Northstar Navy Sources Sought as of Feb 24 2026 - Final.docx

SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

Tracking Number 822673966

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is seeking sources for the Northstar Network for an Ultra-High Frequency/Line of Sight (UHF/LOS) communications system network for Strategic Communications Wing-1.

CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS: Defense Information Systems Agency, DISA/DITCO-SCOTT-PS8231, 2300 East Drive, Bldg. 3600, Scott AFB, IL 62225

INTRODUCTION:

This is a SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE to determine the availability and technical capability of small businesses and large businesses (including the following subsets: Small Disadvantaged Businesses, Certified 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, HUBZone Small Businesses and Woman-Owned Small Businesses) to provide the required products and/or services.

DISA is seeking information from potential sources for: The communication services consist of digital voice, video, and data provided to suitably equipped aircraft users with coverage throughout the Continental United States (CONUS). The Northstar Network’s current configuration is comprised of Ground Entry Points (GEPs) controlled by Special Government Operation Centers (SGOCs). Each GEP shall be equipped with UHF communications equipment. Each GEP shall be capable of supporting analog and digital communications to and from aircraft simultaneously. Through the Northstar Network, an aircraft may gain access to Department of Defense (DoD) Executive Airlift Communications Network (EACN), Secret IP Data Service (formerly known as Secret IP Router Network (SIPRNET), Sensitive but Unclassified IP Data Service (formerly known as Non-secure Internet Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET) and other voice and data networks. EACN is a network that provides digital voice, data, and video access utilizing various government and commercial transports. Please see the Performance Work Statement posted with Sources Sought.

The anticipated Period of Performance is a one-year base period with two, one-year option periods, beginning approximately July 2026.

The anticipated Place of Performance is two Special Government Operation Centers located at Offutt AFB NE and Waldorf MD that shall be geographically separated to eliminate Radio Frequency (RF) interference and ensure mission survivability.

A comprehensive outline of all performance requirements is detailed in the Performance Work Statement (PWS) attached to this sources sought. Review the PWS to understand the full scope of required tasks and capabilities.

DISCLAIMER:

THIS SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A SOLICITATION AND SHALL NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT. RESPONSES IN ANY FORM ARE NOT OFFERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDER NO OBLIGATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT AS A RESULT OF THIS NOTICE. NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR PREPARATION OF RESPONSES TO THIS NOTICE. ANY INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY RESPONDENTS IS STRICTLY VOLUNTARY.

CONTRACT/PROGRAM BACKGROUND:

Contract Number: HC1013-21-C-0006 Incumbent and their size: AT&T (large business) Method of previous acquisition: sole source Period of performance: July 2021 - June 2026

REQUIRED CAPABILITIES:

1) The United States Strategic Command (STRATCOM) mission requires continuous reliable communication with senior leaders. Describe and provide an example of your company’s experience maintaining a 99% availability for a mission, while ensuring reliable connectivity for senior government leadership.

2) To ensure mission survivability and eliminate single points of failure, the DoD requires a resilient network. Describe and provide an example of your company’s experience maintaining redundant long-haul circuits with 72-hour backup power capability for all sites.

3) The Network shall provide a digital communications link between the E-6B aircraft and the GEPs/SGOCs. The GEPs shall provide optimum Omni- directional coverage to an aircraft operating at 25,000 feet, except for those providing additional coverage for aircraft on the ground. Through the Northstar Network, aircraft shall have the ability to gain access to Department of Defense Information Networks (DoDIN) such as SIPRNet, NIPRNet, EACN, and various other secure and non-secure networks. Describe and provide an example of your company’s experience providing on-call maintenance support 24/7/365.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have a final Top Secret Facility Clearance from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.

The government would like to formally advise contractors that all personnel assigned to this contract must possess and maintain a security clearance of at least the Secret level. This notification is for informational purposes only; no action is required at this time.

Stringent security and cybersecurity standards are keen for STRATCOM operations.

SOURCES SOUGHT:

The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) for this requirement is 517111 with the corresponding size standard of 1,500 employees.

In order to make a determination for a small business set-aside, two or more qualified and capable small businesses must submit responses that demonstrate their qualifications. Responses must demonstrate the company’s ability to perform in accordance with FAR clause 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting.

To assist DISA in determining the level of participation by small business in any subsequent procurement that may result from this Sources Sought Notice, provide information regarding any plans to use joint ventures (JVs) or partnering. Please outline the company's areas of expertise and those of any proposed JV/partner who combined can meet the specific requirements contained in this notice.

SUBMISSION DETAILS:

Responses should include:

1) Business name and address;

2) Name of company representative and their business title;

3) Small Business Socio-economic status (if small);

4) CAGE Code;

5) Prime contract vehicles; to include ENCORE III, SETI, NIH CIO-SP4, NASA SEWP V, General Service Administration (GSA): OASIS, ALLIANT II, VETS II, STARS III, MAS (including applicable SIN(s), groups or pools), or any other Government Agency contract vehicle that allows for decentralized ordering. (This information is for market research only and businesses with a valid cage that lack prime contract vehicles are still encouraged to respond to this notice.)

Businesses who wish to respond must send a response via email NLT 4:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST) on March 13, 2026 to Kelly Smith-Marston at kelly.j.smith-marston.civ@mail.mil. Interested businesses should submit a brief capabilities statement package addressing the specific questions above (no more than five pages) demonstrating the ability to perform the services listed under Required Capabilities.

Proprietary information and trade secrets, if any, must be clearly marked on all materials. All information received that is marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned. All government and contractor personnel reviewing submitted responses will have signed non-disclosure agreements and understand their responsibility for proper use and protection from unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information as pursuant to 41 USC 423. The Government shall not be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information is not properly identified.

For information on DISA’s requirements, you can find current information on our home page: www.disa.mil – that includes current forecast and the current acquisition strategies. If there is no information regarding the requirement you may be inquiring about, then there is no additional publicly available information. Please continue to review www.disa.mil.

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