Request for Information (RFI) for Next Generation Enterprise Security Services (NGESS)

Disclaimer: THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY.  This RFI is an amendment to the original posting from 21 February 2023 (Notice ID: RFI-01-NGESS).  Since a delay of more than 18 months has occurred since the original RFI results were received, the Government is required to repost the request in accordance with FAR 10.002 (b)(1) and obtain current information.  This projected procurement processing is planned to resume.

This RFI does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a promise to issue an RFP in the future.  SSC does not intend to award a contract based upon your response to this request.  This RFI is solely intended to conduct market research and capture feedback to modernization approaches to improve security support timeliness and quality of services across the command and associated contractor base.  This notification is for planning purposes only and shall not be construed as an obligation on the part of the Government to acquire any products or services.  Further, the Government is not seeking proposals at this time and will not accept unsolicited proposals.  Responders are advised that the 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 party’s expense, nor shall any cost be allowed on any Government contract.  Not responding to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFP that may be issued.  Any submission in response to the references request is strictly voluntary.

Description: Space Systems Command (SSC), Information Protection Directorate (SSC/IP) is conducting market research to obtain novel ideas and feedback for modernizing security services across SSC.  In August of 2021, Space Systems Command officially became a Field Command of the United States Space Force.  As part of becoming a Field Command, the security posture changed.  A special study was conducted by SSC to rectify the security support for the Command.  The study results are attached for reference.  Moving forward, the modernization of SSC’s security, and the services to support security, are of utmost importance and are being looked at as a top priority for the Command.  As such, responses should highlight the company’s Statements of Capability (SOC) and recommendations for architecting, implementing, overseeing, managing, and controlling three primary security access levels: a) collateral, b) special compartmented information (SCI), and/or c) special access programs (SAP).  Responses should at a minimum discuss recommendations for managing secured personnel, secured data, secured network systems, foreign disclosure, and administrative security services related to the above three levels; including any special management considerations associated with domestic and international programs.  Respondents should provide a summary of past performance demonstrating the ability to manage a contract with a significant number of geographically dispersed employees; understanding of space missions and associated acquisitions; and experience with the technical aspects of security requirements.  Respondents should include a list of associated ground rules and assumptions, including any contemplated Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) needed to support the recommendations.  Responses from small businesses and small disadvantaged businesses are encouraged.  A draft Statement of Objectives (SOO) for Next Generation Enterprise Security Services (NGESS) is attached for reference and feedback. Be aware that NGESS is a new requirement and is not a follow-on to an existing contract.

Request for Information (RFI) Submission Details: Submittals shall not exceed fifteen (15) pages total.  The Government will not consider responses in excess of fifteen (15) pages.  Page size shall be 8.5 x 11 inches; single spaced with text no smaller than 12-point Times New Roman; font size within graphics and tables shall be no smaller than 8 point, Times New Roman.  Margins shall be one inch on all sides.  The title page front matter such as transmittal letter, cover page and table of contents will not count against the page limit.

With your RFI, provide administrative information including the following as a minimum:

• Name, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail of designated point of contact.

• Identify the respondent’s CAGE code and DUNS number.

• Small Business/Socio-Economic status of respondent, if any, (i.e., small business, small disadvantaged business, 8(a) small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, woman-owned small business, and economically-disadvantaged women-owned small business).

Respondents shall provide an UNCLASSIFIED response to the RFI.  Respondents shall indicate whether their responses contain any proprietary information, and it must have the appropriate markings, if the respondents wish for the responses to be handled as such.  The Government shall not be held liable for any damages incurred if proprietary information is not properly identified.  Please be advised that all submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Responses to this request must be provided electronically via UNCLASSIFIED email to the Contracting Officer Ms. Maria Jimenez at maria.jimenez@spaceforce.mil and Contract Specialist Mr. Michael Oliva at michael.oliva.1@spaceforce.mil.  Respond no later than 4:00pm PST on 17 December 2024.

This is market research – at this time, the Government will not entertain questions pertaining to the RFI, nor the any future acquisition for SSC’s security requirements.  SSC will contact industry partners in the future as needed, via official channels.  Clarification questions regarding this announcement or how to submit shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer Ms. Maria Jimenez at maria.jimenez@spaceforce.mil within 5 business days of release of this RFI.  Verbal questions will NOT be accepted, nor meetings will be held.  Questions may be answered by email if the Government feels that the answer would better inform responders; accordingly, questions shall NOT contain proprietary or classified information.  The Government does NOT guarantee that questions received after (03 December 2024) will be answered.