Research Science Network (RSN) Access Layer Refresh
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 Defense Health Agency (DHA), on behalf of the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), has issued a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) for the Research Science Network (RSN) Access Layer Refresh. This market research aims to identify potential sources capable of providing advanced switching platforms to modernize the RSN infrastructure at Frederick, MD. Responses are due by June 15, 2026.
Scope of Work
This RFI seeks information on vendors' capabilities to supply specific Cisco network equipment, including Cisco Catalyst C9500-48Y4C, C9350-48HUX, C9200CX-12P-2X2G-E, and C9200CX-8UXG-2X-E switches, along with associated power supplies, stacking cables, and licenses. The required equipment must meet detailed Minimum Essential Characteristics (MECs), such as enterprise-class Layer 2/3 functionality, support for high-speed Ethernet (10/25/40/100 Gigabit), Power over Ethernet (PoE), IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack, stacking, VLAN segmentation, advanced Layer 2 security, MACsec, QoS, NetFlow, SNMPv3, secure management, RBAC, 802.1X, secure boot, redundant components, FIPS validation, and STIG-aligned configuration. The goal is to address an outdated infrastructure leading to potential security vulnerabilities and network instability.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: Responses encouraged from capable and qualified Small Business sources.
- Response Due: June 15, 2026, 11:00 AM Eastern Time
- Published: May 29, 2026
Submission Requirements
Interested vendors should submit a capabilities statement, not exceeding 10 pages (excluding cover page), in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format. The cover page must include the organization's title, POC information, topic area(s), SAM.gov registration under NAICS 334111, and a list of ordering vehicles. Submissions must address how PWS requirements can be fulfilled, whether similar supplies/services are offered commercially, and provide sufficient technical data.
- Submission Method: Email to Kirstin.L.Quinn.civ@health.mil and Emily.K.O'Hara.civ@health.mil.
Additional Notes
This is for market research only and is not a solicitation. No contract will be awarded from this announcement, and the government will not pay for information submitted. All information marked as confidential business information will be treated as such. No reimbursement for response costs. Any formal solicitation will be announced separately. The delivery location for the equipment is USAMRIID, 1425 Porter Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702.