CNECTS Questions and Answers

CNECTS_ Questions & Answers_ Dated: 10/14/2026
Question
Number

Question

CNECTS_Q01 Would the Government clarify the acquisition structure for the CNECTS procurement?

What contract types are anticipated for this effort
CNECTS_Q02 (e.g., firm-fixed-price, time-and-materials, hybrid, or cost-type)?

What is the planned award instrument under the CSO
CNECTS _Q03 approach (FAR/DFARS contract, OTA-like instrument, and applicability of FAR Part 12 commercial
procedures)?
CNECTS _Q04 Will 24/7 AFNET/NOC-like requirements be priced as surge, optional CLINs, or baseline labor?
CNECTS _Q05 How will transition be contracted and evaluated?

Answer
Updated. The CNECTS acquisition will be conducted as a
closed Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) under R-DFARS 212.70, with one closed-period Area of Interest (AOI). CNECTS is a 100% small business set-aside and will result in a single, fixed-price, FAR-based contract awarded to the offeror providing the best overall value.
The overarching goal of the CNECTS acquisition is to transition from four fragmented service contracts into a single, cohesive, enterprise-wide service delivery model that enhances the resilience and agility of the 21st Communications Squadron's "NO FAIL" missions. To achieve this, the Government intends to align the contract structure directly with our desired mission outcomes through a hybrid Contract Line-Item Number (CLIN) strategy. This alignment will be achieved through the following
structure: (not all inclusive)
Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) for Baseline Stability
Separate FFP for Transition
Incentivized Modernization under (FPIF) or FFP Level of Effort FP-EPA for flexibility - to handle unpredictable mission surges, specialized projects, or procurement of materials and travels. CNECTS will be governed by RFO Part 12 and R-DFARS as a fixed price type contract that includes various fixed-price type CLINs.
The requirement(s) of AFNET/NOC has been removed. There is no N/NC requirement.
Note: Finalized evaluation criteria will be included in the final CSO release. Since the transition will be a highly critical factor, here is a tentative approach to the contract and evaluation transition process:
Dedicated Transition CLINS: Allows the Government to clearly separate the costs, timeline, and scope of the handover.

Firm-Fixed Price (FFP): To cover contractor proposed total costs for all onboarding and other activities.
Milestone-Based Deliverables: Requirements will include