FY26 Emergency Mass Warning Network

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding a Request for Information (RFI) for an Emergency Mass Warning and Notification (EMWN) system. It clarifies requirements, timelines, and technical aspects.

• Requirement Type: The RFI is not a new requirement or a follow-on to an existing contract, but rather an assessment of industry's cost to implement and operate a DoW-wide EMWN system.
• Due Dates: The RFI response due date is confirmed as May 29, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET, clarifying discrepancies with SAM.gov postings.
• Solution Architecture: The government has no preference for a single prime contractor versus a team approach. Vendors can propose various solution architectures.
• FedRAMP Authorization: The EMWN application itself does not need to have FedRAMP IL5 authorization; however, deployment within an approved IL5 cloud environment with a contractor-prepared ATO package is acceptable.
• Data Schemas & Integration: The government will not provide specific data schemas, DMDC interface requirements, or identity/ICAM details during the RFI phase. Solutions must integrate with existing Giant Voice/Indoor Voice systems to DoW/Army standards.
• Subscriber Numbers: Vendors should consider a phased user migration/adoption curve for the estimated 4 million primary subscribers and 48 million secondary subscribers.
• Location Data: The EMWN system core database may not collect, receive, hold, or anonymize subscriber location data. Location data may be used for geofencing but not stored or collected. Temporary, in-memory location data for real-time geofencing is permissible.
• Security & ATO: A new Authority to Operate (ATO) is expected for the EMWN solution, though it may leverage an existing Privacy Act SORN. The entire solution must operate in a properly accredited IL5 environment.

This document provides critical clarifications that bidders must consider when preparing their responses to the RFI. Key areas of clarification include due dates, technical requirements, security, and data handling, which will directly impact proposal content and cost estimations.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks industry information on a comprehensive Emergency Mass Warning and Notification (EMWN) solution for the Department of War (DoW). The goal is to establish a single, unified capability to alert DoW personnel worldwide. This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only; it is not a solicitation.

• Solution: Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) EMWN system hosted in a FedRAMP-approved Impact Level 5 (IL5) cloud environment.

• Subscribers: Support for 4 million primary subscribers, each capable of sponsoring 4-12 secondary subscribers.

• Functionality: Must include Network Alerting System (NAS) for email/text/desktop notifications and Telephone Alerting Systems (TAS) for calls and SMS.

• Availability: 99.95% system availability.

• Security: Compliance with DISA STIGs, Army directives, FISMA regulations, and DoDD 8140.

• Mobile App: Required for iOS and Android, with location-based and attribute-based notifications. The app may track location but the core application may not collect or retain location data.

• Reporting: Capability for dashboard and custom report generation.

• Interoperability: API for CAP messages and potential integration with Giant Voice/Indoor Voice systems.

• Rough-Order-of-Magnitude (ROM) cost estimates for a 5-year period (FY28-FY32).

• Technical description of the proposed solution.

• Explanation of methodology and assumptions for cost estimates.

• Migration schedule.

• Deadline: May 29, 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern Time.

• Format: PDF for technical volume (max 15 pages, excluding cover letter, cost worksheet, SOW), Excel for cost worksheet.

• Submission Method: Email to linwood.l.matthews.civ@army.mil with subject "EMWN RFI Response – [Company Name]".

• Questions Deadline: May 8, 2026, 4:00 PM Eastern Time to Kerry.f.owens.civ@army.mil.

• Responses are welcomed from all responsible sources, including small and other than small businesses.

• Enclosure 1: Rough Order of Magnitude Cost Estimate Worksheet.

• Enclosure 2: Statement of Work.

• Responses should demonstrate capability, not just affirm it.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI seeks information from industry on a comprehensive Emergency Mass Warning and Notification (EMWN) solution for the Department of War (DoW). The DoW currently uses multiple disparate systems and requires a single, unified capability to deliver timely and reliable emergency alerts worldwide. This RFI is for market research and planning purposes only; it is not a solicitation.

• A comprehensive EMWN solution encompassing services and tools.

• Must support 4 million primary subscribers and their dependents.

• Must be a Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) solution hosted in a FedRAMP-approved Impact Level 5 (IL5) cloud environment.

• Key components include a Network Alerting System (NAS) for email/text/desktop notifications and a Telephone Alerting System (TAS) for calls and SMS.

• The solution must provide 99.95% system availability and comply with DISA STIGs, Army directives, and FISMA regulations.

• Requires a mobile application and a workstation agent.

• Must support various notification methods: email, SMS, phone calls (including text-to-speech), desktop pop-ups, and potentially external modalities like Giant Voice.

• Must provide 24/7/365 US-based help desk support.

• The period of performance for estimation is a 5-year period starting in FY28 through FY32.

• Responses are due by 4:00 PM Eastern Time on 29 MAY 2026 via email to linwood.l.matthews.civ@army.mil.

• The subject line must read: “EMWN RFI Response – [Company Name]”.

• Responses should not exceed 15 pages (excluding cover letter, cost estimate worksheet, and SOW).

• Responses must include a technical description of the proposed solution and a completed cost estimate worksheet (Enclosure 1).

• Vendors must demonstrate capability, not just affirm it.

• Questions are due by 4:00 PM Eastern Time on 8 MAY 2028 to Kerry.f.owens.civ@army.mil.

• Responses are welcomed from all responsible sources, including small and other than small businesses.

• Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost and schedule data is requested.

• Proprietary information must be clearly marked.

• Enclosure 1 (Cost Estimate Worksheet) and Enclosure 2 (Statement of Work) are provided.