Request for Information and Draft PWS Feedback for DICE Laboratory Sustainment and Engineering Support

NIWC Pacific is conducting market research via a Request for Information for the sustainment and engineering support of the Development, Integration, and Certification Environment (DICE) laboratory in San Diego, California. This opportunity is exclusively available to SeaPort-NxG contract holders and seeks feedback on a proposed transition from a purely Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee structure to a hybrid model. The anticipated period of performance is five years, consisting of one base year and four twelve-month option years. The requirement focuses on providing systems engineering, cybersecurity, laboratory sustainment, and hardware-in-the-loop integration support for major C4ISR programs, including CANES. The proposed hybrid contract structure divides work into two tiers: Core Laboratory Operations and Sustainment, which will be Firm-Fixed-Price for predictable daily tasks such as facility management and IT administration, and Technical and Test Event Surge Support, which will be Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee for on-demand requirements like fleet emergencies and rapid prototyping. Due to the nature of the work in secure facilities and SCIFs, a workforce with Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearances is required. Performance will be measured against specific Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLs) regarding facility security, infrastructure sustainment, and cybersecurity compliance, with payment for the fixed-price portion contingent upon meeting these standards. Interested SeaPort-NxG contractors must submit their feedback and company details, including CAGE code and contract number, by October 28, 2026.