Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) 26-047 Unstructured Data Environment Scanning

Unstructured Data Environment Scanning

This is a Sources Sought Notice ONLY. This notice is issued solely for market research and acquisition planning purposes; it does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or Request for Proposal (RFP), nor does it promise a future solicitation. Responses are strictly voluntary, and no reimbursement will be provided for costs associated with responding to this notice. Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) is under no obligation to award a contract or expend appropriated funds based on this inquiry.

Background and Objective

Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL), a Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratory, is soliciting information from qualified sources regarding Unstructured Data Environment Scanning solutions. The goal is to identify solutions capable of scanning, discovering, analyzing, and classifying unstructured data across enterprise repositories.  Interested vendors must be prepared to address functional, security, and compliance requirements and may be invited to participate in technical demonstrations to show how their solution satisfies PPPL’s needs.

Small Business and Socioeconomic Consideration

PPPL is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including Large Businesses, Small Businesses, and all socioeconomic categories (SDB, 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, EDWOSB, HUBZone), as well as HBCU/MIs. This information will be used to determine the appropriate level of competition and establish small business subcontracting goals. PPPL reserves the right to consider specific set-asides based on the responses received.

Submission Requirements

Interested firms are requested to submit a Capabilities and Qualifications Statement and must address the Technical Capabilities Questions. This document must be UNCLASSIFIED and provide more than generic marketing brochures. Please include:

1. Administrative Information

• Firm Name and Address.
• Business Size and Status: (Large, Small, SDB, 8(a), WOSB, SDVOSB, EDWOSB, HUBZone, or HBCU/MI).
• Affiliate Information: Parent company, joint venture partners, and potential teaming partners.
• Role: Indicate whether your firm would perform as a prime subcontractor or a lower-tier subcontractor.

       2. Technical Capability Questions

1. Company Profile: An organizational overview highlighting expertise in large-scale unstructured data scanning, discovery, classification, and migration. Please include relevant client references from similar engagements.
2. Technical Response: A detailed explanation of how the solution fulfills the functional and compliance requirements. This must cover capabilities for identifying sensitive data (PII/CUI), detecting ROT data, and mapping data ownership, access, and risk.
3. Deployment Model: A description of available architectures (e.g., SaaS, on-premises, or hybrid) and the solution’s ability to scan diverse repositories, including network shared drives, cloud environments (e.g., Google Drive), and endpoints.
4. Security & Compliance: Documentation of security controls, data protection protocols, and relevant certifications (e.g., FedRAMP). Please specify how the solution maintains the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive data during the analysis phase.
5. Demonstration Availability: Confirmation of the vendor's ability to participate in a virtual demonstration showcasing end-to-end discovery, classification, and reporting within a realistic environment.
6. Pricing & Licensing:
   1. Published Pricing: Current catalogs or price lists, including costs for any necessary add-on modules, integrations, or configurations.
   2. Licensing Overview: A breakdown of the licensing structure (e.g., per user, by data volume, or subscription-based) and how costs scale as data volume or environment complexity increases.

Response Instructions

All responses must be submitted electronically via email to Cheryl Colan at  ccolan@pppl.gov.

• Deadline: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, by 4:30 PM (EST).
• Reference: Please include "RFI 26-047–Unstructured Data Environment Scanning" in the subject line.

Inquiries: All technical and procurement questions should be directed to the Point of Contact (POC) listed above.​​​​​​​

General Information

Responses will not be returned, and respondents will not be notified of evaluation results. The information obtained may be used to develop an acquisition strategy and future RFP. If a solicitation is released, it will be posted on www.SAM.gov. It is the responsibility of potential offerors to monitor SAM.gov for any amendments or official solicitation documents.