Notice of Intent to Sole Source - Global Content Delivery Service (GCDS) III to Akamai Technologies, Inc.

The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is proceeding with a sole-source award to Akamai Technologies, Inc. for the Global Content Delivery Service (GCDS) III, a mission-critical enterprise content delivery network that securely accelerates and monitors web content, applications, and data across Department of Defense networks, including both NIPRNet and SIPRNet. This procurement is justified under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(1) and FAR 6.103-1(c)(2) due to Akamai’s uniquely integrated, proprietary infrastructure and proven capability to deliver uninterrupted, high-performance, zero-trust compliant services that no other vendor can replicate without unacceptable delays, cost increases, or operational disruption. The contract serves as a follow-on to HC108421D0002, with the new performance period running from February 9, 2021, through February 8, 2027, and places of performance spanning globally through Akamai’s edge network, with a designated physical location in St. James, Maryland, and administrative oversight based at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. All personnel must be U.S. citizens with at least a Secret security clearance, and the contractor must maintain a certified Secret facility clearance from DCSA to ensure compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards and classified network requirements. No competitive evaluation process is underway, and no pricing details, contract type, or options are disclosed in the available documentation, though the NAICS code 541519 classifies Akamai as a large business with no socioeconomic set-asides applied. Vendors seeking to demonstrate capability have fifteen calendar days from the notice’s posting on April 29, 2026, to submit a detailed capability statement directly to the contracting office via email or physical mail by the May 13, 2026 deadline, with no formal solicitation or SAM.gov posting occurring. Point of contact for submissions is Sara Vogelgesang and Tricia Singler of DISA’s DITCO, and while no contract clauses, packaging requirements, invoicing methods, or payment details are specified in the available data, acceptance criteria are performance-based and tied to continuous compliance with DoD Zero Trust architecture, confidentiality, integrity, and availability standards. The absence of formal evaluation factors, weights, or award criteria underscores the non-competitive nature of the acquisition, rooted in Akamai’s irreplaceable technical integration, historical performance