How GDI Consulting Can Help You Win the D3I2 Domain 2 Contract

Introduction

The U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command (USASMDC) is looking for innovative and capable contractors to provide research and development solutions for space, high altitude, missile defense, and other warfighter needs. The Design, Development, Demonstration, and Integration II (D3I2) Domain 2 contract is a follow-on multiple award indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (MAIDIQ) contract that will enable USASMDC to procure a broad range of services and products in the area of information integration, data exploitation, and enhanced warfighter capabilities. The contract has an estimated value of $2 billion and a period of performance of 10 years (5 years base plus 1 x 5 years option). The solicitation number is W9113M23R0061 and the draft request for proposal (RFP) is expected to be released in January 2024.

If you are a small business that wants to compete for this lucrative opportunity, you need a partner that can help you prepare a winning proposal. GDI Consulting is a leading provider of capture and proposal services for government contractors, with a proven track record of success in the federal market. We have the experience, expertise, and resources to help you craft a compelling and compliant proposal that showcases your strengths and differentiators. In this article, we will explain why GDI Consulting is the best choice for your D3I2 Domain 2 bid, and how we can help you overcome the challenges and risks involved in this complex procurement.

Historical Background

The D3I2 Domain 2 contract is a follow-on to the current D3I Domain 2 contract, which was awarded in 2016 to six small businesses: Colsa Corporation, CYBEX LLC, Serco Group PLC, MEI Technologies, Inc., Sentar, Inc., and Torch Technologies Inc. The D3I Domain 2 contract has a ceiling value of $504 million and a period of performance of nine years (four years base plus one x five years option). The contract provides USASMDC with the ability to procure research and development capabilities for space, high altitude (HA), missile defense, cyber security, information technology (IT), and other applicable warfighter solutions.

The D3I Domain 2 contract is part of a larger D3I program that also includes Domain 1, which is a full-and-open competition for similar services and products. The D3I Domain 1 contract was awarded in 2017 to eight contractors: BAE Systems, Inc., Leidos, Inc., KBR, Inc., Northrop Grumman Corporation, QWK Integrated Solutions, LLC, Raytheon Technologies Corporation, SAIC, and Teledyne Technologies, Inc. The D3I Domain 1 contract has a ceiling value of $1.58 billion and a period of performance of nine years (four years base plus one x five years option).

The D3I program follows an evolutionary development of systems architecture focused on a “Concept to Combat” philosophy. It is designed to satisfy recurring research and development requirements across USASMDC and other associated Department of Defense (DoD) and federal organizations.

RFP Description

The D3I2 Domain 2 contract is a follow-on MAIDIQ contract that will be used to procure research and development capabilities in support of USASMDC missions. According to the SAM.gov posting, the D3I2 contract will include two domains: Domain 1 (full-and-open) and Domain 2 (small business set-aside). The service branch estimates a programmatic level ceiling value of $4.06 billion, which will be shared between D3I2 Domain 1 ($2.01 billion) and Domain 2 ($2.05 billion). The D3I2 Domain 2 contract has a projected period of performance of Feb. 5, 2025 to Feb. 4, 2035. The duration comprises a five-year base ordering period and another five-year optional ordering period.

The scope of the D3I2 Domain 2 contract covers information integration, data exploitation, and enhanced warfighter capabilities domain to assist USASMDC in its development and delivery of global space, missile defense and high altitude capabilities to the Army and allies. The specific tasks may include:

• Technology gap identification
• Design, development, modernization, fabrication, integration, modification, and testing of limited quantity production, prototypes, systems, subsystems, components, sub-components, innovations, and architectures
• Data analysis and exploitation
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Cybersecurity and information assurance
• Modeling and simulation
• Software development and engineering
• Hardware development and engineering
• Systems engineering and integration
• Technical support and training
• Program management and administration

The D3I2 Domain 2 contract will be competed among the small business awardees of the D3I2 Domain 2 MAIDIQ contract. The contract type will be determined at the task order level and may include firm-fixed-price (FFP), cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF), cost-plus-incentive-fee (CPIF), cost-plus-award-fee (CPAF), or time-and-materials (T&M). The evaluation criteria will be based on the best value tradeoff method, considering technical, past performance, and price factors.

The Army posted a draft solicitation for the D3I2 Domain 2 contract on October 15, 2023 and hosted a procurement acquisition lead time (PALT) session and an information briefing to industry on August 15, 2023. The responses to the draft RFP were due on October 25, 2023. The final RFP is anticipated to be released in January 2024.

Who Should Participate

The D3I2 Domain 2 contract is a great opportunity for small businesses that have the capability and experience to provide innovative and cutting-edge solutions for space, high altitude, missile defense, and other warfighter needs. The contract offers a long-term and stable source of revenue for small businesses that can meet the demanding requirements of USASMDC. The contract also provides a chance to work with some of the leading contractors in the industry, as well as to showcase their expertise and value proposition to other potential customers in the DoD and federal market.

To be eligible to participate in the D3I2 Domain 2 competition, a small business must meet the following criteria:

• Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database
• Have a valid DUNS number
• Have a positive past performance record with USASMDC or other relevant customers
• Have a relevant NAICS code (541715) with a size standard of 1,000 employees or less
• Have a sufficient bonding capacity and financial stability
• Have a robust quality management system and cybersecurity compliance
• Have a teaming strategy that complements their core competencies and fills any gaps in their capabilities

Challenges

The D3I2 Domain 2 contract is not an easy win for any small business. The competition will be fierce and the expectations will be high. Some of the challenges that a small business may face in pursuing this opportunity are:

• Understanding the complex and evolving requirements of USASMDC and its customers
• Demonstrating technical excellence and innovation in a highly competitive environment
• Providing sufficient evidence of past performance and relevant experience in similar projects
• Developing a realistic and competitive pricing strategy that balances risk and reward
• Managing multiple subcontractors and partners effectively and efficiently
• Complying with all the solicitation instructions and evaluation criteria
• Meeting the tight deadlines and milestones of the procurement process

Conclusion

The D3I2 Domain 2 contract is a rare and lucrative opportunity for small businesses that want to grow their business in the federal market. The contract will provide access to a wide range of research and development projects for space, high altitude, missile defense, and other warfighter needs. The contract will also enable small businesses to establish long-term relationships with USASMDC and other potential customers in the DoD and federal sector.

However, winning this contract is not a simple task. It requires a lot of preparation, planning, and execution. It also requires a partner that can help you navigate the complex procurement process and deliver a winning proposal. If you are interested in partnering with us for the D3I2 Domain 2 bid, please contact us today at www.gdicwins.com. We are always there when you need us and work 24/7 to ensure timely delivery of the documents as well as provide effective consultation to ensure proper management of your bid opportunities.