DISA explores small businesses for Satcom support

The Defense Information Systems Agency has released a pair of sources sought notices as it tries to decide whether to switch a communications support contract from full-and-open to small business.

Both requests for information are identical except one is for HUBzone small businesses to respond, while the other is open for comment by all small businesses.

If two or more small businesses respond and can show they have the capabilities to provide the services DISA is looking for, then in all likelihood the contract will be a set-aside.

Booz Allen Hamilton is the incumbent right now under an almost $50 million contract, according to Deltek.

Booz Allen supports DISA’s Satcom Gateway Program Office. The office is working on the converging of all enterprise satellite communication gateway facilities to better support combatant commands, the military services and government agencies.

Some skills DISA is looking for include program management, integration, operations, life cycle sustainment and transition support.

The agency also is trying to determine which contract vehicle to use to award the work. Booz Allen won the contract through DISA's Encore II vehicle.

The RFIs breakdown several required capabilities that describe the needed SATCOM support including developing technical definitions, investigations, analysis and assessments, and implementation plans. Logistics skills are another required skill as is training and testing support.

Another requirement is having a current Top Secret Facility clearance as well as support staff that can obtain a Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance.

Given the global nature and the need for a facility clearance, this contract might be a tall order for a small business. The RFI states that DISA is open to a joint venture, but respondents need to be able to explain the skills from the JV members would be combined.

Responses to the RFIs are due March 20.

The solicitation number for the general small business RFI is 831914395, and the RFI for the HUBzone RFI is 831914395b.