Secure Unclassified Network (SUNet) Modernization - Call for Solutions
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 War (DoW), through its Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), is seeking innovative solutions for the Secure Unclassified Network (SUNet) Modernization. This Call for Solutions (CSO) aims to develop a next-generation SUNet optimized for rapid experimentation, development, testing, and validation of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) tools, as well as data labeling, off the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN). This effort is associated with the Army Open Solicitation (AOS), W9128Z-25-S-A002. Solution Briefs are due by February 25, 2026, 1200 ET.
Scope of Work
SUNet is a government-owned, secure, unclassified digital environment acting as a digital sandbox. It provides logically segmented compute and storage resources for DoW and mission partners to collaborate, label data, and rapidly onboard, experiment with, develop, and validate emerging AI/ML tools. The modernization seeks proven, innovative commercial solutions to support the rapid fielding of a modernized SUNet prototype.
Key Requirements / Deliverables
- Develop a prototype SUNet system for refinement into a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) within 6 months and a full production system within 12 months of contract award.
- Establish at least seven types of segmented virtual enclaves for diverse customers (DoW, academia, industry, foreign partners).
- Enclaves must support hybrid on-premises/cloud infrastructure, AI/ML development, data labeling (IL5 environment), secure internet connectivity, edge system interaction, and remote site communication.
- Deploy mission-specific data/tools, enterprise tools, and data management capabilities.
- Implement Zero Trust Architecture and meet NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5 requirements.
- Maximize DevSecOps automation and support remote access.
- Demonstrate capability to host Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) data at IL5.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Call for Solutions (CSO) under Army Open Solicitation (AOS) W9128Z-25-S-A002.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Submission Deadline: Solution Briefs due February 25, 2026, 1200 ET.
- Published: February 4, 2026.
- Q&A Session: Virtual Q&A on or about February 12, 2026. Interested vendors must email company name and CAGE code to
usarmy.adelphi.devcom-arl.list.nextgen-sunet@army.milby February 10, 2026, 1400 ET to validate SECRET facility clearance for attendance. - Follow-on: A follow-on production contract or transaction may result from this award without further competitive procedures.
Evaluation
Solution Briefs will be evaluated based on Feasibility, Viability, Desirability, Technical Merit, Schedule, and Price (Rough Order of Magnitude). Submissions must meet specific gate criteria, including SECRET facility clearance and TS SCI eligibility.
Additional Notes
Resellers and academic research proposals are not desired. The government reserves the right to go directly from Solution Brief to award. All solution briefs will be valid for 180 calendar days after submission.