Commercial Mass Text Messaging Subscription Service

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to prospective vendor questions regarding the Commercial Mass Text Messaging Subscription Service Solicitation (W9115126QA017).

• CUI Designation: The contractor will be required to process, store, and transmit Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), primarily Personally Identifiable Information (PII). The contractor's platform must store CUI in contact lists and message logs, process it during message creation/scheduling/management, and transmit it over telecommunications networks. Compliance with DFARS 252.204-7012 and NIST SP 800-171 is required.
• CMMC Level Requirement: The requirement mandates CMMC Level 2 (Advanced) due to the handling of CUI. This aligns with the 110 controls of NIST SP 800-171.
• CMMC Flow-Down to Subcontractors: CMMC Level 2 requirements flow down to all subcontractors that process, store, or transmit CUI. The prime contractor is responsible for ensuring supply-chain compliance.
• Information Type Classification: Information transmitted and stored will be considered both Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
• DFARS Clause Applicability: DFARS 252.204-7012 and related clauses are intentional and require CUI safeguarding controls. Compliance with NIST SP 800-171 is a mandatory performance requirement. Offerors must prepare proposals and pricing with these cybersecurity requirements in mind.
• FedRAMP Clarification: The solicitation does not require FedRAMP Moderate authorization. Security requirements are defined by DFARS 252.204-7012, mandating NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Level 2 compliance, not FedRAMP.

These clarifications emphasize significant cybersecurity requirements, including CUI handling, CMMC Level 2, and NIST SP 800-171 compliance, which will impact proposal preparation, pricing, and subcontractor management.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services to procure a Commercial Mass Text Messaging Subscription Service. The government is procuring this service to enable the 2nd Brigade (2BDE) to send critical and informational communications directly to soldiers and their families. The platform will be used for disseminating information regarding community events, family readiness group (FRG) activities, emergency notifications, and other opportunities.

• A commercial, subscription-based mass text messaging platform (e.g., EZ TEXTING or equivalent).

• 600,000 credits available on day one of the contract period of performance.

• SMS messages (≤160 characters) cost 1 credit per recipient.

• MMS messages (≤1,600 characters or more, and/or including an image) cost 3 credits per recipient.

• Full platform access for one Admin User.

• Unlimited list growth tools.

• One High-Volume, High-Speed Registered Number.

• Dedicated onboarding assistance and an assigned account manager for the duration of the contract.

• Platform must guarantee a service uptime of 99.5%.

• Customer support with a response time of no more than four (4) business hours.

• Message delivery rates consistent with industry standards for high-volume, registered numbers.

• Contractor shall develop and maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP).

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Contract.

• Period of Performance: 24 months (Base Period: March 11, 2026 - March 10, 2027; Option Year One: March 11, 2027 - March 10, 2028).

• Place of Performance: Fort Hood, TX 76544.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but the NAICS code is 517121 with a size standard of 1,500 employees.

• Proposal or quote submission deadline: February 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM Central Time.

• Questions deadline: February 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM Central Time.

• Questions must be submitted via email to both the Contract Specialist and Contracting Officer.

• Award will be made without discussions, but discussions may be held if in the best interest of the government.

• All quotes must acknowledge amendments.

• This requirement is a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside acquisition.

• The solicitation number is W9115126QA017.

• Incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through FAC 2025-03 and DFARS Current to DPN: January 17, 2025.

• The attached Performance Work Statement (PWS) provides full requirement details.

• Relevant FAR and DFARS clauses are incorporated by reference and full text.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Technical Exhibit A, outlines the Performance Requirements Summary (PRS) for a Commercial Mass Text Messaging Subscription Service. It details the performance standards and thresholds that a contractor must meet.

• Platform Availability: The text messaging platform must be accessible and operational for Government use, with a service uptime of 99.5% or greater each month (excluding scheduled maintenance).
• Message Delivery: 98% of all sent messages must be successfully delivered to carrier networks within 5 minutes of being sent.
• Customer & Technical Support: The Contractor must respond to all Government inquiries (email or phone) for technical or account support with a substantive response within four (4) business hours.

This exhibit defines critical performance metrics. Bidders should carefully review these requirements to ensure their proposed solution can meet or exceed these standards. Performance against these metrics will be monitored and documented, potentially impacting CPARS ratings and leading to contract remedies for failure to meet thresholds.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Technical Exhibit B: Deliverables Schedule, outlines the specific deliverables required under the contract, their associated PWS (Performance Work Statement) sections, frequency of submission, and due dates.

• Deliverables: Quality Control Plan (QCP), Signed Non-Disclosure Agreements, AT Level I Training Certificates, OPSEC Training Certificates, IA/PII Training Certificates, and Monthly Usage Report.
• PWS References: Each deliverable is linked to a specific section within the Performance Work Statement.
• Frequency: Specifies whether a deliverable is One-Time, Annual, or Monthly.
• Due Dates: Details when each deliverable is due, such as '10 days after award,' '10 days prior to commencement of work,' '3 days after completion,' or 'By the 5th business day of the following month.'

This schedule is critical for bidders to understand the specific reporting and compliance requirements of the contract. It directly impacts proposal preparation by defining what needs to be produced, when, and in relation to which PWS sections. Bidders must ensure their proposed approach accounts for the timely submission of all listed deliverables.