The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AFIMSC) released RFI RF1806624 on April 16, 2026, seeking industry feedback on enterprise IT support services across JBSA-Lackland, AFCEC Tyndall, and five other locations. The requirement covers 72 FTE supporting approximately 4,000 users across network engineering, help desk operations, cybersecurity, and enterprise applications.
This RFI signals the recompete of Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions' current contract FA800323C0016, worth approximately $11 million annually. What makes this interesting is the government's approach: advertising across STARS 3, Polaris, GSA MAS 54151S, VETS, and Alliant 2, suggesting potential acquisition flexibility for the follow-on.
The scope: enterprise IT across seven locations
AFIMSC's IT support requirement spans four major functional areas supporting approximately 3,300 users at JBSA-Lackland and 700 users at AFCEC Tyndall, plus additional locations at AFSFC, Joint Base Cape Cod, and McClellan Park.
Network Infrastructure and Engineering requires the most technical depth — senior and SME-level specialists for core network operations, advanced troubleshooting, and architecture design. The requirement specifies CCNP Enterprise, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, and Palo Alto PCNSE certifications, indicating a Cisco-dominant environment with next-generation firewall integration.
IT Asset Management covers hardware and software lifecycle management using Enterprise Logistics Management System (ELMS) and Defense Property Accountability System (DPAS). Positions range from journeyman through SME-level for inventory control, software license compliance, and asset disposal. The requirement for CAMP (Certified Asset Management Professional) and CSAM (Certified Software Asset Manager) certifications indicates sophisticated asset tracking and compliance requirements.
End-User Support represents the highest FTE volume — journeyman through SME-level specialists providing Tier 1/2/3 help desk services, VIP support, and system deployment. Performance requirements include 30-minute initial contact for VIP users, 2-hour response for standard tickets, with resolution targets of 3 business days (medium priority) and 5 business days (low priority).
Cybersecurity and Information Assurance requires senior analysts with DoD 8140 IAM Level II/III certifications (CISSP preferred) for Risk Management Framework implementation, vulnerability management, security monitoring, and ATO maintenance. The emphasis on NIST SP 800-53 expertise and STIG compliance indicates mature cybersecurity requirements.
Technical requirements that will drive competition
Several technical requirements stand out as competitive differentiators. The requirement for Computing Environment (CE) certifications within six months means contractors need either staff with current credentials or robust training programs. For network roles, this means CCNP Enterprise or CCIE; for asset management, CAMP or CSAM; for cybersecurity, CISSP or CAP.
The VTC and unified communications support across multiple locations requires specialized expertise in Cisco, Poly/Polycom, and professional AV systems. Requirements for AVIXA CTS, Extron, and Biamp Tesira certifications indicate sophisticated conference room technologies beyond basic IT support.
The SharePoint and Power Platform development requirements — specifically SharePoint Framework (SPFx), React, TypeScript, and PowerShell PnP — suggest significant custom development work. The Microsoft 365 Certified: Developer Associate requirement indicates serious development capability expectations.
The 8(a) question and acquisition signals
The current contract was awarded as an 8(a) direct award to Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions. What's interesting about the RFI is the government's advertising across multiple vehicles, suggesting they could move this opportunity out of the 8(a) program entirely. The 8(a) program is under scrutiny within DoD, particularly around large-dollar contracts and repeat awards.
However, two factors suggest this likely stays within 8(a): the incumbent is an 8(a) Native Corporation with strong institutional knowledge, and the PWS labor categories are already mapped to STARS III (an 8(a)-only vehicle). This suggests the shift might be from 8(a) sole-source to competitive 8(a) rather than abandoning the program entirely.
Competitive positioning and workforce constraints
The 100% SECRET clearance requirement across all 72 positions creates the primary competitive constraint. This favors established government IT service providers with existing cleared workforces over commercial firms planning to clear personnel after award.
The technical certification depth — spanning network engineering (Cisco), cybersecurity (CISSP), asset management (CAMP/CSAM), VTC (AVIXA), and development (Microsoft) — indicates this isn't basic IT support but enterprise-grade infrastructure management requiring genuine subject matter expertise.
Cherokee Nation Systems Solutions' incumbent position provides institutional knowledge and workforce advantages, but the RFI's multi-vehicle approach suggests the government wants to test the competitive market rather than default to sole-source continuation.
Timeline and implications for competitors
With RFI responses due April 29, 2026, and the current contract expiring August 31, 2026, the timeline allows for acquisition planning, solicitation release, and proposal development. The 30-day transition period mentioned in the performance requirements suggests minimal disruption expectations during changeover.
For contractors, this represents a well-defined opportunity with known performance requirements and established user base. The technical scope favors firms with existing federal IT practices, cleared workforces, and Air Force experience. Success will likely depend on technical approach depth, key personnel quality, and competitive pricing rather than unique differentiators.
The acquisition approach — advertising across multiple vehicles while maintaining PWS alignment to STARS III — suggests the government is keeping options open while likely favoring the 8(a) pathway that maintains small business program alignment.