Northstar Network. Communication services consist of digital voice, video, and data provided to suitably equipped aircraft users with coverage throughout the Continental United States.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The primary objective is to acquire clear, secure voice, video, and data communications connectivity under the existing Northstar Network to support Navy E-6B Aircraft operations 24/7/365. The contractor must protect sensitive Government Provided Information.

The contractor shall provide all necessary materials, tools, equipment, travel, and labor for continuous 24/7/365 connectivity. This includes managing two Special Government Operation Centers (SGOCs) and 21 Ground Entry Points (GEPs) supporting digital services. Key performance areas include:

• SGOC operations and maintenance

• GEP operations and maintenance

• Long-haul circuit management

• Digital communications services

• Network technology refresh proposals

• Quarterly meetings and monthly Program Management Reviews (PMRs)

• Network trouble, interference, and usage reporting

• Availability: Maintain 99% system availability for each requested mission.

• Data Rate: Minimum 768 kbps for digital services within a 500 kHz channel.

• Bandwidth: GEPs/SGOCs must maintain a minimum of 6 Mb/s network bandwidth.

• Response Time: Respond to operational problems within two hours of notification.

• Power Backup: Provide backup power for a minimum of 72 hours.

• Dual Operations: GEPs must support two aircraft simultaneously.

• Period of Performance: One-year base period with two (2) one-year option periods.

• Place of Performance: Offutt AFB, NE and Waldorf, MD. Contractor technical teams are required at SGOCs. Local travel is expected; long-distance CONUS travel requires COR pre-approval.

• Security: Requires a Top Secret Facility Clearance. Personnel must possess interim or final Top Secret security clearances. Compliance with DISA and DoD security instructions is mandatory.

• Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM): A SCRM Plan is required as part of the technical proposal, addressing specific controls.

• Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC): Compliance level to be determined and required at time of award.

• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): Required for all assigned employees.

• Transition: Key personnel onboard at POP start; 50% staffing within two weeks, 100% within 30 days. 60 days for equipment removal post-contract expiration.

Sources Sought Notice

This notice is issued by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) to determine the availability and technical capability of small and large businesses to provide an Ultra-High Frequency/Line of Sight (UHF/LOS) communications system network for Strategic Communications Wing-1, known as the Northstar Network. The network provides digital voice, video, and data to aircraft users within the Continental United States (CONUS).

• Provide UHF communications equipment at Ground Entry Points (GEPs) controlled by Special Government Operation Centers (SGOCs).

• Support analog and digital communications to and from aircraft simultaneously.

• Enable aircraft access to Department of Defense (DoD) networks including EACN, SIPRNET, and NIPRNET.

• Maintain 99% availability for mission-critical communication with senior leaders.

• Ensure network resilience with redundant long-haul circuits and 72-hour backup power for all sites.

• Provide on-call maintenance support 24/7/365.

• Maintain a final Top Secret Facility Clearance from the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency.

• All personnel must possess and maintain a Secret level security clearance.

• Anticipated Period of Performance: One-year base period with two, one-year option periods, beginning approximately July 2026.

• Anticipated Place of Performance: Two Special Government Operation Centers (Offutt AFB, NE and Waldorf, MD).

• Previous Contract: HC1013-21-C-0006, held by AT&T (large business), acquired sole source, with a period of performance from July 2021 to June 2026.

• This is for informational purposes only and not a Request for Proposal.

• Interested businesses should submit a brief capabilities statement package (no more than five pages) addressing specific questions in the "Required Capabilities" section.

• Submission Deadline: NLT 4:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST) on an unspecified date (refer to email submission details).

• Submission Method: Email to Kelly Smith-Marston at kelly.j.smith-marston.civ@mail.mil.

• NAICS Code: 517111 (size standard of 1,500 employees).

• DISA will determine small business set-aside based on responses demonstrating capability and adherence to FAR clause 52.219-14.

• Information requested on joint ventures or partnering for small business participation.

• A Performance Work Statement (PWS) is attached to this sources sought notice, detailing the full scope of required tasks and capabilities.

• Responses are voluntary, and no funds are available to pay for preparation.

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked.