2026-0118 DCIS Network Engineering Support (CTS) - TUE 29 Sep RELAUNCH

BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS

1.1 Bidding Options

All companies may bid for this Statement of Work by proposing personnel to deliver the scope of work outlined in Section 3 (Scope of Work) and who meet the required qualifications outlined in the Requirements section. The Contractor shall provide a qualified personnel profile to deliver the services described in this Statement of Work. The profile must meet all mandatory technical, professional, and soft-skill requirements. The personnel shall ensure continuous service coverage, operational resilience, and the ability to support both routine and on-call activities across all NMI functional locations.

1.2 Technical Proposal

Bidders shall include in the Technical Proposal the CVs of the proposed Contractor personnel, clearly indicating relevant experience that demonstrates compliance with the required qualifications.

Bidders shall include in the Technical Proposal a compliance matrix for each proposed profile, demonstrating how the Contractor personnel meet all required qualifications, supported by evidence from their professional experience.

1.3 Technical Compliance

Each bid will be assessed for technical compliance in accordance with Section 1.2, Technical Proposal.

Deadline Date: Tuesday 29 September 2026

Requirement: DCIS Network Engineering Support

Location: NCIA Brunssum, Netherlands (100% onsite)

Period of Performance: Commencing 4 November 2026 (tentative), for an initial period of two (2) months from the effective start date. NCIA reserves the right to extend the period of performance for such additional period(s) as may be required, subject to business needs, the availability of funding, and written notification to the Contractor.

Required Security Clearance: COSMIC TOP SECRET

1. INTRODUCTION

The NATO Integrated Mission Services Centre (NIMSC) is responsible for the coordination, planning, and delivery of engineering and operational support capabilities across Mobile CIS Infrastructure, including Deployable CIS Services (DCIS), Dispersible Systems, Highly Mobile Systems, SATCOM, and Wireless Communications. To ensure the sustained availability, performance, and resilience of these mission-critical capabilities, NIMSC requires structured, continuous Operations and Maintenance (O&M) support aligned with NATO governance, service management processes, and operational priorities.

Through this Statement of Work (SoW), the NIMSC seeks industry support to deliver comprehensive technical, operational, and service-governance activities for the NATO Mission Iraq (NMI) Deployable Communication and Information System (CIS). The objective is to ensure implementation of a new CIS system, an uninterrupted service delivery, effective incident and change management, accurate and auditable reporting, and continuous service improvement across all NMI functional locations. The Contractor, through the selected personnel, will provide technical support, system documentation management, service reporting, and participation in on-call and operational coordination activities, ensuring that NMI CIS capabilities are fully operational, secure, and aligned with NATO standards.

2. INTENDED BUSINESS OUTCOME

The intended business outcome of this Statement of Work is to support the successful delivery of Deployable CIS Services (DCIS) kits by providing the technical expertise required to configure, integrate, validate, and prepare the network infrastructure for operational deployment.

Specifically, the main objectives are:

• Configure operationally ready DCIS kits by ensuring that all assigned network components are configured, integrated, and validated in accordance with approved technical designs, security requirements, and NCIA standards.
• Ensure consistent and high-quality implementation through the application of standardized configuration practices, rigorous testing, and comprehensive technical documentation.
• Support timely project delivery by executing assigned activities in accordance with the agreed project schedule, coordinating effectively with NCIA personnel and other delivery teams, and proactively managing technical dependencies and risks.
• Facilitate successful system integration by ensuring interoperability between the network infrastructure, Core Services, Boundary Protection capabilities, and supporting management systems within each DCIS kit.
• Enable efficient acceptance and deployment readiness by supporting User Acceptance Testing (UAT), resolving identified technical issues, and delivering complete and accurate technical documentation.
• Maintain governance and compliance by performing all activities in accordance with NCIA processes, security policies, configuration management procedures, and project governance requirements, ensuring full traceability and auditability throughout the delivery lifecycle.

The successful execution of this Statement of Work will result in securely configured, fully integrated, tested, and deployment-ready DCIS kits that meet the required technical, operational, and security standards and are ready for transition into operational use.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The scope covers the configuration, deployment support, and tool integration of Deployable CIS Services (DCIS) kits. The Contractor shall provide services in a continuous, structured, and highly secure manner, ensuring alignment with configuration diagrams, security classification boundaries, and operational priorities.

The Contractor shall provide services contributing to the secure configuration, deployment, and operational readiness of the DCIS kits and associated network management services, ensuring alignment with configuration diagrams, security classification boundaries, and operational priorities.

This includes the following activities:

Advanced device configuration: Executing the end-to-end configuration of Cisco routing devices based strictly on provided configuration diagrams, ensuring accurate mapping of connectivity, ports, VLANs, IP addresses, and subnets.

Virtual routing and segmentation: Implementing virtual routing and forwarding (VRFs) to ensure strict, auditable protocol and traffic isolation across multiple security classifications.

Routing protocol deployment: Configuring and optimizing dynamic routing protocols including IS-IS, OSPF, and BGP according to enterprise architecture standards.

Secure Tunnel Establishment: Constructing, validating, and securing Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE) and IPsec tunnels to facilitate secure remote transport.

Remote hands and physical coordination: Collaborating with local support personnel to guide physical installation, verify cabling, and establish baseline physical connectivity.

Management tool integration: Enrolling, configuring, and verifying all newly deployed devices within centralized management and monitoring tools, specifically Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and CA Spectrum.

System documentation management: Supporting the maintenance and updating of system documentation to reflect changes, configurations, and operational procedures.

User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and Troubleshooting: Providing specialized technical support during UAT, including active fault diagnosis, troubleshooting, and resolution of routing, tunnelling, or authentication issues.

All activities shall be performed in accordance with NCIA processes and procedures, ensuring compliance, traceability, and auditability.

3.1 Service Reporting

The Contractor shall establish, maintain, and operate a structured reporting framework to provide NCIA with full visibility of service performance, implementation progress, operational readiness, risks, and compliance with the requirements of this Statement of Work (SoW).

3.1.1 Reporting Requirements

The Contractor shall provide the reports described below.

3.1.1.1 Weekly Progress Report

The Contractor shall submit a Weekly Progress Report every week, summarising the progress of the services performed during the reporting period. The report shall include, as a minimum: activities completed during the reporting period; activities planned for the next reporting period; progress against the agreed implementation schedule and contractual milestones; status of assigned DCIS kits; configuration, integration, testing, and deployment activities completed; and outstanding actions, dependencies, and deployment blockers.

3.1.1.2 Monthly Service Performance Report

The Contractor shall submit a Monthly Service Performance Report no later than the fifth (5th) working day following the end of each reporting period. The report shall include, as a minimum:

Service Performance: Summary of services delivered during the reporting period; and status of assigned DCIS kits.

Progress Reporting: Progress against the agreed implementation schedule; activities completed during the reporting period; planned activities for the next reporting period; and outstanding actions and dependencies.

Configuration and Deployment Status: Status of device configuration and integration activities; validation of implemented configurations; operational readiness of assigned systems and components; and deviations from approved technical designs or implementation plans.

Testing and Validation: User Acceptance Testing (UAT) activities performed; configuration validation results; defects identified; troubleshooting and corrective actions completed; outstanding issues affecting operational readiness; and readiness of each DCIS kit for acceptance.

Documentation Status: Status of technical documentation updates; and confirmation that implemented configurations, design changes, and operational procedures have been incorporated into the project documentation.

Risks and Issues: Technical issues affecting delivery; deployment blockers; design or configuration deviations; dependencies on other contractor teams or NCIA stakeholders; mitigation actions; and escalation items requiring NCIA decisions.

Deliverables and Milestones: Deliverables completed during the reporting period; deliverables submitted for acceptance; milestones achieved; planned milestone completions; and activities requiring NCIA review or acceptance.

KPI Performance: KPI measurements and supporting evidence; identification of KPI breaches; corrective actions for KPI underperformance; and calculation of applicable Service Credits.

The Monthly Service Performance Report shall serve as the basis for service performance assessment and payment validation.

3.1.1.3 Ad Hoc Reports

The Contractor shall provide ad hoc reports upon request by NCIA or following significant technical issues, project risks, deployment delays, or other events requiring management attention.

3.1.2 Reporting Obligations

Reports shall be submitted electronically using NCIA-approved templates or formats and in accordance with the reporting schedule defined in this SoW. All reports shall be accurate, complete, traceable, and auditable, and shall be supported by information recorded in NCIA-approved systems and tools, where applicable.

The Contractor shall participate in project, technical, and service review meetings as requested by NCIA and provide additional verbal or written status updates upon request.

NCIA reserves the right to request clarification or supporting evidence for any reported information and to require corrective actions where reporting deficiencies or discrepancies are identified.

3.2 Service Governance Model

The Contractor shall establish and maintain an effective governance structure to ensure the successful planning, coordination, monitoring, and delivery of the services defined in this Statement of Work (SoW). The governance structure shall facilitate effective communication, timely decision-making, risk management, and coordination with NCIA and other stakeholders.

3.2.1 Service Governance

The governance structure shall include the following levels:

Coordination: Day-to-day coordination of implementation activities, configuration, integration, testing, deployment readiness, issue resolution, dependency management, and planning of upcoming activities. Frequency: Weekly.

Service Review (Performance Management): Review of service performance, progress against contractual milestones and deliverables, KPI performance, service reporting, risks, mitigation actions, and overall service delivery. Frequency: Monthly.

Acceptance Review: Review of completed deliverables, User Acceptance Testing (UAT) results, technical documentation, outstanding defects, and readiness for acceptance of DCIS kits. Frequency: Prior to each acceptance milestone.

The Contractor shall participate in governance activities including, but not limited to: operational and technical coordination meetings; project status meetings; design review meetings; risk and issue review meetings; service review meetings; User Acceptance Testing (UAT) review meetings; acceptance readiness reviews; and ad hoc meetings requested by NCIA.

The Contractor shall cooperate with NCIA and other contractors to ensure the successful integration, testing, and delivery of the complete DCIS solution.

3.2.2 Escalation

The Contractor shall establish and maintain effective communication with NCIA throughout the execution of the services. The Contractor shall promptly notify NCIA of any issue, risk, dependency, or event that may adversely affect the delivery schedule, quality of the services, technical compliance, or successful completion of the activities defined in this SoW.

Issues shall be escalated without undue delay where: milestones or delivery dates are at risk; technical issues cannot be resolved within the Contractor's area of responsibility; dependencies on NCIA, other contractors, or third parties may impact service delivery; resource constraints or unforeseen events may affect the delivery of the services; or decisions or guidance from NCIA are required to maintain progress.

3.3 Continuous Service Improvement

The Contractor shall identify opportunities for service optimisation and efficiency improvements; propose and track corrective and preventive actions; and monitor trends and recurring issues to drive long-term improvements.

All improvement actions shall be documented; reviewed during governance meetings; and tracked to completion.

3.4 Security Clearance

Performance of the services requires a valid NATO COSMIC TOP SECRET.

The Contractor shall ensure that all the Contractor staff or anyone working under the remit of the Contractor requiring recurring access to on-site locations for the delivery of the services under this SoW, have a valid NATO Personal Security Clearance at least to the NATO COSMIC TOP SECRET level.

3.5 Working Provisions

3.5.1 Place of Performance

The primary place of performance shall be the premises of NCIA in Brunssum, Netherlands.

3.5.2 Hours of Performance

The services shall be performed during normal working hours, as follows: Monday to Thursday, 08:30-17:30 (CET); Friday, 08:30-15:30 (CET).

Where required for operational reasons, the Contractor shall perform night work in support of the services. Such activities shall be planned and agreed in advance with NCIA. All night work shall be included within the Contractor's price and shall not be subject to additional reimbursement.

3.5.3 NCIA-Furnished Property and Services

NCIA shall provide access to necessary tools, data, and NATO networks, subject to applicable Agency policies, security authorisation, and coordination requirements.

3.5.4 Travel Requirements

The Contractor shall be prepared to undertake travel that may include, but is not limited to, NCIA Europe locations. An estimated average of one (1) trip per month is anticipated and will not exceed 5 days; however, this estimate is indicative only and shall not constitute a commitment. The cost of such travel, including all associated travel and subsistence expenses, shall be included in the Contractor's price and shall not be subject to separate reimbursement.

Extraordinary Travel, defined as travel requirements that involve destinations other than those identified above, shall be subject to prior written approval by NCIA. The cost of such travel and associated subsistence shall be reimbursed in accordance with Article 5.5 of the AAS+ Framework Contract based on actual expenses and in line with NCIA processes. Such costs may be established via a contract amendment and through a separate Purchase Order line.

All travel arrangements shall be the responsibility of the Contractor.

4. SERVICE PERFORMANCE

The performance of each assigned personnel shall be measured against the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) defined in this Section. Performance shall be measured through the following indicators: KPI 1 - On-Time Delivery, ensuring that contractual milestones and deliverables are completed in accordance with the agreed implementation schedule; KPI 2 - Configuration Acceptance Rate, ensuring that configured DCIS kits meet the agreed technical requirements and are accepted by NCIA without requiring significant rework; KPI 3 - UAT Success Rate, ensuring that configured DCIS kits successfully pass User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and are ready for operational deployment; and KPI 4 - Reporting Timeliness, ensuring that all required reports are submitted within the agreed timelines and are complete, accurate, and suitable for performance assessment.

All KPI thresholds, performance monitoring, and associated Service Credits shall be applied as defined in this Section and linked to the reporting and payment mechanism.

4.1 KPI Measurement

The performance of the assigned personnel shall be measured as follows:

KPI 1 - On-Time Delivery: Compliant (Met): At least ninety-five percent (95%) of contractual milestones and deliverables due during the reporting period are completed by the agreed due date. Non-Compliant (Not Met): Less than ninety-five percent (95%) are completed on time. Frequency: Monthly.

KPI 2 - Configuration Acceptance Rate: Compliant (Met): At least ninety-five percent (95%) of configured DCIS kits or deliverables submitted during the reporting period are accepted by NCIA without requiring significant rework. Non-Compliant (Not Met): Less than ninety-five percent (95%) meet this requirement. Frequency: Monthly.

KPI 3 - UAT Success Rate: Compliant (Met): At least ninety-five percent (95%) of DCIS kits submitted for User Acceptance Testing successfully pass UAT on the first submission. Non-Compliant (Not Met): Less than ninety-five percent (95%) achieve first-time acceptance. Frequency: Monthly.

KPI 4 - Reporting Timeliness: Compliant (Met): All reports required under this SoW are submitted within the agreed timelines and are complete and suitable for performance assessment. Non-Compliant (Not Met): Any required report is submitted late or is incomplete. Frequency: Monthly.

4.2 Service Credits

4.2.1 KPI Weighting

Each KPI shall contribute to the overall service performance as follows:

KPI 1 - On-Time Delivery: 5%

KPI 2 - Configuration Acceptance Rate: 3.5%

KPI 3 - UAT Success Rate: 3.5%

KPI 4 - Reporting Timeliness: 3%

4.2.2 Calculation of Service Credits

Where a KPI is determined to be Non-Compliant (Not Met) in accordance with Section 4.1, the corresponding percentage specified in Section 4.2.1 shall be applied as a service credit.

Service credits shall be calculated on a monthly basis as follows: Total Service Credit (%) = Sum of the percentages assigned to each KPI that is Not Met. The monetary value of the service credit shall be: Service Credit Value = Total Service Credit (%) x Monthly Service Fee.

Service credits shall be calculated based on validated KPI results; be documented in the Service Performance Report; be reviewed and confirmed during service review meetings; and be deducted from the corresponding invoice.

4.2.3 Cap on Service Credits

The total service credits applied in any reporting period shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the applicable monthly service fee.

4.2.4 Audit and Verification

The Contractor shall ensure that all KPI measurements and service credit calculations are accurate, transparent, and auditable.

NCIA reserves the right to verify KPI results; request supporting evidence; and challenge any calculation deemed incorrect.

5. PAYMENT

5.1 Monthly Service Fee

The work carried under this Statement of Work shall be delivered on the basis of a Monthly Service Fee. Such Monthly Service Fee shall cover all costs associated with the delivery of the services, including personnel, night work, management, tools, overheads, and travel as defined in this SoW.

The Monthly Service Fee is structured as follows:

Monthly Fixed Fee: Equal to eighty-five percent (85%) of the Monthly Service Fee and payable upon NCIA's acceptance of the services delivered during the applicable reporting period in accordance with Section 5.1.1.

Monthly Performance-Based Fee: Equal to fifteen percent (15%) of the Monthly Service Fee and payable upon NCIA's acceptance of the services delivered during the applicable reporting period in accordance with Section 5.1.1, subject to performance assessment against the applicable KPIs defined in Section 4.1 and shall be adjusted through the application of Service Credits in accordance with Section 4.2.2.

5.1.1 Acceptance of Services

Payment shall be subject to NCIA's acceptance of the services delivered during the applicable reporting period. Acceptance shall be based on confirmation that: the services have been performed in accordance with the requirements of this Statement of Work; the Monthly Service Performance Report and supporting documentation have been submitted and validated by NCIA; deliverables completed during the reporting period have been accepted by NCIA, where formal acceptance is required; any identified deficiencies affecting the invoiced services have been resolved or are subject to a remediation plan agreed by NCIA; and the applicable KPI results and Service Credits have been validated.

Acceptance of the services for invoicing purposes shall not constitute acceptance of incomplete, defective, or non-compliant work, nor relieve the Contractor of its obligations under this Statement of Work.

5.1.2 Invoicing

The Contractor shall submit invoices on a monthly basis in arrears. Each invoice shall correspond to the services delivered during the relevant calendar month; include the applicable monthly fees; clearly identify any applicable service credits in accordance with Section 4.2; and be supported by the Service Performance Acceptance Report for the same period.

5.1.3 Period of Performance

This Statement of Work is expected to commence 4 November 2026 (tentative), for an initial period of two (2) months from the effective start date.

The Period of Performance may be extended by NCIA, at its sole discretion, subject to business needs, the availability of funding, and written notification to the Contractor. The Monthly Service Fee shall continue to apply throughout any extension of the Period of Performance and shall be pro-rated where an extension covers less than one calendar month. Where the Period of Performance extends into a subsequent calendar year, the Monthly Service Fee applicable from the beginning of that calendar year shall be adjusted by applying the Price Adjustment Formula (PAF) in accordance with Article 6.5 of the Special Provisions under Framework Agreement CO-115786-AAS+.

6. REPLACEMENT

Any replacement of the personnel assigned shall be subject to prior written approval by NCIA and shall meet or exceed the qualifications, experience, and security requirements defined for the respective profile. In the event that assigned personnel become unavailable during the Period of Performance, the personnel shall propose a suitable replacement personnel and ensure seamless continuity of the services at no additional cost, including the provision of appropriate knowledge transfer.

7. TRANSITION OUT

The conclusion of the Period of Performance shall include the transfer of all relevant documentation, data, work products, system configurations, and operational procedures necessary to maintain continuity of service delivery. The Contractor shall also provide reasonable support to NCIA and, where applicable, to any follow-on contractor, including clarification of activities and assistance in mitigating disruption.

All transition activities shall be completed within a timeframe agreed with NCIA and in accordance with NCIA instructions. All applicable NCIA Terms and Conditions shall apply.

8. QUALIFICATIONS

[See Requirements]

Requirements

3.4 SECURITY CLEARANCE

• The Contractor shall ensure that all the Contractor staff or anyone working under the remit of the Contractor requiring recurring access to on-site locations for the delivery of the services under this SoW, have a valid NATO Personal Security Clearance at least to the NATO COSMIC TOP SECRET level.

8. QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree from a nationally recognised university in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related discipline, together with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience; or equivalent education, professional qualifications, and demonstrable experience in enterprise network engineering.
• Alternatively, exceptionally, the lack of a university degree may be compensated by the demonstration of a candidate's particular abilities or experience that is/are of interest to NCI Agency, that is, at least five (5) years of extensive and progressive expertise in duties related to the function of the post.
• At least five (5) years of progressive professional experience in network engineering roles, including the design, implementation, configuration, integration, deployment, and support of enterprise network infrastructures.
• Experience delivering services within operational or project delivery environments.
• Experience supporting production network deployments, implementation projects, and technical exercises.
• Experience preparing technical documentation, test plans, implementation procedures, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Experience in configuration management practices and supporting tools.

Technical Qualifications and Capabilities

• Design, implement, configure, and support scalable enterprise network routing infrastructures leveraging BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, and MPLS routing protocols.
• Configure and operate Cisco routing and switching platforms, including Cisco IOS-XE and Cisco NX-OS.
• Configure Layer 2 and Layer 3 network services.
• Configure and validate Virtual Routing and Forwarding (VRF), GRE tunnels, IPsec tunnels, MPLS Traffic Engineering, policy-based routing, route redistribution, route summarisation, HSRP, and other enterprise routing technologies.
• Configure data centre and switching technologies including STP, MSTP, Rapid PVST, EtherChannel, LACP, Virtual Stack, StackWise, and Cisco Nexus platforms.
• Configure Quality of Service (QoS) policies, including traffic classification, shaping, and policing.
• Configure and operate network monitoring and event management systems (e.g., Intermapper, CA Spectrum).
• Perform console and remote deployments, IOS software upgrades, configuration backup and recovery.
• Validate routing adjacencies, implementation activities, and end-to-end network connectivity.
• Perform implementation testing, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and deployment validation.
• Troubleshoot implementation-related technical issues using tools such as Wireshark, NetFlow, and SNMP.
• Apply network security best practices, including ACLs, VPNs, IPSec, AAA, Role-Based Access Control, and security hardening.
• Produce implementation records, technical evidence, and supporting documentation.
• Knowledge of firewall technologies and enterprise security architectures.
• Knowledge of the ITIL IT Service Management framework.

Desirable Technical Qualifications and Capabilities

• Active Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise or Service Provider certification.
• Familiarity with Thales TCE 621 family IP Cryptographic Equipment or equivalent military-grade IP encryption devices.

Professional Competencies

• Excellent spoken and written English communication and presentation skills.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A proactive and solution-oriented approach, with the ability to work autonomously and deliver results.
• The ability to coordinate effectively with NCIA personnel and other contractors.
• The ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively within agreed implementation schedules.
• Strong interpersonal skills to effectively interact with users, team members, and stakeholders.
• Knowledge of NATO responsibilities, structure, and organisational context.

Specific Technical Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of experience with the latest virtualization technologies and modern operating systems.
• At least three (3) years of experience with the operation and configuration of Cisco routing and switching elements.
• At least three (3) years of experience with the operation and configuration of network automation or equivalent automation/orchestration systems.
• At least three (3) years of experience with the configuration and operation of Network Monitoring Systems (e.g., Intermapper, CA Spectrum) and Event Management Systems.
• At least three (3) years of experience supporting exercises and operational activities.