The Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) seeks to establish a Flexible and Scalable High Fidelity Network Testbed through an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance cybersecurity expertise for both strategic and tactical Army operations by facilitating innovative research and experimentation. The testbed will allow for realistic modeling of network environments and support various research phases, from basic to applied research, focusing on validating and prototyping cyber security methods.
Key requirements include collaboration on experimentation plans, enhancing testbed capabilities, and providing extensive management and reporting. The contractor must also maintain security clearances for handling classified information, provide technical and personnel support, and ensure effective use of the testbed by researchers.
The contract, with a total ceiling of $48.5 million, has a five-year ordering period with an option for an additional five years. Deliverables will be defined at the task order level, including plans for experiments, technical reports, and training materials. This initiative reflects the Army's commitment to advancing its cyber capabilities amid the complexities of modern warfare.
The U.S. Government, specifically the Army, intends to engage in a sole source procurement with Peraton Labs Inc. for a Flexible and Scalable High Fidelity Network Testbed, as announced in the Notice of Intent to Sole Source. This procurement falls under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, given the need for experimental continuity in research, development, testing, and evaluation efforts. The solicitation number for this contract is W911QX24R0015, with responses due by June 26, 2024. Interested parties who believe they can meet the government's requirements are invited to submit capability statements or proposals by the specified date, although it is clear that competitive bidding may not occur based on the government's discretion. The place of performance for this contract will be the Adelphi Contracting Division in Adelphi, Maryland. The document emphasizes the exclusivity of this request while allowing for potential interested parties to express their capabilities. The main point of contact for inquiries is Shanna Dellinger, whose contact information is provided, signaling the necessity for a clear line of communication for any submissions.