Request for Information (RFI) for Systems Engineering for PAE C3BM/ASE Division
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 Department of the Air Force (DAF), specifically the Portfolio Acquisition Executive (PAE) for Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (C3BM), Architecture and Systems Engineering (ASE) group, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Systems Engineering services. This RFI aims to identify potential partners to modernize communication infrastructure and enhance operational capabilities for the DAF BATTLE NETWORK (DBN). This is an 8(a) Set-Aside opportunity. Responses are due February 13, 2026.
Scope of Work
The DBN is an integrated system-of-systems connecting sensors, effectors, and logistics for improved situational awareness and decision-making, serving as the Air Force's contribution to the broader Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control (CJADC2) initiative. The ASE group is responsible for the DBN's architecture design and systems engineering, driving mission integration and supporting decision-making. They are seeking expertise in:
- Technology exploration
- Architecture development
- Systems engineering
- Systems integration
- Operational analysis
- Managing systems of systems engineering tasks using Agile/SCRUM practices
Key Areas of Interest (Questions for Industry)
Respondents should address:
- Corporate Experience and Capabilities: DoD/federal experience, past performance, personnel qualifications/clearances, facility capabilities.
- Technology Exploration: Processes for identifying and evaluating emerging technologies.
- Architecture, Integration, and Analysis: Experience with C2 infrastructures, C3 architectures, mission engineering, zero-trust architectures, and decomposing complex infrastructure needs.
- Applications and User Experience: Experience with distributed data architectures, cloud migration (DevSecOps), Systems of Systems Architecture Development, Technical Management, and systems engineering governance.
- Capability Acceleration: Providing prototypes, procuring commercial items, training/support.
- Security: Ability to support various classification levels (Secret/NOFORN, TS/SCI, SAP), available workspaces, government system access, DevSecOps expertise.
- Miscellaneous: Experience with JIRA/Confluence workflows and OKR implementation.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: 8(a) Set-Aside (FAR 19.8)
- Response Due: February 13, 2026, 4:00 PM EST
- Published: January 28, 2026
Submission Instructions
- Format: PDF, limited to 20 pages (single-sided, 10pt font) plus 10 pages for supplemental data.
- Content: Include company mailing address, point of contact, CAGE code or UEI, nation of incorporation, and business size.
- Proprietary Information: Must be clearly marked.
- Submission Email: Responses should be emailed to Mr. Cahi Hardy, Ms. Katharine Deconzo, Kaitlyn Adamson, and Sylvia Laravie (emails provided in the document).
- Subject Line: "C3BM ASE Systems Engineering Response by (Company Name)"
Questions Deadline
Questions regarding this RFI are due by February 06, 2026, 4:00 PM EST.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Cahi Hardy (cahi.hardy@us.af.mil, 603-494-4495)
- Secondary Contact: Katharine DeConzo (katharine.deconzo@us.af.mil)
Additional Notes
This notice is for market research and acquisition planning purposes only and is not a solicitation. It does not guarantee a future solicitation. Respondents should monitor SAM.gov for any follow-on announcements.