This Sources Sought opportunity from Department Of Homeland Security was posted on July 30, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.
Request for Information (RFI): USCG Nationwide Automatic Identification System (NAIS) Support Services in Alaska
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
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AI Contract Overview
The United States Coast Guard, through the C5I Division 2 Kearneysville under the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking industry input via a Request for Information to establish comprehensive Automatic Identification System (AIS), VHF-FM voice, and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) services across designated regions of Alaska, ensuring 24/7 maritime communication coverage. The goal is to bridge existing coverage gaps by delivering reliable data reception and transmission services with stringent performance standards: AIS systems must maintain 96% monthly operational availability, while VHF-FM and DSC systems must achieve 98% availability. Data delivery must ensure 96% of AIS messages reach recipients within two seconds, with continuous monitoring and real-time access to emergency channels. The contractor must support offshore coverage extending 20 nautical miles for VHF/DSC voice and 2000 nautical miles for AIS data, covering key Alaskan ports and maritime routes. The solicitation explicitly encourages innovative solutions beyond terrestrial networks, including satellite or aerial platforms, as the USCG is open to all viable approaches that meet technical, operational, and security demands. The contract is structured as a Firm Fixed Price vehicle with a base period from March 30, 2027, through March 29, 2028, and four optional one-year periods extending through March 29, 2032. It is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 334511, restricted to small businesses. Contractors must achieve formal IT Security Accreditation within six months of award and comply with federal and DHS cybersecurity standards, including NIST frameworks and Supply Chain Risk Management practices per FAR 52.204-23 and 52.204-25. Personnel must undergo background investigations for unescorted access to federal systems, complete annual cybersecurity training, and adhere to Controlled Unclassified Information handling protocols. Contract performance will be monitored through monthly status reports detailing system availability, message delivery metrics, and geographic coverage, with invoicing tied directly to recorded uptime. The government retains audit rights to inspect facilities, systems, and security controls, and contractors are responsible for secure decommissioning and data sanitization at contract closeout. A Draft Performance Work Statement and USCG questions to industry are provided for context, but no formal evaluation factors or pricing details are yet established. The RFI response deadline is extended to July 31, 2026, and submissions
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
Kearneysville, WV, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Submission Closed
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
*Amendment 02:This RFI has been extended until 3:00pm, EST, Wednesday 05 August 2026.
*Amendment 02: The NAICS Code has been revised.
*Amendment 01: This RFI has been extended until 3:00pm, EST, Friday 31 July 2026.
*Amendment 01: The NAICS Code has been revised.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) seeks comprehensive Automatic Identification System (AIS), VHF-FM voice, and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) services, 24/7, for designated regions of Alaska. The goal is to augment existing USCG infrastructure, address coverage gaps, and ensure reliable maritime communications.
Core services include:
- AIS Data Reception: Continuous collection and delivery of AIS data.
- AIS Message Transmission: Shore-to-ship transmission of safety messages and virtual Aids to Navigation (AtoN).
- VHF-FM Voice Communications: Extending VHF Channel 16 coverage.
- DSC Data Communications: Extending DSC Channel 70 coverage.
Key Performance & Technical Requirements:
- Coverage: The contractor must provide services for key Alaskan ports and regions, extending coverage offshore to 20nm for VHF/DSC and 2000nm for AIS.
- System Availability: Maintain high operational availability: 96% for AIS systems and 98% for VHF/DSC sites.
- Data & Communication: Ensure timely data delivery (96% of AIS messages in under 2 seconds), support all standard message types, and provide continuous monitoring of emergency channels.
- Security & Compliance: Adhere to rigorous security protocols, including achieving formal IT Security Accreditation, ensuring personnel meet DHS/DoD cybersecurity standards, implementing Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), and guaranteeing secure data handling and system decommissioning.
Performance Expectations:
The contractor must meet the following key performance standards:
- System Availability: Maintain high monthly operational availability:
- 98% for VHF-FM/DSC sites.
- 96% for all AIS sites (receiver and transmit) and network connections.
- Data Performance:
- Deliver 96% of AIS messages in under 2 seconds.
- Provide reliable, real-time, and historical data access.
- Security & Compliance:
- Achieve formal IT Security Accreditation within six months of award.
- Adhere to all federal and DHS security standards for data handling, cybersecurity (NIST), and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM).
- Ensure secure system and data sanitization at contract end.
- Support:
- Provide timely monthly reports and maintain responsive technical support.
Industry Input Requested
The USCG is interested in learning how industry can meet these coverage and performance requirements. Respondents are requested to provide a statement describing their approach to delivering AIS and VHF-FM/DSC coverage and data services for the designated regions/ports of Alaska.
- If your solution relies on terrestrial AIS and VHF/DSC sites, please describe your network architecture, coverage capabilities, and maintenance approach.
- If your solution involves alternative technologies (e.g., satellite, aerial platforms, or other methods), please describe how your approach would meet the coverage, data quality, security, and operational requirements outlined above.
**Please do not limit your response to terrestrial solutions. The USCG is interested in learning about all viable approaches to achieve comprehensive AIS and VHF-FM/DSC coverage in Alaska.
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