Introduction
The U.S. Air Force is looking for contractors who can provide a wide range of cyber-related support activities under a new 10-year contract called Enterprise Cyber Capabilities (EC2). The contract has an estimated value of $5.3 billion and covers various aspects of cyber operations, cyber security, cyber analysis, cyber training, and cyber management. The EC2 contract is a great opportunity for companies that have experience and expertise in the cyber domain and want to help the Air Force achieve its cyber mission objectives.
Historical Background
The EC2 contract is a successor to the previous Air Force cyber contracts, such as the Network-Centric Solutions-2 (NETCENTS-2) and the Cyber Security and Information Systems Technical Area Tasks (CS TAT). The NETCENTS-2 contract, which expired in 2019, was a multiple-award IDIQ contract that provided a range of IT products and services, including network operations, infrastructure, software, and engineering. The CS TAT contract, which is still active until 2024, is a multiple-award IDIQ contract that provides research, development, test and evaluation (RDT&E) support for cyber security and information systems. The EC2 contract aims to consolidate and streamline the cyber support activities under one umbrella contract that can meet the evolving needs and challenges of the Air Force in cyberspace.
RFP Description
The EC2 contract is a multiple-award IDIQ contract with a 10-year period of performance (five-year base and five-year option period). The contract has six functional areas: Operate and Maintain (O&M), Training, Management and Policy, Protect and Defend, Analyze, Collect and Operate, Investigate, and Securely Provision. The contractors will be required to provide the technical support, administration, maintenance, training, analysis, investigation, protection, defense, and provisioning of information systems and networks that enable the Air Force to conduct cyber operations. The contractors will also be required to adhere to the Governmental training mandates and policies, as well as perform highly-specialized tasks such as denial and deception operations, software and tool development, vulnerability research, intrusion detection and prevention support, and strategic management support.
The solicitation number for the EC2 contract is FA877322R0005. The final RFP was scheduled to be released on December 29, 2021, but it may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. The initial evaluation briefing is expected to be on May 12, 2022, followed by the pre-final best offer briefing on August 31, 2022, the source selection decision briefing on November 9, 2022, and the contract award on November 23, 2022. The ordering period will start on December 1, 2022.
Who Should Participate
The EC2 contract is open to any company that can demonstrate its capability and experience in providing cyber-related support activities across the entire cyber framework. The contractors will be evaluated based on their past performance, work samples, self-scoring matrix, cross-reference matrix, certifications, accounting system survey, and other relevant factors. The contractors will also need to have a team structure that can effectively deliver the required services under each functional area. The contractors will need to have a subcontractor teaming partner consent letter if they intend to use subcontractors or teaming partners for any part of the work.
The EC2 contract is a highly competitive and lucrative opportunity for companies that want to expand their business in the cyber domain. The contractors will have the chance to work with the Air Force customers who are responsible for building, operating, supporting, defending, extending, and engaging in cyberspace. The contractors will also have the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of cyber technology and innovation that can enhance the security and performance of information systems and networks.
Challenges
The EC2 contract also poses some challenges for potential bidders. One of the challenges is the complexity and diversity of the scope of work. The contractors will need to have a comprehensive understanding of the cyber requirements and expectations of the Air Force customers. The contractors will also need to have a flexible and adaptable approach that can accommodate the changing needs and priorities of the customers. Another challenge is the compliance and quality assurance of the work. The contractors will need to follow the Governmental standards and regulations for cyber security and information systems. The contractors will also need to ensure that their work meets the highest level of quality and reliability.
To overcome these challenges, potential bidders will need to prepare well for their proposals. They will need to conduct thorough research and analysis of the RFP documents and the Air Force cyber environment. They will also need to demonstrate their value proposition and differentiation from other competitors. They will need to highlight their relevant experience, expertise, and innovation in the cyber domain. They will also need to showcase their team structure, capabilities, and resources that can deliver the best results for the customers.
Conclusion
The EC2 contract is a significant opportunity for companies that want to provide cyber-related support activities for the Air Force. The contract covers a wide range of cyber operations, cyber security, cyber analysis, cyber training, and cyber management functions. The contract has an estimated value of $5.3 billion and a 10-year period of performance. The contract is open to any company that can demonstrate its capability and experience in the cyber domain. The contract is also challenging and competitive, requiring potential bidders to prepare well for their proposals.
If you are interested in bidding on the EC2 contract, you may need some professional assistance and guidance. GDI Consulting is a leading provider of proposal writing, capture management, and business development services for government contractors. We have extensive experience and expertise in helping our clients win federal contracts in various domains, including cyber security and information systems. We can help you with any part of the proposal process, from strategy development to proposal writing to proposal review. We can also help you with market research, competitive analysis, teaming arrangements, pricing strategy, and other aspects of capture management. We have a proven track record of success in winning federal contracts for our clients.
If you want to learn more about how we can help you win the EC2 contract, please visit our website at www.gdicwins.com. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you on this exciting opportunity.
