Sources Sought: Evaluation-Driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) Development and Delivery Support for Mission-Critical Data Workflows
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 Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) is conducting a Sources Sought market survey to identify qualified sources for evaluation-driven, mission-aligned Artificial Intelligence (AI) development and delivery support. This effort aims to accelerate analyst workflows in areas critical to national security. Responses are due by March 31, 2026, at 1500 CT.
Purpose & Scope
This is a market survey, not a Request for Proposals (RFP), to gather information on industry capabilities. ONI requires support for developing and delivering AI applications and systems that enhance national security operations. The scope includes both production and delivery of AI solutions and comprehensive support services.
Expected Requirements
1. Production and Delivery:
- Phased AI Delivery Program: Continuing and developing work from SBIR Phase III FA259520D0001.
- Model Development: Data collection, training, preliminary validation, adhering to state-of-the-art methodologies.
- Evaluation: Establish model evaluation scores based on ONI benchmarks and develop cold-start evaluators.
- Extension & Integration: Extend models to additional mission threads, provide finalized deployment packages with documentation, and ensure seamless integration.
- Sustainment: Develop a comprehensive labeling rubric, align outputs for production readiness, and provide a detailed transition roadmap.
- Data Ingestion: Design and build mission-aligned data pipelines, including vetting, validation, and adherence to security/privacy.
2. Support Services:
- Comprehensive support for the AI delivery program under strict production requirements.
- Integration and testing support on government-designated platforms.
- Training for government personnel on AI system operation and maintenance.
- Technical data support and repair/maintenance to ensure operational effectiveness.
Contract Details
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services (SBA Size Standard: $34 million annually)
- Product Service Code: DA10 - Support Services for Application Development Projects.
- Set-Aside: None specified; the government reserves the right to consider set-aside options based on responses.
- Place of Performance: Panama City Beach, FL.
Response Requirements & Submission
Interested companies should provide their CAGE code, firm name and address, business size (revenue, employees, type of small business), country of ownership, SAM registration status, DUNS number, years in business, and point of contact. Small businesses must also describe how they will comply with FAR 52.219-14 (Limitations of Subcontracting).
Submissions, limited to 10 pages, must be emailed to Ryan Hodges, Contract Specialist, at ryan.t.hodges.civ@us.navy.mil. The email subject line must be N61331-26-SN-Q18.
Important Dates
- Published Date: March 16, 2026
- Response Due: March 31, 2026, at 1500 CT
Additional Notes
This is for information and planning purposes only. It is not a solicitation, and no contract will be awarded from this announcement. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted, and no feedback or evaluations will be provided.