Communications, Network, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology Services (CNECTS), aka "Connects"
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force, through the Space Acquisition and Integration Office (SAIO) on behalf of the 21st Communications Squadron (21 CS), is conducting market research for Communications, Network, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology Services (CNECTS), also known as "Connects." This effort explores consolidating multiple existing communications contracts at Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, and Cheyenne Mountain SFS, CO. Responses to the Second Request for Information (RFI #2) are due by February 23, 2026. This opportunity is planned as a Total Small Business Set-Aside.
Purpose & Scope
This Special Notice seeks industry input on the feasibility of consolidating several communications and IT support contracts into a single CNECTS contract. The government aims to streamline services currently provided under separate agreements, including Base Operating Support-Information Technology (BOS-IT), Cheyenne Mountain SFS 21 CS Communications, and Wing Information & Communications Support (WICS). The previously considered Plans and Programs Engineering Design Support (PEDS) workload has been absorbed by the BIMS contract and is no longer part of CNECTS.
The CNECTS contract will encompass a broad range of IT and communications services across Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, and Cheyenne Mountain SFS. Key services remaining or newly added to CNECTS include NORAD/NORTHCOM (N/NC) support, Marquee Support, Cable Maintenance, Technical Control Facility Support (PSFB), Client Systems Technician/Help Desk, Network Switch/Zero Client installs (PSFB), Executive Comm (PSFB), Cable TV maintenance, Printer management, and potential absorption of independent CST/Help Desk contracts. Services being removed or reduced include certain database management, NOC (CMSF), Vindicator (CMFSF), Mail Room (CMSFS), and various AFNET-related infrastructure and operations tasks.
Information Requested
The SAIO is requesting detailed responses from industry regarding:
- Company capabilities and experience with similar services, especially in secure, isolated, or classified environments.
- Assessment of the proposed NAICS code (517810) and potential alternatives.
- Feasibility, efficiencies, cost savings, challenges, and solutions related to consolidating these requirements.
- Impact of consolidation on schedule, performance, and customer satisfaction.
- Ability of small businesses to perform the combined requirement and potential modifications to enhance small business suitability.
- Interest in proposing as a prime contractor and anticipated teaming structures.
- Commercial availability of services, extent of customization required, established market prices, and past performance.
- CMMC Certification status and familiarity with Base Infrastructure Modernization (BIM).
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Request for Information - RFI #2)
- NAICS Code: 517810 (All Other Telecommunications) with a $40M small business size standard.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) - planned acquisition strategy is a Commercial Solutions Offering (CSO) limited to Small Business Entities.
- Estimated Award Timeline: February 2027 (12 months from RFI #2 publication).
- Place of Performance: Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station, CO.
Submission Details
Responses to RFI #2 are due by February 23, 2026. Submissions should be emailed to Austin Frindt at austin.frindt@spaceforce.mil. Responses are limited to 7 pages and should be at the unclassified level.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment by the government. The government will protect proprietary information. No costs incurred in responding will be reimbursed.