Air Force unveils first draft of $2B base security tech recompete
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By
Ross Wilkers
Air Force officials are setting up the multiple-award GUARD contract to aid the transition of the security systems to a modular open systems architecture.
The Air Force has unveiled a first draft of the solicitation for a potential $2 billion recompete of a contract focused on the acquisition, integration and sustainment of base defense security systems.
With the apt name of GUARD, the multiple-award Global Unified Airbase Readiness and Defense contract will support efforts across the Air Force to equip its security forces with security systems and other tools for protecting personnel and facilities.
Air Force officials set up GUARD to cover its family of Integrated Base Defense Security Systems and move this tech to a modular open systems architecture for integrating new subsystems and third-party applications, according to the draft request for proposals posted Friday.
IBDSS comprises of fixed-site electronic security systems including cameras and other intrusion detection products, tactical systems used for force protection missions, and delay and denial systems for target engagement functions.
The Air Force is particularly looking at applications from the Internet of Things, cloud computing and artificial intelligence domains as tools to integrate into the overall IBDSS environment.
GUARD’s core requirements cover the design and delivery of new systems, site surveys and installation, systems engineering, testing and verification, cybersecurity assessment and authorization support, training, and lifecycle sustainment efforts such as warranties and logistics.
By releasing the draft RFP, the Air Force is giving industry a new opportunity to examine the acquisition strategy in more detail and weigh in before the service branch releases a final solicitation.
Comments and feedback on the draft RFP are due by 12 p.m. on Oct. 14.
GUARD will be the follow-on to IBDSS Next, a multiple-award task order effort finalized in 2023 with four winners that vie for work to maintain the systems.
Deltek data indicates the Air Force has awarded $177.3 million in work ahead of separate sunset dates for each winner between February 2027 and May 2028.
Obligation details for the awardee are as follows:
- Parsons Corp. – 27%, or $48.7 million
- CACI International – 27%, or $47.4 million
- M.C. Dean – 23%, or $41.7 million
- Johnson Controls – 22%, or $39.5 million