Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN), 5
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 Defense (DoD), specifically the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for the Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN) 5. This RFI seeks industry input to assist with the development and planning of a potential new requirement for DREN, which serves as the Wide Area Network for the DoD's High Performance Computing Modernization Program. This is for planning purposes only and is not a Request for Proposals (RFP). Responses are due by April 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM CT.
Purpose & Background
The DREN has provided high bandwidth, low latency communications for nearly three decades. The current contract structure involves significant transition activities. The Program Management Office (PMO) is exploring alternative acquisition strategies to mitigate this burden, evaluating both a single-award contract and multiple contracts covering discrete functional components.
Requested Information
Respondents are asked to provide general comments on the advantages and challenges of a multiple contract procurement model. Specific input is sought on:
- DREN Acquisition Approach: Recommended contract groupings, suitability of multi-award contracts, integration management, and Small Business participation opportunities.
- Transmission Circuits: Acquisition structuring, combining circuit types, international providers, bandwidths, connectivity for >100G, pricing, installation, technologies, shared vs. dedicated infrastructure, SLAs, and Small Business set-aside opportunities.
- Carrier Neutral Data Centers (CNDC): Acquisition strategies, considerations for non-neutral centers, DCNs at government bases, industry services, cross-connect costs, DoD security, volume discounts, and Small Business set-aside opportunities.
- Nodal/Site Equipment: Hardware/software relevancy, licensing, purchasing vs. leasing, Tier 3 support, cost-effective acquisition, and staging/installation processes.
- Network Operation Center (NOC): In-sourcing vs. out-sourcing, customer support tools/processes, security/compliance/resiliency strategies, implementation timelines, and Small Business set-aside opportunities.
- Technical Services: Whether to include with component procurements or procure separately, and Small Business set-aside opportunities.
Response Guidelines
- Submission: White paper, not exceeding 25 single-spaced pages (11-point type, 1-inch margins).
- Email Limit: 5 MB.
- Response Due: April 20, 2026, 1:00 PM CT.
- Questions Due: April 6, 2026.
- Submission Contacts: Ms. Katie Day (katie.s.day.civ@mail.mil) and Ms. Amber McKee (amber.m.mckee4.civ@mail.mil).
- Set-Aside: None specified (RFI).
Disclaimer
This RFI is for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Responses are not proposals, and costs incurred for responses will not be reimbursed.