Work begins on new Air Force Network cyber support contract

The Air Force issued a request for information for its Cyber Sustainment Branch to get insights on technical characteristics, cost, and functional IT tools for an Air Force Network (AFNET) support contract.

The department is considering a five-year Cyber Sustainment Services follow-on contract that focuses on the technical, functional, operational, and support for the AFNET’s lifecycle.

The Air Force expects to release a request for proposals October 2019.

Officials want feedback on work including:

• Service desk
• Restoring AFNET to a fully operational status, through troubleshooting and replacing faulty equipment
• Monitoring and applying patches and firmware upgrades
• Reviewing latest security vulnerabilities to supported systems
• Performing system administration maintenance
• Producing Air Force Technical Orders and Time Compliance Technical Orders (TCTOs)
• Analyzing metrics to increase the AFNET’s reliability
• Tracking and recommending solutions when products become out of date
• Providing administration, engineering and management support for systems and equipment in the Integrated Test Facilities
• Liaisons between the AFNET operational community

The CSB maintains the AFNET, both the non-classified Internet Protocol Routed Network and the Secure Internet Protocol Routed Network.

Beyond general, overarching acquisition questions, the Air Force is asking about service desks requirements, supply chain management, maintenance strategy, CSB liaisons, and tests facilities.

The Air Force released the RFI March 12. Responses are due by April 23.