International Monitoring System Waveform Operations and Maintenance
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 Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) has issued a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition for the continued International Monitoring System (IMS) Waveform Operations and Maintenance. This action supports the Nuclear Arms Control Technology (NACT) program by ensuring uninterrupted operation of US IMS monitoring stations. The current contract's period of performance has been extended as a bridge action, with a follow-on RFP anticipated by March 15, 2026, and award by July 24, 2026.
Purpose & Background
DTRA, as the Department of Defense (DoD) executive agent for the NACT program, manages, operates, and sustains the majority of the US segment of the International Monitoring System (IMS) monitoring stations for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). This justification ensures the continued, uninterrupted operations and sustainment of all US IMS waveform monitoring stations managed by the NACT Program.
Scope of Work
The required services include the operation and maintenance of seven infrasound stations and six seismic stations located globally. This encompasses logistical support, system repairs, hardware/software upgrades, and both preventive and corrective maintenance. Additionally, the contractor performs essential engineering and Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) tasks related to IMS waveform technologies.
Contract Details & Justification
This is a Justification for Other Than Full and Open Competition, proposing a sole-source award to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). The justification is based on UAF's established expertise, the critical need to maintain essential engineering and RDT&E capabilities, and the significant time (estimated 18 months) required to train another contractor. The original contract was for a 12-month base period with four 12-month option periods, estimated at approximately $4.5M per year, totaling $28.3M.
Timeline & Future Acquisition
An amendment has extended the current contract's period of performance to July 31, 2026, with two additional four-month option periods available. This bridge action is necessary due to delays in the follow-on acquisition schedule caused by organizational shifts, workload adjustments, and a government shutdown. The Request for Proposal (RFP) for the follow-on contract is now scheduled for release on March 15, 2026, with an anticipated award by July 24, 2026. This extension is critical to prevent a gap in service and severe mission impact.
Contact Information
- Primary: James N. Robinson,
james.n.robinson2.ctr@mail.mil,571-616-5751 - Secondary: Pinkesh M. Patel,
pinkesh.m.patel.civ@mail.mil,571-616-5379