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.
AI Contract Overview
The United States Coast Guard is seeking industry input to enhance maritime communication and safety systems across Alaska through the provision of continuous, 24/7 Automatic Identification System, VHF-FM voice, and Digital Selective Calling services. The focus is on extending coverage to key Alaskan ports and offshore areas, with AIS data reception and transmission requirements reaching up to 2000 nautical miles, and VHF-DSC coverage expanded to 20 nautical miles offshore. Contractors must ensure high system availability—98% for VHF-FM and DSC sites and 96% for AIS systems—with AIS messages delivered within two seconds for 96% of transmissions. The solution must support all standard message types, maintain real-time and historical data accessibility, and provide uninterrupted monitoring of emergency channels. Security and compliance are paramount, requiring contractors to achieve formal IT Security Accreditation within six months of contract award, adhere to NIST standards, and implement robust Supply Chain Risk Management practices. Personnel must meet DHS and DoD cybersecurity requirements, and systems must be designed and maintained to ensure secure data handling and complete sanitization upon contract closure. The solicitation is a total small business set-aside under NAICS 488330 and welcomes responses from any viable approach—whether terrestrial, satellite, aerial, or hybrid—to meet Alaska’s unique geographic and operational challenges. The U.S. Coast Guard encourages innovative solutions that address the region’s vast, remote terrain and harsh environmental conditions, with a deadline for responses set for July 28, 2026.
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
Kearneysville, WV, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Response Deadline
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
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.