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 Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), through its DITCO/DITCO-SCOTT /PS8231 Contracting Office, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for the Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN) 5. This RFI seeks industry input to assist with the planning and development of a potential new requirement for DREN, which serves as the Wide Area Network for the DoD's High Performance Computing Modernization Program. Responses are due by April 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM CT.
Purpose & Background
This RFI is for planning purposes only and is not a Request for Proposals (RFP). The Government aims to gather actionable guidance to assist with future DREN acquisition planning, focusing on performance, security, cost, and innovative solutions. DREN has provided high bandwidth, low latency communications for nearly three decades, and the current contract structure faces challenges with transition activities.
Procurement Strategy Exploration
DISA is evaluating two primary acquisition approaches for DREN 5: a single-award contract or multiple contracts covering discrete functional component areas. These areas include transmission circuits, carrier-neutral data centers, network operations center services, and technical services. The Government is particularly interested in the advantages and challenges of a multiple contract procurement model.
Key Areas for Industry Input
Respondents are asked to provide comments and recommendations on:
- DREN Acquisition Approach: Contract groupings, multi-award suitability, integration management, and Small Business participation.
- Transmission Circuits: Acquisition structuring, bandwidths, international providers, pricing, technologies, and SLAs.
- Carrier Neutral Data Centers (CNDC): Acquisition strategies, security standards, and volume discounts.
- Nodal/Site Equipment: Hardware/software relevancy, purchasing vs. leasing, and support.
- Network Operation Center (NOC): In-sourcing vs. out-sourcing, tools, security, and compliance.
- Technical Services: Whether to include with component procurements or procure separately.
Clarifications from Q&A (Posted April 14, 2026)
- Transition Management: The Government is open to considering dedicated, independently-contracted transition management functions.
- End-to-End SLA Compliance: Recommendations are sought for tools and approaches to ensure high-level end-to-end service and accountability across multiple providers in a multi-contract model.
- Small Business Set-Asides: No set-asides have been determined at this time, but the Government will use RFI responses for market research to maximize small business utilization, adhering to FAR 52.219-14. Small businesses are encouraged to articulate their roles.
- Network Architecture: Industry input on network architectures, functionality placement (core vs. edge), and evolution of management/automation is welcomed, as no predeterminations have been made.
Response Guidelines & Deadlines
- Submission: White paper, not exceeding 25 single-spaced pages (11-point type, 1-inch margins). Email submission limit of 5 MB.
- Response Due: April 20, 2026, 1:00 PM CT.
- Submission Email: Ms. Katie Day (katie.s.day.civ@mail.mil) and Ms. Amber McKee (amber.m.mckee4.civ@mail.mil).
- Disclaimer: This RFI is for information and planning only and does not guarantee a solicitation or contract award. No reimbursement for response costs.