Defense Injection Reception Emergency Action Message Command and Control Terminal (DIRECT)
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, specifically AFLCMC ESKC, is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for the Defense Injection Reception Emergency Action Message Command and Control Terminal (DIRECT) program. This RFI seeks to identify potential sources capable of providing comprehensive sustainment, production, and technical refresh services for this critical Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) system. Responses are due by March 19, 2026, 4:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The RFI outlines requirements for continued sustainment, production, tech refresh, and contractor logistics support (CLS) for the DIRECT program. Key areas include:
- On-site management: Removal, replacement, repairs, and support.
- Software: Updates and maintenance.
- Logistics: Information Assurance (IA) and field support.
- Engineering Services: Systems engineering for sustainment and potential modifications/expansions.
- Repair & Production: Repair of failed units, production, assembly, inspection, and acceptance testing of Prime Mission Equipment (PME) and associated kits/spares.
- Program Management: Administrative support, budget analysis, safety, supply chain, asset management, quality assurance, technical data, and configuration management.
- Compliance: Adherence to CMMI Level 3 and ISO9001 standards, risk management.
- Accreditation: Delivery of a National Security Agency (NSA)/Air Force Intelligence Community accreditable system.
- Training: Operator and maintenance training.
Security Requirements
This is a TS/SCI program. Personnel must possess or be eligible for TS/SCI clearance. The contractor must provide a system architecture that supports intelligence data at multiple security levels and maintain accreditation.
Capabilities Sought
Interested parties must complete a survey detailing capabilities in:
- Past experience with similar projects, especially those requiring TS/SCI clearance and extensive DIRECT system knowledge.
- Software development project management, ground communication site installation, and relocation.
- Facilities for TS operations and software development environment.
- Organizational and depot-level maintenance, technical refreshes, special studies, and operator training.
- IA certifications and experience with Platform IT (PIT) C&A processes.
- Repair capabilities, including technical data generation.
- Configuration Management for obsolescence and Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS).
- Experience with security reaccreditations and EAM certification in a nuclear environment.
Submission Details
Respond to the RFI by providing documentation supporting your company's capabilities. Questions should be directed to Clevetta Brown (clevetta.brown@us.af.mil) and Natasha Montano (natasha.montano.1@us.af.mil) via electronic communication.
- Response Due: Thursday, March 19, 2026, by 4:00 PM EST.
- Email Subject Line: "RFI Sustainment of the Defense Injection Reception Emergency Action Message Command and Control Terminal (DIRECT)".
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Published: March 4, 2026
Additional Notes
This RFI is for market research purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or guarantee future contract awards. The Government will not reimburse participants for response expenses.