GSA issues $460M request for Cyber Command support

Six months after cancelling a large-scale solicitation for support of the U.S. Cyber Command, the government has issued another one, although via a different route.

The General Services Administration has released a Request for Information on a multiple award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract to support the U.S. Cyber Command. The solicitation has a ceiling of $460 million.

The Defense Information Systems Agency in April had released a $475 million RFP for cyber security, but cancelled it in May, saying, "The government has determined it is necessary to reassess the needs of USCYBERCOM and to consider whether another acquisition strategy could better meet those needs.”  DISA said at the time a new solicitation would be issued in the fall. 

Asked whether the two solicitations are related, a spokesperson for GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service declined to comment, telling Defense Systems that it’s GSA policy not to talk about active solicitations.

GSA’s solicitations is looking for a variety of support services for the command’s responsibility areas:

a)      Unifying existing cyberspace resources, creating synergy that does not currently exist, and synchronizing warfighting effects to defend the information security environment.

b)      Centralizing command of cyberspace operations in order to strengthen DOD cyberspace capabilities and integrate and bolster DOD’s cyber expertise.

c)       Improving DOD’s capabilities to ensure resilient, reliable information and communication networks, counter cyberspace threats, and assure access to cyberspace.

d)      Supporting the armed services’ ability to confidently conduct high-tempo, effective operations, as well as protect command and control systems and the cyberspace infrastructure supporting weapons system platforms from disruptions, intrusions and attacks.

Under the listing, GSA says that the objective is to support Cyber Command in its mission as well as provide support services to the mission force, cyber components and Joint Force headquarters through 10 required disciplines:

a)      Business area support and project management

b)      Cyberspace operations

c)       Cyberspace planning

d)      All-source intelligence

e)      Capability management and development

f)       Cyberspace training and exercises

g)      Information technology/communications

h)      Strategy/policy/doctrine development and campaign assessments

i)        Engagement activities

j)        Security.

In addition to the core disciplines, some involve sub-core disciplines. 

The RFP defines cyber operations as “providing technical expertise to assist in the planning, coordination, and synchronization of OCO and DCO, and operation of the [Department of Defense Information Network]… providing technical expertise during the conduct of assessments of Cyberspace Operations.” 

Also, the document also is looking for contractor help in assisting maneuver, fires and effects through capabilities in cyberspace; support in creation and dissemination of orders and directives to provide DOD with guidance; providing technical expertise on developing cyberspace operations tactics, techniques and procedures; developing incident reports; and assisting the Cyber Command in fulfilling its responsibilities within the Joint Information Environment, among many others.    

In terms of cyberspace planning, the RFP lists assistance in planning for operations as well as coordination with joint forces and for joint exercises. 

The RFP also mentions requirements for analyzing a wide array of intelligence, from signals intelligence, to human, image, and measurement and signatures intelligence.