Installation Service Node Modernization (ISN-M)

The United States Air Force, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Data Transport Branch, is conducting market research via Request for Information ISN-M-RFI2026 to inform the modernization of its Installation Service Node infrastructure under the Installation Service Node Modernization (ISN-M) initiative. The objective is to unify two separate network environments—NIPR and SIPR—into a single, modern, standards-based technical architecture that maintains their physical and functional separation while achieving operational parity in performance, security, reliability, and cost efficiency. This initiative seeks industry input on best practices for large-scale network consolidation, with a focus on scalable, modular, open-standards-based solutions that align with Zero Trust, Infrastructure as Code, and hybrid cloud principles. Responses must address technical requirements including a common hardware/software baseline, Out-of-Band Management integration, delivery of core enterprise services such as Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Privileged Access Management, and Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, and the ability to reduce Total Cost of Ownership. Proposals must be submitted as a single searchable PDF with a cover page, table of contents, executive summary, and numbered responses, and are due by May 8, 2026, via SAM.gov. Respondents must possess or demonstrate the capability to deploy solutions that comply with DoD cybersecurity frameworks including RMF per DoDI 8510.01, DISA STIGs, and FIPS 140-2/3, and must leverage government-furnished equipment and licensed software where available. Personnel must hold active SECRET-level security clearances and SIPRNet access, and be certified under DoD 8570. The initiative anticipates a two-phase acquisition strategy: Phase I may utilize a Commercial Solutions Opening or Other Transaction Authority to award prototype contracts, followed by a potential Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contract for enterprise-wide deployment. Contractors will operate under a hybrid Government-Owned, Contractor-Operated model, with final configuration and Authority to Operate control retained by the government. All deliverables, including a Technical Data Package, Project Management Plan, System Design Document, and Test and Evaluation Report, must be submitted with Government Purpose Rights. The place of performance is Hanscom AFB, Massachusetts, though solutions will be deployed across approximately 186 global sites. No contract award will result from this RFI, and no pricing, CLINs, or funding levels are disclosed, as this is purely a market research tool to shape future procurement