Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN), 5

The Defense Information Technology Contracting Organization is seeking industry input through a Request for Information (RFI) to inform the development of the next generation of the Defense Research and Engineering Network, designated DREN 5. This initiative, issued on June 10, 2026, with a response deadline of June 25, 2026, is strictly for market research and is not a solicitation for proposals or a contract opportunity. The Government is evaluating potential acquisition strategies, particularly a multiple contract model that could divide services such as transmission circuits, nodal equipment, Network Operations Center (NOC) operations, technical support, and Cloud-Native Data Center hosting into separate contracts to improve flexibility, competition, and performance. Respondents are asked to provide actionable insights grounded in industry best practices, emerging technologies, and real-world experience, focusing on performance, security, cost efficiency, and innovative solutions—not marketing materials. The RFI references the DREN 4 Performance Work Statement for context and includes follow-up questions requiring specific technical and structural feedback on implementation challenges and opportunities. The procurement is being managed by the Telecommunications Division under the Department of Defense, with the contracting office located at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, and the designated place of performance as Mt Zion, Illinois. Key points of contact are Katie Day and Amber McKee, who serve as the primary contracting officer and contract specialist, respectively. Responses must be submitted as a single white paper not exceeding 25 pages and 5 MB in file size, via email by the stated deadline. While no contract type, estimated value, or formal evaluation factors have been established, the Government is considering potential requirements tied to Trade Agreement Act compliance, small business set-asides for certain service components, supply chain transparency, and export control compliance under ITAR/EAR. The RFI references FAR 52.219-14 in the context of subcontracting limitations but no contract clauses have been finalized. Packaging, marking, inspection criteria, payment details, accounting data, invoicing methods, and specific security or key personnel requirements have not been defined and remain under exploration. All future contract terms, including period of performance, delivery schedules, inspection protocols, and award basis, will be developed based on the feedback received and published in a subsequent Request for Proposal.