DRAFT RFP - Tactical Communications and Technical Investigative Comprehensive Solutions (TACTICS)

The Department of Homeland Security, through its Information Technology Acquisition Center, is soliciting industry feedback on a draft Request for Proposal for the Tactical Communications and Technical Investigative Comprehensive Solutions (TACTICS) Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contract, with a submission deadline for comments on August 3, 2026. This contract is structured as a partial small business set-aside under NAICS code 334220 and will support the procurement of tactical communications equipment (TC1) and related technical investigative services (TC2) through multiple awardees. The scope includes system design, integration, deployment, testing, and ongoing technology refreshment, with all work governed by strict compliance with Section 508 accessibility standards, DHS Enterprise Architecture, and the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual. Proposals will be evaluated in three sequential phases based on demonstrated prior government experience (most important), technical capability including labor category compliance (minimum 38 for TC2), and fair and reasonable pricing, with only offerors achieving a High Confidence rating in the first two factors eligible for award. Pricing must align with specified templates and include all direct and indirect costs, and failure to meet minimum requirements results in automatic exclusion. The contract will have a five-year ordering period from September 2026 through September 2031, with delivery orders potentially extending performance up to 48 months beyond that, and all deliveries must comply with F.O.B. Destination within Consignee’s Premises terms. Packaging must meet environmental standards using recyclable materials, and all software and media must be clearly labeled. Submitting offerors must have an active Unique Entity ID in SAM, self-certify their small business status, and comply with subcontracting limitations and reporting obligations. All proposals must be structured in specific volumes without pricing in early phases, submitted via email in searchable PDF or Word format, and adhere to strict formatting rules including minimum font size and page limits. The contract incorporates numerous FAR clauses including those related to government property, stop-work orders, changes, subcontracts, and options, with certain clauses requiring individual filling by the Ordering Contracting Officer upon task order issuance. Travel under T&M orders requires pre-approval and excludes local travel under 50 miles, and the Government retains sole authority for inspection and acceptance at the destination site.