Integrated Base Defense Establishment of a Closed Restricted Network to Support the Electronic Security System - Synopsis

The United States Air Force, 28th Contracting Squadron is seeking a qualified contractor to design, configure, test, document, and implement a new Closed Restricted Network (CRN) to support base-wide Electronic Security System operations at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota. The primary objective is to transition ESS operations from the existing NIPRNET-based transport to a dedicated Ethernet-based CRN while maintaining concurrent operation of current ESS services during implementation. Key requirements include CISCO-based network equipment that is DISA-approved and compliant with DoD cybersecurity standards, including Risk Management Framework, DISA STIGs, and FIPS 140-2/3 standards, with three-tier network architecture utilizing MACsec encryption. The contractor must also provide comprehensive operations and maintenance support, training for network administrators, and deliver all network credentials and documentation upon contract completion. The pre-solicitation notice was posted on April 17, 2026, with a response due date of May 18, 2026, and an expected site visit scheduled between May 11-22, 2026. No specific evaluation criteria or proposal evaluation methodology has been detailed in this pre-solicitation notice, as this is for planning and source identification purposes only.

This opportunity carries no set-aside designation and represents the first formal government announcement regarding this requirement, with no identified incumbent contractor or prior award history. The project scope encompasses integration of 54+ existing legacy buildings and 9 new facilities currently under construction, with approximately 88 total network switches planned for transition across three quarters beginning July 1, 2026. The desired completion timeline is 7 months from contract award, including all design and installation work to be performed primarily during normal duty hours (0700-1600) at Ellsworth AFB. No specific contract value or budget range has been disclosed in this pre-solicitation notice. All contractor personnel will be required to obtain appropriate security clearances, CACs with PKI certificates, and Entry Access Letters, with no remote work authorization permitted for this engagement.