Update on U.S. Air Force’s $5.3-Billion Cyber Contract: Enterprise Cyber Capabilities (EC2)

The U.S. Air Force released a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for its new $5.3-billion multiple award, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) cyber security contract, Enterprise Cyber Capabilities (EC2). The final request for proposals (RFP) is expected as soon as July 1, 2022, although the date is subject to change, per the latest information from the Government. Previously, the final solicitation was not anticipated until October.

The Government intends to make an award to each and all qualifying Offerors that submit a technically acceptable proposal. The Highly Qualified definition is the same for Small Business as it is for Other Than Small Business. This is a full and open competition with set asides to be determined at the Task Order stage.

This arrangement has several tangible benefits to both bidders and the Government. For bidders, it allows more companies to gain access to compete on Task Orders, forms a partnership for large and small businesses, and maximizes small business partnerships and teaming possibilities. For the Air Force, allowing more contractors on the contract vehicle reduces risk by providing access to pre-vetted, qualified contractors, and it offers streamlined ordering procedures for future requirements (which vastly reduces lead time to award).

The Government will evaluate proposals on three main criteria: Eligibility and Responsibility, Past Experience (which accounts for 90% of the overall score), and Past Performance (Substantial Confidence).

Bidders must prove Financial Capability (a minimum of $500,000), have a certified cost accounting system, and they must provide two work samples for each specialty area for which they are claiming points in the Performance Work Statement (PWS). The PWS contains seven categories and 31 Specialty Areas.

Bidders must submit official contract documentation to claim points for each work sample. Contract documentation may include Performance Work Statements (PWS), Statements of Work (SOW), or Contract Data Requirement Lists (CDRLs).

The EC2 IDIQ is a de-centralized (Air Force-wide) contract vehicle with a 5-Year Base Period and one 5-Year Option Period; NAICS Code: NAICS 541330 Engineering Services, Exception 1 Military and Aerospace Equipment and Military Weapons. This contract will be a Fixed Price & Cost Reimbursement.

The Air Force seeks bidders with experience across the entire cyber framework to support a scope of work that includes: supporting and enabling cyber operations, command and control, Cyber Wings, cyber planning, cyber security, cyber analysis, full-spectrum testing, training, exercising, TTP development, modeling and simulation, cyber mission-essential support, threat assessment support, targeting and analysis support, real-time operation and integration activities, software and tool development, vulnerability research, intrusion detection and prevention support, and strategic management support which enables fulfillment of the Air Force cyber mission.

OST Global Solutions is a professional business development consulting firm. We have experience supporting large, strategic bids like EC2. We can provide capture and proposal teams to develop a complete, winning EC2 proposal. Or we can provide consultants on a case-by-case basis to fill gaps on your business development team. Our services related to the EC2 proposal consist of capture management, proposal management, orals coaching, proposal writing, graphics support, editing, desktop publishing, and cost volume development.

Reach out to us to discuss your EC2 bid, so we can discuss how to develop a winning proposal.

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