NATO Request for Pre-Competitive Industry Engagement: Operational Network – Extension Program (ON-X)
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 NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for its Operational Network – Extension Program (ON-X). This initiative seeks to identify solutions for a scalable, secure, multi-cloud Enterprise solution supporting up to NATO Secret (NS)-level data. An industry engagement event is scheduled for July 2-3, 2026, with registration due by June 24, 2026, and survey responses by June 21, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
NCIA is seeking industry input for the ON-X program, which aims to modernize legacy systems and unify existing networks to establish an Enterprise multi-cloud capability for seamless information exchange up to NATO Secret (NS) level. The anticipated scope includes the delivery of private cloud infrastructure, data center facilities, migration and/or delivery of core digital workplace services, and service operation management. Business applications and other specific NATO applications will be migrated onto the ON-X cloud infrastructure under a separate effort.
Key Requirements
The program requires the development of a scalable, secure, multi-cloud Enterprise solution, including the establishment of a General-Purpose Cloud (GPC) through a pilot phase. Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Centric Security (DCS) features is also a key aspect.
Engagement Details
NCIA invites industry partners to a hybrid engagement event on July 2 and 3, 2026, at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Promenade, The Hague, and online. Companies interested in participating must complete a registration form by 16:00 CET on June 24, 2026. In-person attendance is limited to two representatives per company. Bilateral meetings will be conducted on the second day with selected companies based on responses to a survey, which is due by 23:00 CET on June 21, 2026.
Eligibility
Only companies from a NATO member country are eligible to participate or respond to this market research.
Important Notes
This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a request for bids or proposals. NCIA reserves the right to cancel this market survey and is not liable for any expenses incurred by industry in conjunction with their responses. Annex A (Draft Requirements) and Annex B (Requested Information) are included in the full document.