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, Force Protection Division (AFLCMC/ESS), is conducting a Sources Sought for Global Unified Airbase Readiness and Defense (GUARD) Capabilities. This initiative seeks industry information on the acquisition and sustainment of Integrated Base Defense (IBD) physical security and force protection electronic security systems for Air Force Security Forces. The goal is to understand capabilities to deter, detect, and track hostile forces protecting resources and personnel. Responses are due by June 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM EDT.
Scope of Interest
The RFI focuses on capabilities for designing, developing, procuring, installing, integrating, testing, certifying, accrediting, and providing performance-based logistical support for IBD systems globally (CONUS and OCONUS). Key areas of interest include:
- Physical Security IDS: Design and installation at OCONUS locations for Department of War (DoW), Department of State (DoS), or federal agencies, including nuclear material/weapon storage and energy production facilities.
- Compliance: IDS meeting Intelligence Community Directives (ICD), Standards (ICS), and Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 2050 for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF) or Special Access Program Facilities (SAPF).
- Resource Protection: Knowledge of physical security requirements for Protection Levels (PL) 1, 2, 3, and 4 resources.
- Engineering & Documentation: Civil engineering support, security system design, construction, engineering documentation, security studies, analyses, and surveys.
- Technology Integration: Familiarity with Open Mission Systems (OMS) and integrating technology into the Defender Multi-Domain Command, Control, and Communications (DMDC3) platform.
- Network & Cybersecurity: Configuring and installing DoD-compliant network infrastructure (Layer 2/3, firewalls, VPN, AAA, NTP, SNMP, SysLog), program protection plans, and cybersecurity requirements (DISA STIGs, DoDD 8140.01).
- Logistics & Sustainment: Interim and extended contractor logistics support and sustainment of IDS, including for tactical security systems, wide area surveillance, drone training, and RF networks in imminent danger areas.
- Advanced Methodologies: Use of Digital Engineering (DE) and Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) tools, agile DevOps, and cloud computing environments.
- International Operations: Ability to obtain multiple host nation business licenses and Visas.
Potential Acquisition & Timeline
This RFI is for planning purposes for a potential Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a 10-year ordering period and an estimated $1 Billion ceiling. The Air Force anticipates over 50 separate installation projects, equipment buys, and upgrades, potentially requiring simultaneous sustainment of 50+ sites.
- Contract Type: Multiple-award IDIQ structure is anticipated.
- Estimated RFP Release: 1st Quarter FY27
- Estimated IDIQ Award: 3rd Quarter FY27
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage)
Submission Requirements
- Response Deadline: June 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM EDT.
- Submission Email: mckenna.clippert@us.af.mil
- Classification: Responses must be UNCLASSIFIED.
- Content: Detail capabilities and recent experience (within the last 5 years). Experience in every specific category is not required; clearly state where experience is lacking.
- Page Limit: The page limitation has been excluded entirely.
- Cost: The government will not reimburse costs associated with responding.
Key Considerations
- Security Clearances: Mandatory SECRET level personnel and facility security clearances are required at the time of submission and must be maintained. The Government will NOT sponsor clearances.
- Teaming: The government is receptive to prime-subcontractor relationships, but offerors must be able to fulfill the holistic scope, delivering both physical security and software/cloud hosting requirements under a single prime contract.
- Ombudsman: An ombudsman is available for concerns after attempting resolution with the contracting officer.