Global Unified Airbase Readiness and Defense (GUARD) Capabilities Sources Sought
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 (AFLCMC/ESS) is conducting a Sources Sought for Global Unified Airbase Readiness and Defense (GUARD) Capabilities. This initiative seeks information on industry capabilities for the acquisition and sustainment of Integrated Base Defense (IBD) physical security and force protection electronic security systems. The goal is to enhance the Air Force Security Forces' ability to deter, detect, and track hostile forces. Responses are due by June 8, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Work
The Air Force is seeking capabilities for:
- Design, development, procurement, installation, integration, testing, certification, and accreditation of IBD systems.
- Performance-based logistical support for IBD systems at CONUS and OCONUS locations.
- Qualification of Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) equipment for Government Off-The-Shelf (GOTS) systems, specifically the Defender Multi-Domain Command, Control, and Communications (DMDC3) architecture.
- Experience in designing/installing physical security Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) at OCONUS locations, including nuclear material storage/disposal, SCIFs, or SAPFs adhering to ICD and UL 2050 standards.
- Knowledge of Protection Level (PL) 1, 2, 3, and 4 resource security requirements.
- Civil engineering expertise for infrastructure support and developing security systems design/engineering documentation.
- Familiarity with Open Mission Systems (OMS) and integrating technology into the DMDC3 platform.
- Network infrastructure configuration (Layer 2/3, VPN, AAA, NTP, SNMP, SysLog) compliant with DoD regulations, requiring certified network engineers.
- Logistics support and sustainment of IDS, program protection plans, anti-tamper plans, and cybersecurity (DISA STIGs) implementation.
- Experience with DoD Architecture Framework, ISO 9001-2008 quality management, Agile DevOps, and cloud computing environment operations.
- Use of Digital Engineering (DE) and Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) tools.
- Deployment and sustainment of tactical security systems, wide area surveillance, drone training/sustainment, and RF networks.
- Ability to obtain multiple host nation business licenses and Visas.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Potential Contract Type: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) with a 10-year ordering period.
- Estimated IDIQ Ceiling: $1 Billion.
- Anticipated Orders: 50+ separate installation projects, item/equipment buys, and upgrades.
- RFP Tentative Release: 1st Quarter FY27.
- IDIQ Award Tentative: 3rd Quarter FY27.
- Response Due: June 8, 2026, 3:00 PM EDT.
- Published Date: May 7, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
- Responses should not exceed 10 single-sided, UNCLASSIFIED pages.
- Submit responses via email to mckenna.clippert@us.af.mil.
- The government encourages prime-subcontractor relationships, requiring offerors to fulfill the holistic scope.
- Offerors must possess an active SECRET facility security clearance at the time of submission and maintain it throughout contract performance; the government will not sponsor clearances.
- Companies should detail their experience and clearly state where experience is lacking.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP). The government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred. Proprietary information must be clearly marked. An ombudsman is available for concerns, but initial inquiries should be directed to the contracting officer.