RFI -Next Generation Firewall Ruggedized
Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- FA8217-26-CRC-NGFW
- Agency
-
AFLCMC Hill AFB
Lifecycle Management Center, Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- No set-aside
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 541512 Computer Systems Design Services
- Place of performance
- Hill Air Force Base, Utah 84056, United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Control and Reporting Center Program Management Office is conducting market research to identify vendors capable of providing a ruggedized, field-deployable Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) solution integrated into a transit case for operation in contested environments. This Sources Sought notice seeks information from qualified vendors who can deliver a comprehensive security solution meeting the demanding cybersecurity requirements of the Starshield project and enabling Zero Trust security architecture principles. Key requirements include firewall throughput metrics, advanced security features such as App-ID, User-ID, IPS, anti-malware, and SSL/TLS decryption capabilities, compliance with MIL-STD-810H environmental standards across extreme temperature ranges and altitudes up to 15,000 feet, MIL-STD-461G electromagnetic compatibility requirements, and dual power architecture supporting both 90-264 VAC and 28 VDC tactical DC sources. The solution must be listed on the DISA APLITS or NIAP Product Compliant List, be TAA-compliant, utilize FIPS 140-2 or FIPS 140-3 validated cryptographic modules, and include management capabilities supporting local and centralized configuration, API integration with SIEM and SOAR platforms, and high availability with Active/Standby or Active/Active failover modes. Responses are due by April 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM MST, with clarification questions required by April 17, 2026. Interested vendors must submit no-cost information not exceeding 15 pages to Wendy Farley and Carlos Michel at their designated email addresses.
This is a Sources Sought notice with no set-aside designations and does not represent a commitment by the Air Force to award a contract or obligate payment for submitted information. No incumbent contractor or award value has been identified in this pre-solicitation notice. The Air Force explicitly reserves the right to reproduce and utilize submitted information in developing a future Request for Proposal. Responses must address specific technical specifications and operational requirements within the 15-page limit, with existing commercial documentation permitted as supplemental materials in Microsoft Word or searchable PDF format. Access to the detailed RFI document and the Questions and Responses document requires submission of a current DD2345 form, with access restricted to only the Data Custodian identified on that form. This market research effort is designed to inform the Air Force's future acquisition strategy and is open to vendors in NAICS codes 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) and 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing).
Notice text
3 versions
Update #3 · Latest ·
Amendment 4/2/2026
A document was added to this RFI, Questions and Responses 1, containing questions and responses that were asked that will benefit all interested in this effort. This document will have access restriction, submit a DD2345 to be able to view it. Only the Data Custodian identified on DD2345 will be given access.
No other changes were done. The due date remains unchanged.
****************
Amendment 4/1/2026
Access restriction to the document was added.
*****************
This is a Sources Sought notice to determine potential sources for information and planning purposes only. This is not a solicitation or invitation to bid.
Other NAICS Code that is welcomed to respond is 334111 -Electronic Computer Manufacturing
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Control and Reporting Center (CRC) Program Management Office (PMO) is conducting market research to identify vendors with the capability to propose, deliver, and sustain a ruggedized, field-deployable Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW). This RFI seeks to identify sources capable of providing a comprehensive security solution that can be integrated into a transit case, operate in contested environments, and meet the demanding cybersecurity requirements of the Starshield project, enabling a Zero Trust security architecture, a security model that operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," requiring strict identity verification for every person and device attempting to access resources on the network.
See attached document, Request for Information (RFI) for Ruggedized NGFW 30 March 2026, for more information. You will need a current DD2345 form to access this document. Please email your current DD2345 to the POCs below to request access to this document. NOTE: Once verified, only the Data Custodian identified on the DD2345 will be given access to the document.
Notice
This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid, nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the Air Force. The Air Force is not obligated to make an award on the basis of this Sources Sought Synopsis/Request for Information or otherwise pay for the information solicited herein. Copies of the submitted information could be reproduced and used to develop a RFP. The maximum number of pages is 15 and must be sent electronically via email to adresses shown below. Please submit your no-cost information NLT 30 April 2026, 1pm MST.
If any questions or clarifications are needed please submit by 17 April 2026, so they can be reviewed and included into this notice, if needed, so all can see them.
Please submit your information, clarification questions, or any general comments/questions to:
Ms. Wendy Farley [ wendy.farley@us.af.mil ] and
Mr. Carlos Michel [ carlos.michel@us.af.mil ]
Update #2 ·
Amendment 4/1/2026
Access restriction to the document was added.
*****************
This is a Sources Sought notice to determine potential sources for information and planning purposes only. This is not a solicitation or invitation to bid.
Other NAICS Code that is welcomed to respond is 334111 -Electronic Computer Manufacturing
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Control and Reporting Center (CRC) Program Management Office (PMO) is conducting market research to identify vendors with the capability to propose, deliver, and sustain a ruggedized, field-deployable Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW). This RFI seeks to identify sources capable of providing a comprehensive security solution that can be integrated into a transit case, operate in contested environments, and meet the demanding cybersecurity requirements of the Starshield project, enabling a Zero Trust security architecture, a security model that operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," requiring strict identity verification for every person and device attempting to access resources on the network.
See attached document, Request for Information (RFI) for Ruggedized NGFW 30 March 2026, for more information. You will need a current DD2345 form to access this document. Please email your current DD2345 to the POCs below to request access to this document. NOTE: Once verified, only the Data Custodian identified on the DD2345 will be given access to the document.
Notice
This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid, nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the Air Force. The Air Force is not obligated to make an award on the basis of this Sources Sought Synopsis/Request for Information or otherwise pay for the information solicited herein. Copies of the submitted information could be reproduced and used to develop a RFP. The maximum number of pages is 15 and must be sent electronically via email to adresses shown below. Please submit your no-cost information NLT 30 April 2026, 1pm MST.
If any questions or clarifications are needed please submit by 17 April 2026, so they can be reviewed and included into this notice, if needed, so all can see them.
Please submit your information, clarification questions, or any general comments/questions to:
Ms. Wendy Farley [ wendy.farley@us.af.mil ] and
Mr. Carlos Michel [ carlos.michel@us.af.mil ]
Update #1 ·
This is a Sources Sought notice to determine potential sources for information and planning purposes only. This is not a solicitation or invitation to bid.
Other NAICS Code that is welcomed to respond is 334111 -Electronic Computer Manufacturing
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s (AFLCMC) Control and Reporting Center (CRC) Program Management Office (PMO) is conducting market research to identify vendors with the capability to propose, deliver, and sustain a ruggedized, field-deployable Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW). This RFI seeks to identify sources capable of providing a comprehensive security solution that can be integrated into a transit case, operate in contested environments, and meet the demanding cybersecurity requirements of the Starshield project, enabling a Zero Trust security architecture, a security model that operates on the principle of "never trust, always verify," requiring strict identity verification for every person and device attempting to access resources on the network.
See attached document, Request for Information (RFI) for Ruggedized NGFW 30 March 2026, for more information.
Notice
This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation for Bid, nor is it to be construed as a commitment by the Air Force. The Air Force is not obligated to make an award on the basis of this Sources Sought Synopsis/Request for Information or otherwise pay for the information solicited herein. Copies of the submitted information could be reproduced and used to develop a RFP. The maximum number of pages is 15 and must be sent electronically via email to adresses shown below. Please submit your no-cost information NLT 30 April 2026, 1pm MST.
If any questions or clarifications are needed please submit by 17 April 2026, so they can be reviewed and included into this notice, if needed, so all can see them.
Please submit your information, clarification questions, or any general comments/questions to:
Ms. Wendy Farley [ wendy.farley@us.af.mil ] and
Mr. Carlos Michel [ carlos.michel@us.af.mil ]
Files
| File | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| Request for Information (RFI) for Ruggedized NGFW 30 March 2026.docx | DOCX document |
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