DAF Category Management Automation Tool Market Research
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 (DAF), on behalf of the Department of Defense (DoD) Cyber Crime Center (DC3), is soliciting proposals for Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) Professional Support Services. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity seeks to augment DC3 staff with qualified personnel for critical cyber investigative and technical missions. The contract will be a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) for labor and Time & Material (T&M) for Other Direct Costs (ODCs). Proposals are due May 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST.
Scope of Work
DC3's mission involves setting standards in digital/multimedia (D/MM) forensics, delivering specialized cyber investigative training, and serving as a focal point for information sharing on cybersecurity matters across the DoD. The contractor will provide systems engineering, technical analysis, and program management tasks, including research, development, test & evaluation, program integration, compliance support, and technical/programmatic liaison. Key labor categories include Senior Cybersecurity Engineer(s), Mid-level Cybersecurity Engineer, and a Senior Portfolio Manager (base year only).
Contract Details
- Type: FFP for labor, T&M for ODCs (Tools, Travel).
- Duration: One base year (Sep 2026 - Sep 2027) + two one-year option periods + a six-month extension (through Mar 2030).
- NAICS: 541611 (Engineering And Technical Services) with a $24.5M size standard.
- Place of Performance: Maryland (21090).
Key Requirements
Offerors must demonstrate understanding of the DC3 mission and ability to execute SOW requirements. Critical requirements include:
- CMMC Level 2 Certification: Required, with C3PAO-validated certification preferred.
- Security Clearances: All personnel require a Top Secret clearance; Key Personnel require SCI eligibility at submission.
- Staffing: Maintain a stable workforce with less than 10% employee turnover. Base year requires 8 FTEs, reducing to 5 FTEs in option years.
- Past Performance: Up to three relevant examples from the last five years, directly supporting cyber operations, law enforcement, or counterintelligence.
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals must be submitted electronically. Key deadlines are:
- Questions Due: April 28, 2026, 10:00 AM EST.
- Past Performance Due: May 8, 2026, 10:00 AM EST.
- Entire Proposal Due: May 21, 2026, 10:00 AM EST. Evaluation will be conducted without discussions, emphasizing initial best offers. Evaluation factors are: Technical Capability and Past Performance (more important than Cost/Price). A mandatory "Gate 1" requires proof of a current Top Secret clearance for Key Personnel (Senior Cybersecurity Engineer) and CMMC Level 2 Certification.
Amendments
Multiple amendments have been issued, clarifying requirements for key personnel, CMMC, contract type, and proposal submission instructions. Offerors should refer to the latest versions of Attachment 1 (SOW), Attachment 3 (Section L), Attachment 4 (Section M), and Attachment 5 (Past Performance) for the most current details.