Installation Resilience Operations Command & Control (IROC) Operational Technology (OT) Stack Phase 2

Notice of Intent -  IROC OT Stack Phase 2

The government has intent to award OT Stack Phase 2 to SimpleSense, INC.. While the initial Prototype OTA was competitively awarded through a CSO involving seven other vendors, the agency has since encountered practical barriers to fostering further competition for this specific acquisition. This is primarily attributable to the unique nature of the OT stack intellectual property held by SimpleSense, INC., which is essential for executing the requested integration. No follow-on acquisition is anticipated, as this requirement is a direct result of the MILCON building completion. As previously stated, SimpleSense, INC. owns intellectual property rights that are required for the continued expansion of the IROC system, as originally planned in the OT. This expansion could not be fully defined previously, as MILCON buildings were not completed following hurricane disaster recovery efforts, making SimpleSense, INC. the only viable solution.

The acquisition of these specialized OT integration services for Tyndall AFB MILCON Phase 2 is deemed suitable for simplified acquisition procedures, as authorized by 10 U.S.C. 3572/AFFARS 5313.501. This determination is based on the anticipated contract value falling within the SAP threshold and supported by several key justifications: the procurement qualifies as a commercial item acquisition under streamlined procedures (FAR 13.5), SimpleSense, INC. possesses unique expertise and qualifications essential for the project's success, the expedited deployment of critical infrastructure through the IROC platform is paramount, and the acquisition strategically leverages a small business.

Market research, encompassing a comprehensive review of vendor capabilities via online databases, industry publications, and government contracting websites such as SAM.gov, has revealed a critical gap in the market. While numerous vendors offer general OT network integration services, none possess the specific, in-depth knowledge and experience with the IROC system required for seamless and secure integration at Tyndall AFB. Specifically, no other vendor has demonstrated prior experience developing or integrating with the IROC system, a comprehensive understanding of its unique security protocols, or the ability to guarantee full interoperability with the existing IROC infrastructure.

Although the original IROC OTA intended for full system integration, unforeseen limitations imposed by the MILCON projects and site conditions prevented its complete execution. SimpleSense, INC. is now uniquely positioned to continue this originally intended integration, leveraging its existing expertise and intellectual property, now that suitable conditions exist following the completion of relevant construction. Utilizing SimpleSense, INC. for this critical integration ensures seamless compatibility and minimal risk of unforeseen issues, maintaining system stability, security, and interoperability by adhering to the original IROC design principles.