RFI: IT Systems Engineering/Operations & Maintenance Support

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science & Technology (S&T) Directorate, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Technical Services Branch for Systems Engineering/Operations & Maintenance Support for FY26. The purpose is to collect information from qualified sources regarding their capabilities and experience in providing IT support services. This RFI is for planning purposes only and is not a Request for Quotations or Proposals. No solicitation document currently exists, and the government may or may not issue one in the future.

The DHS S&T OCIO supports the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE) by providing tools, technologies, and knowledge products. The Technical Services Branch requires IT support services to integrate innovative technology into daily operations. This includes systems engineering (architecting, designing, integrating, and deploying new solutions, and improving existing systems) and IT operations & maintenance (capacity management, daily operations, enhancement support, network infrastructure, help desk, and data storage management). The scope covers approximately 35 distinct IT systems with 2,500 endpoints, anticipating growth to over 40 systems with 4000+ endpoints.

Respondents are asked to describe their capabilities and experience in the following areas:

• Cloud Integration & Management (hybrid environments, migration, FedRAMP compliance, backup, disaster recovery, continuity of operations)

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions (development, integration, optimization for IT service management, business process automation, customer support, ethical AI use, data privacy)

• IT Asset Management & Automation (automating processes, integration with platforms like ServiceNow/SAMS, inventory tracking, compliance, secure disposal)

• Remote Support & Customer Experience (tools, processes for enhanced remote support, self-help, walk-in, remote troubleshooting, measuring customer satisfaction)

• Surge and Transition Support (managing surge, transition-in/out activities, ensuring continuity, minimizing disruption)

• Responses are limited to six (6) pages.

• Must include a cover letter with specific company information (legal name, address, socio-economic status, recommended NAICS code, points of contact).

• A comprehensive response addressing the questions above.

• Identification of any Best-in-Class (BIC) vehicles held.

• Indication of interest in competing as a prime contractor or subcontractor.

• Submissions must be in Microsoft Office applications, 12-point Times New Roman font.

• Deadline: February 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

• Submit to: leshanna.calahan@hq.dhs.gov and mariaah.daniel@hq.dhs.gov with subject line: 70RSAT26RFI000010 ENGOM.

A Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) 70RSAT22A00000001 with Silosmasher, Inc. for Service Delivery Support, Information Assurance Compliance Support, and Systems Engineering/Operations and Maintenance Support is associated with this RFI. The BPA expires July 31, 2026.

An Industry Day may be held; details will be provided later. The government may also hold one-on-one meetings as part of market research.

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) aims to acquire technical IT support services for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology (S&T) Directorate's Chief Information Officer (CIO) Office. The goal is to support three OCIO strategic goals: MISSION SUPPORT, SERVICE SUPPORT, and OPERATIONS SUPPORT, by implementing advanced technology, ensuring excellence in IT service delivery, and enabling smooth infrastructure and service operations.

The scope encompasses systems engineering, IT operations and maintenance to provide comprehensive IT systems support. This includes managing approximately 35 distinct IT Systems with 2500 endpoints, anticipated to grow to 40 systems with 4000+ endpoints. Services cover multiple General Support Systems, cloud-based deployments, Federally Funded Research and Development Corporations, and experimental systems. Key areas include:

• Business Transformation: Developing and implementing solutions for program innovation, customer priorities, technology and process improvements, and enhancing customer experience.
• Service Support: Providing ITIL-based Service Management, including IT Service Desk (Tier 0-3 support), Problem Management, and After-Hours/Weekend Support.
• Systems Engineering: Architecting, designing, integrating, and deploying new technical solutions, including cloud integration, image development, and testing.
• Operations and Maintenance (Systems & Network): Managing various systems such as Shared Drives, Applications, Group Policy, Domain Name System, Servers, Enterprise Print, VMWare, DHCP, Certificates, Active Directory, Hyper-V, SCCM/Intune, Communications Engineering, Messaging Services, and Tools.
• IT Infrastructure Management: Supporting cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, M365), testing and validation, configuration/change/release management, backup and restore services, and disaster recovery/continuity of operations.
• Hardware and Software Management: Providing end-to-end device lifecycle management for hardware and full product lifecycle management for software.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) Support: Developing, integrating, and optimizing AI tools.
• User Notification: Proactively informing users about IT events.

The primary place of performance is the S&T headquarters at St. Elizabeth Campus, Washington, DC. Additional performance sites are listed. The period of performance includes a 12-month base period and three 12-month option periods.

• Personnel: Requires management, technical, and support staff, including Key Personnel with specific security clearances (Top Secret/SCI for some roles).
• Security: Compliance with federal standards and DHS directives, including suitability checks, background investigations, and obtaining appropriate security clearances.
• Section 508 Compliance: Ensuring all Information and Communications Technology (ICT) deliverables meet Section 508 standards.
• Reporting: Daily health check reports, weekly status reports, and various other reports as specified.
• Deliverables: Numerous deliverables are outlined, including project plans, status reports, technical documentation, and various management plans.