Request for Collaboration (RFC) 2028 Dress Rehearsal and 2030 Census Decennial as a Service (D-X)

Request for Collaboration (RFC) / Market Research

This document is a revised Request for Collaboration (RFC) from the U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) following up on an initial Request for Information (RFI) regarding the "Decennial as a Service (D-X)" program. The purpose is to gather additional industry input on areas not fully addressed in the original RFI, refine the acquisition strategy, and foster collaboration. It is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP).

The USCB is seeking industry insights on the following:

• Managed Service Integrator (MSI) Model: How to orchestrate end-to-end services across multiple XaaS providers, including governance, interoperability, and accountability for logistics, mobility, devices, warehousing, asset management, cellular services, site deployments, and support.

• Command Center: Developing a real-time, cross-domain operational layer for visibility, coordinated response, and decision support.

• Data Interoperability and Integration: Approaches to integrating commercial and government systems for seamless data exchange and coordinated service delivery.

• OEM-Agnostic Device and Equipment as-a-Service Models: Structuring offerings for mobile devices, office equipment, and networking hardware, including provisioning, service levels, lifecycle services, and performance management.

• Warehouse Operations Capabilities: Models, automation technologies, and quality control for receiving, storage, picking, packing, kitting, and shipping of assets.

• Surge Readiness and Scalability: Strategies for rapid, high-volume scaling to support peak operational periods, including surge models, lead times, and staffing.

• Sustainability and Reuse Models: Environmentally responsible approaches to device reuse, kit reuse, and recycling.

• Risk Identification and Mitigation: Identifying potential risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies.

• Deadline: Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST.

• Submission Method: Email to pithy.t.sar@census.gov and paul.w.boesch@census.gov with the subject line: "Census D-X RFC Response- COMPANY NAME".

• Format: Microsoft Word, Times New Roman, 12-point font.

• Content: Responses should be practical and address specific sections with page limitations (Company Overview: 1 page; Integrated Service Delivery and Operational Coordination: 6 pages; Acquisition Approach and Evaluation Considerations: 2 pages; Closing Thoughts and Feedback: 3 pages).

• This RFC is for planning purposes only and is not an RFP.

• The USCB is not seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals.

• No payment will be made for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFC.

• Responding to this RFC does not preclude participation in any future RFP.

• The Government is not obligated to respond to submissions or contract for any supply or service.

• Submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Request for Collaboration (RFC) / Market Research

This document is a Request for Collaboration (RFC) from the U.S. Census Bureau (USCB) to gather additional industry input for the "2028 Dress Rehearsal and 2030 Census Decennial as a Service (D-X)" program. It follows up on a previous Request for Information (RFI) and aims to refine the acquisition strategy through collaboration with industry partners. The goal is to address capability areas not fully covered in the RFI, validate government assumptions, encourage sharing of best practices, and strengthen alignment between government expectations and commercial capabilities.

The USCB is seeking industry input on the following:

• Managed Service Integrator (MSI) Model: Exploring a single-integrator model to provide end-to-end orchestration for all D-X service domains (logistics, mobility, devices, warehousing, asset management, cellular services, site deployments, support operations). Input is sought on MSI models, governance structures, and best practices.

• Command Center: Developing a real-time operational layer for continuous visibility, coordinated response, and cross-domain decision support.

• Data Interoperability and Integration: Understanding how vendors approach data integration, API frameworks, and synchronization across disparate commercial and government systems.

• OEM-Agnostic Device and Equipment As-a-Service Models: Gathering insights on structuring as-a-service offerings for various equipment types, including provisioning, service levels, and lifecycle management.

• Warehouse Operations Capabilities as a Service: Exploring operational models, automation, and quality control for high-volume federal deployments.

• Surge Readiness and Scalability: Understanding vendor plans for surge staffing, facility expansion, and logistics to support high-volume scaling during peak Census periods.

• Sustainability and Reuse Models: Seeking industry insight into environmentally responsible approaches for device reuse, kit reuse, and recycling.

• Risk Identification and Mitigation: Identifying potential risks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies.

• Deadline: Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST.

• Submission Method: Email to pithy.t.sar@census.gov and paul.w.boesch@census.gov with the subject line: "Census D-X RFC Response- COMPANY NAME".

• Format: Microsoft Word, Times New Roman, 12-point font, with specific page limitations for different sections (Company Overview, Integrated Service Delivery, Acquisition Approach, Closing Thoughts).

• This RFC is for planning purposes only and is not a Request for Proposal (RFP).

• The USCB is not seeking proposals and will not pay for any costs incurred in responding.

• Responding to this RFC does not preclude future participation in an RFP.

• The Government is not obligated to respond to submissions or contract for any supply or service.

• Submissions become Government property and will not be returned.