Specialized Computer Hardware, for Portfolio Capability Executive (PAE) Fires
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 US Army is conducting market research through a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) to identify Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Specialized Computer Hardware (SCH) solutions. This hardware is needed to support multiple critical missions, hosting and executing applications with intense workloads. This RFI aims to gauge industry interest and capability, and it is not a solicitation for a contract award.
Scope of Work
The RFI details extensive minimum performance requirements for the SCH. Key specifications include:
- Form Factor: 1U system in a 19-inch rack.
- Processing Power: One or more enterprise-class x86 processors (e.g., Intel Scalable, AMD EPYC) totaling 40 or more cores.
- Memory: At least 256 GB of DDR4 (or faster) Error Correcting Code (ECC) memory (192 GB if shared).
- Storage: At least one removable Gen3 SATA or faster SSD, or PCIe 3.0 or faster NVMe SSD.
- Interfaces: At least one PCIe 3.0x16 or better interface for a discrete graphics card, plus specific front and rear panel I/O (USB 3.0+, Ethernet).
- Compliance: Acknowledgment of MIL-STD and IEC standards for environmental, shock, and power, as well as manufacturing standards like AS5553 and AS9100D+, with a strict prohibition on Chinese parts.
- Software/Security: Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or higher, support for Red Hat Enterprise Linux 8.x+, hypervisors (KVM), discrete TPM 2.0, cyber-resilient BIOS, and tamper-resistant features.
- Preferred Options: Include intermediate tamper resistance, particulate filtering, side rails, built-in security, secure hypervisor options, and a weight under 25 lbs.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified for this RFI; respondents are asked to declare their business size (e.g., Small Business, WOSB, SDB) and domestic/foreign ownership for market research purposes.
- Response Due: June 30, 2026, 1500 Central Standard Time.
- Questions Due: May 22, 2026, 1500 Central Standard Time.
- Published: April 21, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Respondents must submit a white paper, not exceeding 20 pages (12-point font), detailing:
- A technical overview of how the solution meets or exceeds SCH requirements.
- Estimated costs for budgeting purposes.
- Summaries of all previous testing.
- Conformance with open systems architecture initiatives like Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). Submissions should be electronic, sent via email to Leigh Kellstrom, Jeremiah Duncan, William Anderson, or via DoD Secure Access File Exchange (SAFE).
Additional Notes
This RFI is for information and planning only and does not commit the Government to a contract. Costs incurred for preparing responses will not be reimbursed. Submitted documentation becomes the property of the U.S. Government.