Joint Fires Network - SETA Support RFI Final.pdf

Request For Information (RFI) Joint Fires Network (JFN)

THIS NOTICE IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. This notice is for information and planning purposes only. In accordance with Part 10 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), the Government is conducting market research to determine the availability and adequacy of potential business sources in providing the capabilities to meet the requirements of the Government. This Request for Information (RFI) does not constitute a solicitation for bids or proposals, and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government. All information submitted by respondents to this request is strictly voluntary. The information herein is subject to change and in no way binds the Government to solicit for or award a competitive contract.

Respondents are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI; all costs associated with responding to this RFI will be solely at the interested parties’ expense. Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to provide feedback with respect to any information submitted. To the maximum extent possible, please submit nonproprietary information. Any proprietary information submitted should be identified as such and will be handled accordingly and protected from disclosure in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations.

The Government shall not be liable for damages related to proprietary information that is not properly identified. Please note, there is no solicitation available currently. Not responding to this request does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if any is issued. Funds are not currently available for this effort.

Any submissions in response to this RFI constitute consent for that submission to be reviewed by Government personnel and employees of Penn State Applied Research Laboratory, a Department of War designated University Affiliated Research Center (UARC).

1. PURPOSE.

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Joint Fires Network Division (AFLCMC/C3J), seeks through this RFI for qualified and interested vendors to both self-identify and to present solutions and services for Systems Engineering and Technical Advisor (SETA) support for the Joint Fires Network (JFN) program.

2. BACKGROUND

JFN is a fires-informing decision network at strategic and operational levels that provides top echelon decision makers with persistent targeting common operating picture (PT-COP), a common suite of joint battle management command and control (BMC2) tools, and resilient architectures to optimize allocation of weapons across warfighting formations at speed and scale. The JFN provides a solution for the Combatant Commander’s requirement to synchronize, monitor and adjust fires across all domains with warfighting components and mission partners. JFN is envisioned as a pathfinder for Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) efforts.

Joint Mission Integration and Experimentation (JMIE) is a component of the Joint Fires Network to enable rapid development of warfighter capabilities in an aggregated and integrated multi-domain, and multi-level security environment. The JMIE infrastructure serves as both an experimentation environment for continuous innovation of advanced warfighting concepts as well as a Development, Security, and Operations (DevSecOps) Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery (CD/CI) pipeline to enable rapid, secure introduction of new software tools and data products. JMIE provides expertise and enterprise infrastructure to plan and execute Multi-Level Security (MLS), all-domain, full-scale battlespace tests, evaluations, experiments, and exercises in a constructive, virtual, and live (CVL) environment. JMIE oversees technical capabilities and processes developed for JFN, to include series of experimental and operational events in support of JFN, Range Management and Range Operations actions, Verification and Validation of JFN applications, Acceptance Testing, and Sustainment of delivered infrastructure and capabilities.

Together, JMIE/JFN will enable development, testing, evaluation, delivery, and sustainment of complex systems of systems (SoS) and networked architectures to address problem sets and test new capabilities that span all warfare domains to include cyberspace across all DoW Services and at all classification levels. Utilizing these capabilities to conduct experimentation will enable development of capabilities and technologies that will more effectively integrate platforms and weapon systems across the Joint Force.

JFN was established as a Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) Program of Record In support of this action, an integrated program office (IPO) was created that united the technical management by the Department of the Navy’s Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Pacific with the program management by Department of Air Force (DAF) Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) Command, Control, Communications & Battle Management (C3BM).

3. RFI INTENT

The JFN effort is transitioning from a rapid prototyping environment to a PoR that comes with increased oversight and documentation. The JFN team requires support in meeting these new requirements while continuing to develop and deliver a quality product to the warfighter at a rapid pace.

To support the JMIE/JFN mission, a full range of Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) services are needed. SETA services range from providing Warfighting Acquisition System (WAS) expertise, expert technical assistance, and administrative assistance that will contribute to maintaining and expanding JFN capabilities. SETA services may require providing technical knowledge, scientific information, advice, opinions, alternatives, analyses, feedback, and recommendations; providing administrative 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 threats and vulnerability; technical assessment & evaluation to support and complement the Government’s technical experts in applying research, development test & evaluation (RDT&E) towards accomplishing the JMIE/JFN mission.

The JFN program is seeking sources that may provide expert knowledge, experience, and support to the program in the following areas:

a. Expert Knowledge

Joint Fires & BMD2: Deep understanding of Joint Battle Management Command and Control (BMD2) tools and the architecture of fires-informing decision networks.

PoR Lifecycle Management: Specialized knowledge of the transition process from rapid prototyping and experimentation to a formal Program of Record (PoR), including the associated oversight and documentation mandates.

Multi-Domain Operations: Comprehensive expertise in the intersection of space operations, intelligence operations, terrestrial communications, and the impact of meteorology on joint warfighting.

Advanced Analytics & Modeling: Proficiency in probability modeling, statistical inference, and the application of AI/ML to enhance decision-making and operational effectiveness in contested environments.

High-Security Facility Protocols: Expert-level knowledge of the physical and cybersecurity requirements for Top Secret (TS), Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI), and Special Access Required (SAR) facilities.

Rigorous Scheduling Standards: Mastery of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) Best Practices for Project Schedules to ensure critical path accuracy and baseline stability.

DevSecOps & System Architecture: Understanding of the Common Data Layer (CDL) and the integration of software within a DevSecOps pipeline for rapid deployment.

High-Assurance Security & Compliance: Expertise in multi-level security architectures, specifically Impact Levels (IL)-5, -6, -7 and above, as well as the management of classified and Special Access Program (SAP) networks.

Joint C4I Architecture: Comprehensive knowledge of Command, Control, Communications, and Intelligence (C4I) installation policies and procedures for Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) across both military shore and Naval ship installations.

Modern Software Engineering: Mastery of Agile software development methodologies (NGTs), Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD) pipelines, and DevSecOps implementation within operational units and experimentation centers.

Intelligence & Data Systems: Specialized knowledge of US Government intelligence systems, data sources, and the integration of AI, ISR, and advanced data analytics into operational environments.

Strategic Program Frameworks: Expertise in the transition of early prototypes into repeatable operational environments and the development of Program of Record (PoR) acquisition strategies and cost analysis requirements.

Multi-Domain Network Topology: Understanding of operational architectures at the Combatant Command (CCMD) and Joint Task Force (JTF) levels, including connectivity between nodes and operational centers.

b. Proven Experience

Prototype-to-PoR Transition: A track record of successfully migrating innovative, rapid-prototyping efforts into disciplined Programs of Record without losing agility.

Complex Experimentation: Experience applying "Design of Experiments" (DoE) concepts to author test methods, conduct live/constructive tests, and analyze results for system-of-systems architectures.

Operational Vignette Development: Experience collaborating with the Intelligence Community, Combatant Commands (CCMD), and Service staffs to create high-fidelity operational scenarios and behavior models.

Specialized Facility Management: Experience designing the physical floorplans, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for SCI/SAR spaces.

Industry Technical Integration: A history of managing the "intake-to-integration" pipeline, including evaluating industry white papers, executing vendor demonstrations, and transitioning pilots to operational use.

Custom Software Tooling: Experience developing specialized assessment software designed to monitor experiments and automatically extract data for technical reports.

High-Visibility Leadership: Experience coordinating Distinguished Visitor (DV) events and leading technical demonstrations for 4-star commanders, SES executives, OSD officials, and Congressional staff.

Advanced Experimentation & LVC: A track record of supporting large-scale operational demonstrations and Live, Virtual, and Constructive (LVC) experimentation, including exercises such as Valiant Shield, Bamboo Eagle, Neptune Hawk, and JC2.

Multi-Classification Coordination: Experience developing and coordinating complex military scenarios and vignettes across multiple classification levels in collaboration with the Intelligence Community, Combatant Commands, and service staffs.

Capability Integration: Proven ability to designate onboard Service capabilities, battle management applications, and candidate Joint/IC technologies into a production baseline architecture.

Regional Capability Expansion: Experience supporting INDOPACOM capability development and cross-CCMD experimentation to extend network capabilities across geographic regions, allies, and partners.

c. Support Capabilities

Technical Advisory & SETA Services: Ability to provide high-level scientific advice, technical assessments, and recommendations to Program Managers and Technical Directors.

Programmatic Control: Full-spectrum support for portfolio planning, including tracking fiscal performance, managing budgets, and maintaining an Integrated Master Schedule (IMS).

Acquisition Documentation: Capability to translate complex operational requirements into actionable technical specifications through the development of RFIs and Statements of Work

(SOW).

Risk & Governance Facilitation: Support for the execution of Technical Review Boards (TRB) and Change Control Boards (CCB), including the creation of decision packages and mitigation plans.

Executive Communication: Ability to produce high-level correspondence and briefing materials tailored for NIWC Pacific and OUSW leadership.

On-Site Operational Support: Capability to deploy personnel to test sites for site surveys, experimentation execution, and facility coordination.

Executive Governance & Facilitation: Capability to plan and facilitate high-level governance events, including Executive Steering Group (ESG) meetings and Systems Requirements Reviews (SRR).

Technical Oversight & Risk Management: Ability to manage Technical Review Boards (TRB) and Change Control Boards (CCB), with a specific focus on the Risk Management Framework (RMF).

Strategic Documentation: Ability to provide complex narrative inputs for Cost Analysis Requirements, PoR documentation, and overarching acquisition strategies for senior stakeholders within the Secretary of Defense and Joint Staff.

Requirement Translation: Capability to develop CCOM operational requirements and translate them into technical specifications for the extension of the network.

Operational Transition Support: Ability to transform unstable prototypes into reliable, repeatable operational environments through pilot integration and the identification of emerging technologies.

SETA Advisory Services: Provision of senior technical and program management assistance to ensure the alignment of technical efforts with joint warfighting priorities.

4. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Due to the nature of this effort for SETA services involving a Major Defense Acquisition Program, be advised to the limitation provided by R-DFARS 209.571-7 (b) and R-DFARS 252.209-7009. Please disclosure any potential conflict of interest in your response to this RFI.

5. RESPONSES

Responses to this RFI are requested to be submitted either by e-mail to abigail.browchuk@us.af.mil and michael.lodi@us.af.mil or through the DoD Secure Access File Exchange (SAFE) website (https://safe.apps.mil/) to the same email address no later than (NLT) close of business on 23 June 2026. Responses should be no more than 15 pages, the cover page not included. Early responses will be accepted.

Responses shall include the following information:

• Company/Institute Name

• Address

• Point of Contact

• Email Address

• Telephone Number

• Web page URL

• CAGE code and DUNS number

• Specify if the Company is a Large Business, Small business (SB), Small disadvantage business (SDB), Woman Owned small business (WOSB), Historically Underutilized Business Zone (Hubzone), Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) or ServiceDisabled Veteran Owned (SD-VOSB) Small Business (SDVOSB) based on the stated NAICS and size standard provided above.

• Current Facility Security Clearance (FCL) Level

• A statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership)

• A list of all Enterprise Level IDIQ contracts or other contract vehicles you have participated in, or currently participating in, along with your level of participation (e.g., Prime, Subcontractor, etc.)

• Responses to the following questions:

Questions:

1. Transition to Program of Record (PoR):

Describe your experience supporting the transition of a rapid prototyping effort into a formal Department of Defense (DoD) Program of Record. Specifically, what methodologies do you use to implement the increased oversight, formal documentation, and acquisition strategies required for a PoR?

2. SCI/SAR Facility Management:

This effort requires the management of TS/SCI and Special Access Required (SAR) spaces.

Describe your firm's experience in designing, managing, and maintaining the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for high-security facilities.

3. Multi-Level Security (MLS) Infrastructure:

Describe your technical experience deploying and managing C4I systems across multiple Impact Levels (specifically IL-5, IL-6, and IL-7+).

4. DevSecOps in Contested/Classified Environments:

The JFN utilizes an MLS DevSecOps pipeline for rapid integration. Describe your experience building and maintaining CI/CD pipelines within and across classified environments. How do you balance the need for rapid software iteration with the stringent security requirements of a PoR?

5. Live, Virtual, Constructive Experimentation & Vignette Development:

Describe your approach to designing "Design of Experiments" (DoE) and creating operational vignettes/scenarios. How do you coordinate with the Intelligence Community and Combatant Commands (CCMDs) to ensure that test scenarios are mission-relevant and reflect current threat architectures?

6. Technical Assessment & Metrics:

When assessing "performer technologies" during an experiment, what frameworks do you use to quantify success? Provide an example of how you have translated raw experimental data into "value judgments" and recommendations for a Program Manager. Provide an example of how you have identified and integrated an emerging technology (specifically in AI/ML, ISR, or data analytics) that directly resulted in an increase in operational effectiveness.

7. Industry Engagement & Pilot Integration:

The contractor will act as a technical intermediary, evaluating industry white papers and managing pilot initiatives. Describe your experience performing "Project Officer" duties— specifically, how you evaluate emerging third-party technologies for architectural alignment and operational feasibility.

8. Multi-Domain SME Depth:

The JFN requires a multidisciplinary team (Space, Intel, Joint Ops, Air/Land/Sea/Undersea Warfare, Terrestrial Comms, Acquisition management). Provide a summary of your firm's ability to provide senior-level SMEs who possess both domain expertise and the necessary TS/SCI/SAR clearances to be fully integrated into a technical project team.

9. Transition of New Capabilities:

When onboarding new Service capabilities or battle management applications into a production baseline, how do you manage change within the environment and risks associated with integrating disparate capabilities?

10. High-End Security & Infrastructure Installations:

Describe your experience implementing C4I and CJADC2 systems across both military shore installations and Naval ship installations. What are the primary policy and technical differences you encountered between these two environments?

11. Cyber Security:

Explain your approach to the cybersecurity management of Special Compartmented Information (SCI) and Special Access Program (SAP) networks. How do you balance the need for extreme security with the need for technical agility during experimentation?

12. Software Engineering & Data Analytics Describe a time you developed a customized assessment tool to automatically extract data from a live experiment. How did you ensure the data was accurate enough to inform a technical value judgment by a Program Manager?

13. Joint Experimentation & Warfighter Integration:

a. Describe your experience supporting large-scale operational demonstrations such as

Valiant Shield, Bamboo Eagle, Neptune Hawk, or Northern Edge. What was your specific role in ensuring the technical maturity of the capabilities being tested?

b. Explain your approach to "Live, Virtual, and Constructive" (LVC) experimentation. How do you use LVC to validate a technology’s application to real-world operational scenarios before full-scale deployment?

c. How have you supported the extension of a joint network across multiple Combatant Commands, geographic regions, and international allies? What were the primary interoperability challenges you solved?

14. Strategic Governance & Executive Engagement

a. Describe your experience leading technical demonstrations and briefings for 4-star commanders, SES executives, and Congressional staff. How do you translate deep technical complexity into a narrative that informs high-level funding and policy decisions?

b. Explain your experience facilitating Executive Steering Group (ESG) meetings and Systems Requirements Reviews (SRR). How do you build consensus among stakeholders with conflicting operational priorities?

c. Detail your experience managing Technical Review Boards (TRB) and Change Control Boards (CCB) specifically for the Risk Management Framework (RMF). How do you ensure security approvals do not become a bottleneck for deployment?

d. Provide an example of how you have developed narrative inputs for Cost Analysis Requirements or acquisition strategies that successfully secured continued funding or transition for a high-priority program.

Confidentiality: Respondents may only provide unclassified RFI responses. Respondents must clearly indicate whether their responses contain proprietary information if they wish for the responses to be handled as such.