Communications, Network, Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology Services (CNECTS), aka "Connects"
Special Notice from the Department of the Air Force, for work in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Due Dec 23, 2026, 2:00 PM (UTC-7), 65 days left.
| Solicitation number | FA251827RCNECTS |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Air Force |
| Office | FA2518 Ussf Spoc/Saio |
| Notice type | Special Notice |
| Set-aside | Small business |
| Trade (NAICS) | All Other Telecommunications (517810) |
| Product or service code | DG01 |
| Place of performance | Colorado Springs, Colorado |
| Posted | Oct 15, 2026 |
| Response deadline | Dec 23, 2026, 2:00 PM (UTC-7) (65 days left) |
Official notice and attachments
Description
The Space Acquisition and Integration Office (SAIO), on behalf of the 21st Communications Squadron (21 CS) under Space Operations Command (SpOC) at Peterson SFB (PSFB), CO, is currently exploring the feasibility of consolidating several communications contracts across PSFB, Schriever SFB (SSFB), and Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station (CMSFS). 15 October 2026 Updated: CNECTS CSO Official Release Schedule Update.
Industry Partners, Due to mission challenges, the official release of the CNECTS Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) will not occur today. The anticipated release schedule has slipped by approximately two weeks. A tentative updated milestone schedule is provided for planning purposes.
All dates remain subject to change pending final coordination and approval. While awaiting the official solicitation release, please review the updated Questions and Answers (Q&As) posted today. To reduce confusion and eliminate conflicting information, previous legacy documents and postings have been removed.
Additionally, the Teaming/Partnering Matrix has been reopened for two weeks. The matrix will close officially on 29 October 2026. Please select this link to add your companies' name to the Teaming/Partnering Matrix. https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/LkHE57UpWmhttps://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/LkHE57UpWm Thank you for your continued interest in the CNECTS CSO.
01 October 2026 Updated: Released of Draft CNECTS Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) and Areas of Interest (AOI) The Government is pleased to release the long-awaited draft Communications Network Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology Services (CNECTS) Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). The draft CSO is being released to provide industry an opportunity to review the anticipated CNECTS approach, submission process, evaluation framework, and Areas of Interest (AOI) before official release of the CSO.
The AOI is provided in Attachment 6, Areas of Interest (AOI), to the draft CSO. Industry shall not submit White Papers at this time. White Papers submitted in response to the draft CSO will not be reviewed, evaluated, or retained for consideration under the official CSO.
Submission instructions, the applicable AOI, and White Paper due dates will be provided with the official CSO release. The Government anticipates official release of the CNECTS CSO on or about 15 October 2026. The draft CSO is substantially complete; however, the Government may revise the draft CSO, Attachment 6, submission instructions, evaluation approach, or anticipated schedule before official release.
Industry is encouraged to review the draft materials and submit questions, comments, and recommended clarifications to the contracting officer at [email protected]. The Government will consider industry's feedback as it finalizes the official CSO. This notice is for planning and information purposes only.
It does not constitute a solicitation, request for proposal, commitment by the Government, or authorization to incur proposal-preparation costs. No award will result from this draft notice. 28 September 2026 Updated: CNECTS Draft Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) and Areas of Interest (AOIs) Release Update The Government appreciates industry’s continued interest in the Communications Network Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Information Technology Services (CNECTS) requirement and thanks industry for its patience regarding the delayed release of the draft Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO).
As the Government prepares for the anticipated official CSO release date of 15 October 2026, the Government is completing a final review of the draft CSO and associated Areas of Interest (AOIs). The Government’s intent is to release a draft that is substantially complete—approximately 90 percent complete—and that will not require major changes between the draft release and the official solicitation.
The Government anticipates releasing the draft CSO and AOIs during the week of 28 September 2026. This anticipated release date is subject to completion of internal reviews and approvals. Industry is encouraged to monitor SAM.gov for the draft release and any subsequent updates.
15 September 2026 Updated: Posting of the Draft Revision Documentation Timeline To ensure the draft reflects the most recent updates, refined requirements, and the valuable leadership feedback captured during higher level reviews, the Government is adjusting the release schedule for the draft solicitation materials. Draft CSO Release Date: The draft Commercial Solutions Offering (CSO) document is now scheduled to be officially released on Friday, 18 September 2026. 28 August 2026 Updated: Posting of the Final CNECTS Teaming/Partnering Interest Spreadsheet 26 August 2026 Updated: Reopening of the CNECTS Teaming and Partnering Questionnaire
- OVERVIEW & REOPENING ANNOUNCEMENT Due to this high volume of interest and to maximize opportunities for robust teaming, joint ventures, and prime/subcontractor relationships, the Government has reopened the Teaming & Partnering Questionnaire to allow additional interested parties to sign up.
- IMPORTANT DEADLINES To ensure all new vendors are captured, we have established an new hard timeline: New Submission Deadline: Friday, 28 August 2026 at 1:00 PM MST. No submissions will be accepted after this time. Updated Matrix Release Date: The final, most updated CNECTS Teaming and Partnering Matrix spreadsheet will be released and available for public access on SAM.gov no later than 2:00 PM MST on Friday, 28 August 2026.
- INSTRUCTIONS FOR NEW SUBMISSIONS If your company previously submitted a questionnaire and is already on the current matrix, no further action is required.
If your company is not on the current matrix and wishes to be added, please complete the short questionnaire at the following link by the 1:00 PM MST deadline on August 28th. Ctrl + Click to follow this link: https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/LkHE57UpWm 21 Aug 2026 Updated: Providing Updated Teaming
The description continues in the official notice.
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