Communications, Network, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology Services (CNECTS), aka "Connects"
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 Space Acquisition and Integration Office (SAIO), on behalf of the 21st Communications Squadron (21 CS), is pursuing a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for Communications, Network, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology Services (CNECTS). This initiative, also known as "Connects," aims to consolidate multiple existing contracts across Peterson SFB, Schriever SFB, and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station (CMSFS), CO, into a single award. The acquisition is a 100% 8(a) Small Business Set-Aside.
Purpose & Scope
The primary goal is to transition from reactive, siloed IT support to a proactive, integrated, and data-driven enterprise service delivery framework, modernizing and streamlining IT services. The consolidated scope includes comprehensive operations, maintenance, and logistics for IT systems infrastructure and related support services. This encompasses engineering IT solutions for secure mission systems, customer service for critical networks, cybersecurity planning and RMF management, and operational support in isolated/secure environments. Services from legacy contracts like BOS-IT, Cheyenne Mountain SFS 21 CS, WICS, and PEDS are being consolidated, with some services retained, added, or removed as detailed in the "Legacy Contract Differences" document.
Acquisition Strategy & Requirements
This acquisition will utilize a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), a multi-phase process. Phase I requires a PowerPoint briefing and Quad Chart, followed by a final Phase III Technical Proposal, PWS, and Price Proposal. The government seeks innovative commercial solutions aligned with specific Areas of Interest (AOIs) focusing on modernization efforts such as:
- AIOps for Predictive Network Operations, Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), and Digital Twin for Infrastructure Management (BOS-IT).
- Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) Platform, Automated Design and Integration Analysis, and Agile Requirements Management (PEDS).
- Integrated Mission Operations Center (MOC), Condition-Based and Predictive Maintenance, and Digital Supply Chain and Logistics (WICS II).
- Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA), Secure DevOps (DevSecOps), and Hybrid Cloud Environment (NISSC III).
Contract Details
- Type: Fixed Price (FAR-based) contract structure, with a planned hybrid CLIN strategy (FFP for baseline, potentially FPIF or FFP Level of Effort for incentivized modernization).
- Set-Aside: 100% 8(a) Small Business. Teaming arrangements are authorized with an 8(a) prime.
- NAICS Code: 517810 (All Other Telecommunications) with a $40M small business size standard.
- Period of Performance: Projected to begin August 1, 2027.
- Estimated Award: February 2027.
Evaluation & Compliance
Evaluation criteria include Technical Merit/Applicability, Importance to Agency Programs, and Price & Value to the Government. Past performance will be evaluated on an acceptable/unacceptable basis. CMMC Level 3 readiness (self-assessment posted to SPRS) is a prerequisite for award, with formal CMMC certification required at the time of award for contracts explicitly stating a CMMC level. The government seeks Best Value, considering a holistic and technically sound approach.
Timeline & Engagement
The CSO is anticipated to close on December 1, 2026. The government has released consolidated Questions and Answers (Q&As) and an updated PEDS PWS on May 1, 2026. Interested parties should monitor SAM.gov for further updates regarding the CSO release and specific AOIs.