Air Force Research Lab seeks support for IT modernization initiatives

The Air Force Research Lab is developing a new small business contract for IT support services that can help the agency modernize its tech environment.

While the acquisition strategy has not been finalized, AFRL released a sources sought notice Wednesday looking for feedback from small businesses to gauge interest and capabilities.

Responses are due by June 13.

AFRL is setting up the contract to support modernization and digital transformation initiatives. The agency wants a full range of IT services that can support research-and-development efforts and overall operations.

Services will include customer support, application and web development, planning, network implementation and systems integration. Other work areas include systems administration, support, communications support, cybersecurity management and software development.

AFRL wants the contractor to support three key operational states: normal operations, emergency operations and post-emergency recovery.

The agency is particularly eyeing the implementation of innovative technologies, streamlining processes through automation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and cloud migration.

The contract will also include requirements for data analysis and integration services to support digital activities and evidence-based decision making.

The eventual prime contractor’s personnel will need security clearances because of AFRL’s mission. They will also need to sign non-disclosure agreements.

This appears to be a new contract that is pulling together services provided under several incumbent contractors. AFRL is including a 30-day transition period to move work from existing contracts to the new prime contractor.

A transition plan will also be included as a requirement in the final solicitation.

The request for information does not include a timeline for when AFRL will release a solicitation or an expected value of the contract.

Most of the work will take place at AFRL’s headquarters at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.