iSToRE Follow-On Request for Information

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) to questions submitted by potential vendors regarding the iSToRE RFI (Request for Information).

• Prior Contract Award: NGA clarified that details of a previous contract award are not relevant to the current RFI's planning purposes.
• Site Locations: Potential CONUS and OCONUS sites for iSToRE deployment are to be determined by the government; specific locations are not yet finalized. Vendors are invited to provide recommendations.
• System Requirements Document (SRD): The unclassified SRD will be provided by the government and is subject to change. A classified SRD will be provided with any eventual solicitation.
• Small Business Set-Aside Criteria: The acquisition will be set aside for small businesses if at least two responsible small businesses are expected to submit competitive offers.
• System Quantity Discrepancy: The RFI's mention of approximately 75 systems worldwide is accurate. The PWS section on software licenses will reflect the required number if the acquisition proceeds. Responses should be based on the 2026 draft PWS.
• Implementation Schedule: Vendors are encouraged to propose implementation timelines for systems and installations, as per RFI paragraph 3.4.
• COTS Software Compliance: Proposed COTS software does not need to meet 100% of SRD and PWS requirements at contract award, but full compliance and ATO are expected before the end of the transition period. Phased implementation is acceptable.
• Mensuration Requirement: The title of PWS paragraph 2.4 will be revised. Mensuration information is detailed in the unclassified SRD.
• Product Demonstration: Vendors are invited to recommend the timing for the Product Demonstration as part of their RFI response.
• Response Format: The comment matrix does not count towards the 10-page response limit, and font sizes less than 12pt are permissible for graphics and tables.

These clarifications provide essential details for vendors to understand the scope, requirements, and submission expectations for the iSToRE opportunity. Vendors should incorporate this feedback into their planning and potential proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This document, Revision B of the Information Store (iSToRE) Requirements Document (RD), dated September 27, 2017, incorporates numerous changes and updates via various Change Notices (CNs) and Requests for Change (RFCs) since its initial issue. Key updates include:

• Revision B (27 Sept 2017): Incorporates RFC N99-0070 and subsequent CN001, introducing changes across multiple sections including data ingest, management, protection, search, transformation, dissemination, and interface requirements. Specific updates are noted in sections 2.0, 3.1.7.2, 3.5.1.4.1-.3, 3.5.1.5, 3.5.1.5.1, 3.5.1.6, 3.5.2.5.2, 3.5.2.5.3, 3.5.2.5.4, 3.5.2.5.5, 3.5.2.5.6, 3.5.2.5.7, 3.5.2.11.2, 3.5.2.11.3, 3.5.2.32, 3.5.2.33, 3.5.2.33.1, 3.5.2.33.2, 3.5.3.3.1, 3.5.3.3.2, 3.5.3.4.1, 3.5.3.4.2, 3.5.3.4.3, 3.5.4.1.1, 3.5.4.1.11, 3.5.4.11, 3.5.6.1.2, Table 3-1a, 3.5.6.5, 3.5.7.1.6-11, Table 3-3, Table 3-4, 3.11.1, 3.11.1.1.7-11, 3.11.5, 3.11.5.1, 3.12.1.1-4, 3.12.1, 3.12.1.1-4, 3.12.2, 3.12.2.1-7, 3.12.3, 3.13.1.2.4-11, 3.13.2, 3.13.2.1-4, 3.13.3.8, 3.13.3.9, 3.13.3.9.1-3, 3.13.4, 3.13.4.1, and 4.2.
• Subsequent CNs (e.g., CN002-CN015): Further revisions have been made, including updates to sections like 3.1.4.1.6, 3.1.4.1.7, 3.1.4.3, 3.1.9.1, 3.1.9.2, 3.5.1.1.5, 3.5.1.1.6, 3.5.1.7, 3.5.1.8, 3.5.1.9, 3.5.2.11.4, 3.5.2.11.5, 3.5.2.31.6, 3.5.2.32, 3.5.3.4.4, 3.5.3.9, 3.5.4.1.12, 3.5.4.18, 3.5.5.2.3, 3.5.7.1.12, 3.5.7.13, 3.5.7.4.1, 3.5.7.4.2, 3.5.7.10.1, 3.5.7.10.2, 3.5.7.26, 3.12.2.8, 3.12.2.9, 3.12.2.10, 3.5.2.33, 3.5.2.33.1, 3.5.2.33.2, 3.13.1.2.10, 3.5.6.15, 3.5.6.17, 3.5.6.18, 4.5, 3.12.2.2, 3.12.2.3, 3.13.5, and 2.0.

Numerous sections throughout the document have been modified, including but not limited to: Introduction (Purpose, Scope, Background, Applicability, Document Organization, Configuration Control), Applicable Documents, iSToRE Requirements (User Access Services, Geospatial-Intelligence Knowledge Base - Data Ingest, Data Management, Data & Information Protection, Search Management, Knowledge Management & Mining, Data Transformation, Data Dissemination & Retrieval), Storage Services, Application Hosting Services, Common Services, Transport Services, Enterprise Management, Security Vertical (Application Security Services, IT Security & Information Assurance), Interface Requirements (General, External), Segment-Wide or General Requirements (Operations and Sustainment, Ingest & Export Failures, Constraints, Availability), Requirements Verification and Traceability.

This document is a Requirements Document (RD) and not a solicitation. As an updated requirements baseline, it may impact future solicitations by defining the technical and performance requirements for the iSToRE system. Bidders responding to future opportunities related to iSToRE should consult the latest revision of this document for detailed requirements.

Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlines the requirements for the contractor to provide personnel, supervision, and non-personnel services for the Information Store (iSToRE) Follow-On acquisition. The goal is to develop, deploy, integrate, and manage a software-only solution for multiple iSToRE instances to handle Geospatial Intelligence (GEOINT) and imagery products.

• iSToRE Support: Includes OGC service implementation, baseline update deliveries, program management, engineering, and test support.

• Software Development & Sustainment: Enhancements based on NGA-approved changes, Contract Data Requirements List (CDRL) development, testing (NGA CM, Enterprise, Factory Acceptance), integration, deployment, operations, sustainment, security, program management, engineering, training, travel, and decommissioning.

• Deliveries: At least two major software releases per year, with potential for out-of-cycle priority updates. Deliverables include software, computer-based training (CBT), and Software Operations Procedure Manuals (SOPM).

• OGC Services: Implementation and updates to OGC services interface, including support for various OGC web services (CSW, WCS, etc.) and architecting for cloud environments.

• Software Releases: Minimum of two major releases per year.

• Help Desk: Staffed during business hours, with a 2-hour response time for after-hours calls.

• Reporting: Various CDRLs required, including Deployment Reports, Help Desk Reports, Quarterly Program Management Reviews, and System Security Assurance Plans.

• Period of Performance: Maximum of 60 months, with a 12-month base period and four 12-month option periods. (Base: June 29, 2026 - June 28, 2027).

• Place of Performance: Primarily contractor facilities, with on-site support required at various government and partner sites worldwide for installation, integration, and system restoral.

• Security: Personnel require TS/SCI clearances. The system must meet stringent NGA, IC, and DoD security policies, including A&A, STIGs, and vulnerability management. Compliance with ICD 503, NIST SP 800-53, and ITAR/EAR regulations is mandatory.

• Personnel: Key personnel include a Program Manager, Chief Engineer, Test Engineer, and Security Manager, all requiring specific qualifications and clearances.

• Infrastructure: Contractor must provide classified and unclassified development/test facilities with secure network connectivity.

• Licenses: Perpetual, unrestricted COTS software licenses are required, with specific quantities outlined for each contract year.

• Travel: Planned travel includes international and domestic trips to support deployment and integration activities.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's (NGA) Information Store (iSToRE) Program. The goal is to identify potential vendors capable of developing and sustaining a software baseline that meets iSToRE system requirements, replacing the current Application Service Provider (ASP) portion without interrupting GEOINT missions. This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP).

• Develop and sustain a common software baseline for iSToRE.

• Replace the current ASP portion of iSToRE.

• Integrate and deploy the contractor's software solution onto approximately 75 systems worldwide.

• Provide connectivity and data similar to NGA Consolidated Library (NCL) & Open Data Store (ODS).

• Support various site Concepts of Operations (CONOPs) and architectures.

• Manage (ingest, store, catalog, disseminate) GEOINT data, including metadata and file-based access controls, pixel processing, and validation.

• Provide all necessary personnel, facilities, and services for software baseline enhancements, CDRL development, test and evaluation, integration, deployment, operations, sustainment, security, program management, training, and site transition.

• Meet replication and synchronization capabilities as defined in the iSToRE System Requirements Document (SRD).

• Personnel performing Information Assurance (IA) functions must possess appropriate certifications (DoD 8570.01-M, NGA Instruction 8010.2).

• Security certification and accreditation expertise required (Community Directive ICD 503, FISMA, XACTA 360).

• Develop and submit a Security Plan in accordance with NISPOM.

• Period of Performance (POP): Not to exceed five (5) total years (one 1-year base period + four 1-year option periods).

• Location(s): NGA Washington and Contractor’s site.

• Response Format: White paper, Microsoft Word for Office or compatible format, not exceeding 10 pages.

• Font: Times New Roman, 12 point.

• Content: Include administrative details (contact info, business type, DUNS, CAGE, security clearance, accounting/purchasing/timekeeping systems, GSA FSS, SAM registration, interest in prime/team/subcontractor roles), experience (commercial, government, NGA), capabilities, and recommendations.

• Questions Deadline: 12:00 PM ET on 26 January 2026.

• White Paper Deadline: 12:00 PM ET on 13 February 2026.

• Submission Method: Email only to Victoria.K.Le@nga.mil and Justin.M.Ninomiya@nga.mil with subject line "iSToRE RFI Response – Contractor Name".

• Security: Responses must contain only UNCLASSIFIED information.

• Responders must indicate their Small Business status and type (e.g., Small Disadvantaged, Service Disabled, 8(a), HUBZone, Woman-Owned).

• Information requested regarding mentor/protégé programs.

• Rationale for alternative NAICS codes is requested.

• Responders are asked to opine on potential small business set-aside portions.

• This RFI is for information and planning purposes only.

• No proposals will be accepted at this time.

• The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response.

• Submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

• NGA non-Government consultants may review responses under NDA.

• Government may or may not meet with potential providers for clarification.