on types of incentives that would motivate early delivery and cost savings while maintaining assured Ao requirement.

ii. State concerns and/or recommendations on risk associated with program/contract type and identification of critical or substantial problems.

iii. A detailed rationale is required for all submitted concerns or recommendations.

b. The Government is highly concerned with security handling, storage and communication; demonstrate your plan for each of the following:

i. Ensuring 100% compliance with all security requirements

ii. Assuring Ao requirement is met or exceeded at all times

iii. Handling mission essential/mission critical aspects of requirement

iv. Controlled Unclassified storage, Secret and Top Secret

v. Communication plan for electronic and audio transmission of information

vi. SCIF to store hardware, SW and host Template reviews

c. The Government is interested in teaming efforts anticipated; demonstrate intended plan for each of the following:

i. What portion(s) will be teamed, if no teaming explain details to support?

ii. What is the plan for teaming and assurance of success?

iii. Describe the teaming strategy and identify the partner(s).

iv. How will teaming be monitored for security and information sharing such as TS-SCI, NC2-ESI and assured need to know?

d. Explain your ability to meet the following experience required:

i. Minimum of 10 years’ experience in nuclear communication and EAM transmission and reception

ii. Minimum of 10 years detailed analytical trouble shooting knowledge in EAM injection/reception and relay of the NC3 architect

iii. Detailed knowledge of CJSI, CJCSM, DC2N and other Nuclear directives for effective EAM transmission and safeguard Nuclear information

iv. Site security access with clearance levels at TS/SCI-NC2-ESI

v. Navy Modernized Hybrid Solution knowledge base

vi. Regular communication with Joint Staff (JS), Pentagon, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), Nuclear Weapon Center (NWC), Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), and NSA