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FA8217-26-CRC-NGFW

RFI -Next Generation Firewall Ruggedized

DEPT OF DEFENSE > DEPT OF THE AIR FORCE > AIR FORCE MATERIEL COMMAND > AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER > ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS > FA8217 AFLCMC HBDK

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Open SAM.gov
Notice Type Sources Sought
Due 2026-04-30
Posted 2026-04-02
NAICS 541512
PSC R425
Set-aside No Set aside used
Scout Score 69

Quick analysis

RFI seeks a ruggedized, transit-case Next-Gen Firewall capable of operating in contested environments and meeting Starshield cybersecurity/Zero Trust requirements (AFLCMC CRC, Hill AFB).

Core content (RFI and Q&A) is access-restricted; DD2345 and named Data Custodian are required. Only a deleted-attachment notice was readable in this folder.

Trace has strong alignment: DoD-approved Starshield reseller, NSA Trusted Integrator, tactical edge compute/integration, cybersecurity/OCC, and an E&I Facility for integration and T&E.

Full & open Sources Sought with 541512 NAICS (334111 also welcomed). Opportunity is early-stage with shaping potential; response due 30 Apr 2026 (15 pages), questions due 17 Apr 2026.

Scope summary

  • Provide, deliver, and sustain a ruggedized, field-deployable Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW).
  • Integrate NGFW into a transit case suitable for contested environments.
  • Meet demanding cybersecurity requirements of the Starshield project and enable a Zero Trust architecture.
  • Operate at/for Hill AFB (AFLCMC CRC PMO).
  • Respond to RFI with max 15 pages by 30 Apr 2026, 1pm MST; submit questions by 17 Apr 2026.
  • Access to RFI and Q&A requires a current DD2345; only the named Data Custodian will receive access.
  • Primary NAICS 541512; responses from 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing) are also welcomed.

Dimension scores

Total - 69/100
Technical Fit - 17/20

Notice seeks a ruggedized, field-deployable NGFW integrated into a transit case for contested environments with Starshield and Zero Trust requirements. Trace capabilities include Starshield reseller status, tactical edge computing and integration (AECC/MC2H/TEC), NSA Trusted Integrator/CDS/CSfC, cybersecurity/OCC, and an E&I Facility for integration and T&E (company_profile). Strong core match to integration and cyber at the tactical edge.

Past Performance - 13/20

Relevant USAF and DoD past performance in comms/cyber/integration (USAFCENT Comms & IT, ABMS IDIQ, DAF Battle Network integration, GSM-O, MPE). Same agency family (USAF/AFLCMC) and mission area adjacency, though not a prior NGFW product prime (company_profile).

Vehicles / Contract Access - 6/10

This is a full & open Sources Sought/RFI (no set-aside, no specified vehicle). Trace can respond without a specific vehicle at this stage (scout ledger/metadata).

Competitive Position - 10/15

Differentiators align to RFI: DoD-approved Starshield reseller (explicitly referenced program), NSA TI/CSfC for Zero Trust/CDS, tactical edge integration and rugged deployments via E&I Facility. Competitive field likely includes firewall OEMs and rugged integrators, but Trace has documentable advantages for integration in Starshield/edge contexts (company_profile, notice).

Risk - 9/15

Moderate risk: Core requirements (ruggedization standards, certifications, exact NGFW specs) are unknown due to restricted RFI/Q&A; DD2345 access and named Data Custodian are gating. Technical execution (rugged transit-case NGFW in contested environments) is familiar but may require OEM coordination and environmental testing. RFI stage lowers near-term delivery risk (scout ledger, company_profile).

Strategic Value - 8/10

Starshield-aligned requirement with Zero Trust is strategically important; Trace is 1 of 3 DoD-approved Starshield resellers. Early RFI provides shaping opportunity with Tier-1 agency (USAF/AFLCMC) and aligns with Trace’s tactical edge/JADC2 portfolio (company_profile, notice).

Compliance - 6/10

No set-aside; NAICS 541512 fits Trace. Access to RFI/Q&A requires DD2345 and a named Data Custodian—status not confirmed here. Other mandatory certifications/clearances are not stated in visible materials. Most compliance appears addressable via process/teaming (scout ledger, notice).

Concerns

  • Core RFI and Q&A content is access-restricted (DD2345); inability to access may lead to incomplete understanding of requirements.
  • Q&A may materially change or clarify scope; currently unreadable.
  • Potential ruggedization/environmental standards (e.g., MIL-STD/TEMPEST) unknown; could add cost/schedule/testing risk.
  • Possible need for OEM-specific NGFW features, licenses, or certifications.
  • Supply chain and sustainment for ruggedized hardware in contested environments.

Teaming opportunities

  • NGFW OEM partner for compliant hardware/software features and licensing.
  • Rugged transit-case fabrication/integration partner and environmental test support, if required beyond Trace’s E&I Facility.
  • Named Data Custodian with current DD2345 to access restricted documents.
  • Zero Trust architecture SME aligned to Starshield cybersecurity requirements (if customer expects formal ZT design artifacts).

Competitive position

  • Leverage Trace’s DoD-approved Starshield reseller status to ensure compliance with Starshield cybersecurity requirements and integration nuances.
  • Demonstrate proven tactical edge integration (AECC/MC2H/TEC) and transit-case deployments using the E&I Facility for rapid prototyping, T&E, and production.
  • Apply NSA Trusted Integrator/CSfC/CDS pedigree to Zero Trust enforcement at the edge, including multi-domain considerations (M-DRIVE).
  • Offer 24/7 sustainment through the OCC and global FSR footprint for contested environment operations.

Bid/No bid factors

  • Starshield/LEO SATCOM-aligned opportunity — automatic review flag per scoring_guidance.
  • Core RFI and Q&A are access-restricted (DD2345 required); current package lacks specifications.

Documents

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Deleted Attachments.txt Unavailable

No current live SAM.gov attachment matches this stored row.

Summary

Lists deleted attachment filenames for the opportunity; identifies the primary RFI attachment as “Request for Information (RFI) for Ruggedized NGFW 30 March 2026.docx” but contains no substantive RFI content. The file confirms the RFI was attached previously but is not available in this folder.

  • Deleted-attachment notice present (primary RFI was removed)
  • Filename: 'Request for Information (RFI) for Ruggedized NGFW 30 March 2026.docx' — confirms scope (Ruggedized NGFW) and date (30 March 2026)
  • Absence of the attachment is a blocker for direct review of requirements; additional access or request to contracting office will be required to obtain full RFI
  • Filename can be used to match or request the original document elsewhere (e.g., SAM record or COR)
Questions and Responses 1.docx Download

Restricted: Restricted

Summary

This attachment is a restricted Q&A document added by amendment on 2026-04-02 and is not available for review without DEA/ITAR/MD required clearance steps (DD2345) and explicit Data Custodian designation. The document reportedly contains questions and responses relevant to the RFI; because it is restricted we cannot confirm specific clarifications or technical details from the file.

  • Document title: Questions and Responses 1.docx — described in RFI as containing questions and responses useful to all interested vendors
  • Added by Amendment dated 2026-04-02 (RFI amendment referenced in opportunity metadata)
  • Access restriction: requires submission of a current DD2345 and only the Data Custodian named on that DD2345 will be given access
  • Processing status: extractor pending; file processed as metadata_only and review_status = restricted
  • Likely contains official Q&A that could change requirements/clarifications for the ruggedized NGFW RFI
  • Timing constraint: RFI response deadline unchanged (submit no-cost information NLT 30 Apr 2026, 1pm MST) — Q&A may reflect clarifications submitted by the 17 Apr 2026 question cutoff
  • RFI context (from opportunity): seeks ruggedized, transit-case NGFW for contested environments supporting Starshield and Zero Trust — Q&A likely pertains to these technical/operational requirements
  • Access operational impact: Trace must provide DD2345 and designate a Data Custodian to obtain the doc; lack of access is a blocker to capturing clarifications in proposal/response planning
Request for Information (RFI) for Ruggedized NGFW 30 March 2026.docx Download

Restricted: Restricted

Summary

RFI titled 'Ruggedized NGFW' (30 Mar 2026) is access-restricted and was not extractable from the source; content could not be reviewed. Relevant high-level details (scope, access rules, deadlines, POA) are available from the public notice metadata but the document itself remains unreadable without a validated DD2345 and designated Data Custodian access.

  • Document title/date: 'Request for Information (RFI) for Ruggedized NGFW' — 30 March 2026 (from file name/notice).
  • Access restriction: Requires a current DD2345; only the Data Custodian listed on DD2345 will be granted access (blocks content review).
  • Scope (from notice metadata): Seeking ruggedized, transit-case NGFW for contested environments supporting Starshield and Zero Trust architecture.
  • NAICS: 541512 (primary); notice also welcomes 334111 (electronic computer manufacturing).
  • Place of Performance: Hill Air Force Base, UT (ZIP 84056).
  • Response deadline (from notice): 30 April 2026, 1pm MST.
  • Submission constraints (from notice): Max 15 pages; submit electronically via email to POCs.
  • POCs: Ms. Wendy Farley (wendy.farley@us.af.mil) and Mr. Carlos Michel (carlos.michel@us.af.mil).
  • Set-aside: NONE (full & open / sources sought).
  • Additional restricted material: 'Questions and Responses 1' doc was added and is access-restricted under the same DD2345 rule (amendment noted 4/2/2026).
  • Notice type: Sources Sought / RFI — explicitly not a solicitation; used for market research and planning.
Technical details

Entry: sync

Review status: Up to date

Logical upstream opportunity: 7627

Notice lineage:

  • 873691f13e604931858d8231faf3b4fb (posted 2026-04-02) - current
  • 3458376715d94c12a20df4712e2dc2de
  • 493fc4609f4e483b9fecbf2dcfff0d0b

Last synced: 2026-04-07T14:38:16.570073+00:00

Last analyzed: 2026-04-03T15:18:50.952344+00:00

Latest package fingerprint: 591f42d6337cef09f359b1849029ecddd0662c7e9da43211113b2abcdc652df9

Latest package notice: 873691f13e604931858d8231faf3b4fb

Latest package documents: 3

Evidence limitations
  • Questions and Responses 1.docx: restricted (restricted)
  • Request for Information (RFI) for Ruggedized NGFW 30 March 2026.docx: restricted (restricted)
  • One or more upstream documents were access restricted; Scout analyzed the available evidence only.
Recent package history
  • 2026-04-03T15:16:30.304268+00:00: 873691f13e604931858d8231faf3b4fb with 3 docs

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