2026-0061 Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Feasibility Study - TUE 19 May

EMW, Inc. Netherlands
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BIDDING INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Bidders shall submit a proposal containing a technical design and proposed team composition.
  2. Technical Design: The proposed approach shall be summarized in maximum 10 pages (A4 size), and it shall address the required scope of work and the defined deliverables with sufficient details to allow assessment for feasibility of the proposal.
  3. In addition to the Technical Design, the Bidder shall submit the Proposed Team, Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a compliance matrix of each proposed contractor. 3.1. Each CV shall have enough details and evidences of individual's previous work to show suitability for the job. 3.2. Size of the Team and Schedule: It is up to the bidder to propose the size of the team that executes the work and produces the deliverables in the time lines allocated. 3.3. Task Lead: The proposal shall clearly identify a task lead from assigned resources. The task lead will be the point of contact for task related matters for the Agency team. 3.4. NCIA shall reserve the right to interview the proposed candidates.

Deadline Date: Tuesday 19 May 2026 Requirement: Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Feasibility Study Location of Performance: Off-Site. Scheduled travels are required to work partly at NCIA, The Hague, The Netherlands, and ACT SEE, Mons, Belgium. Travels to other NATO locations are possible. Note: Please refer to your Subcontract Agreement, article 6.4.1.a, which states “Off-Site Discount: 5% (this discount is applicable to all requirements, and applies when the assigned personnel are permitted to work Off-Site, such as at- home)". Please be sure to price this discount in your overall price proposal when submitting bids against off-site RFQs Period of Performance: 2026 BASE: 18 June (tentative) 2026 to 31 December 2026, with the possibility to exercise following options: 2027 OPTION: 01 January 2027 to 31 December 2027; 2028 OPTION: 01 January 2028 to 31 December 2028. Evaluation Methodology: Lowest Priced Technically Compliant Required Security Clearance: No Security Clearance Required

STATEMENT OF WORK The team of contractors will contribute to the NCIA Ballistic Missile Defence Programme Office (BMD PO) led activities on exploring and applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) concepts and solutions within the BMD domain. This work builds on the foundations established by ACT's comprehensive Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) studies completed at the end of 2025, and supports the transition into the benefit-realisation phase. The aim of this work is to expand the ambition of the Emerging Concepts and Technologies work package for BMD by conducting a multi-year Feasibility Study on the application of advanced AI/ML approaches to (T)BMD use cases and operational challenges. The study will be executed at NATO UNCLASSIFIED level to enable broad academic engagement, with subsequent outcomes and software prototypes intended to be leveraged by the ACT BMD POW Team and subject-matter experts for implementation at NATO CLASSIFIED level. NCIA BMD PO will work with a team of expert AI strategists and technologists. The Bidders shall submit their proposals, according to the Bidding Instructions above, by providing technical design, team composition and schedule.

  1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 To strengthen the Alliance through connecting its forces, NATO Communication and Information Agency (NCIA) delivers secure, coherent, cost effective and interoperable communications and information systems in support of consultation, command and control and enabling intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, for NATO, where and when required. 1.2 The Ballistic Missile Defence Programme Office (BMD PO), as part of the NCIA, ensures the harmonised planning, implementation, deployment, evolution and support of the BMD capability, in a way that satisfies the operational requirements and minimises the military risk, taking into account the NATO political, economic and schedule requirements and using the most suitable industrial and technological solutions. 1.3 ACT has completed a comprehensive series of IAMD studies and is now transitioning into the benefit-realisation phase. Building on these foundations, ACT intends to initiate a two-year Feasibility Study to expand the ambition of the Emerging Concepts and Technologies work package already defined in the BMD PRD 2026. The first year will focus on (T)BMD use cases and operational challenges, examining innovative concepts and emerging technological approaches from leading industry and academic institutions. 1.4 The team of contractors will be producing deliverables as part of the NCIA project team that executes the Allied Command for Transformation (ACT) Programme of Work (PoW) 2026 for BMD. The academic partner will contribute to deliverables with his/her AI research expertise and scientific rigour to the feasibility study, ensuring state-of-the-art approaches are considered and responsibly evaluated.
  2. SCOPE OF WORK 2.1. The team of contractors will apply AI and ML principles together with the NCIA project team and will regularly engage with the operational user community. 2.2. The team of contractors will hold 2 (two) skill sets: 2.2.1. AI Strategist 2.2.2. AI Technologist 2.3. The size of the team will be determined by the Bidder. Each contractor in the team shall possess only one skill set and it is not possible to combine more than one skill set within one contractor. 2.4. The team of contractors will work on following tasks to produce deliverables listed in section 2.5: 2.4.1. Leading the identification and scoping of AI/ML use cases applicable to (T)BMD fire-control coordination and IAMD operational challenges. 2.4.2. Reviewing existing NIAG SG300 reports and TBMD simulation data to establish baseline knowledge and identify relevant datasets. 2.4.3. Designing a baseline data architecture and methodological framework for the responsible use of advanced AI technologies within the BMD domain, informed by NATO's current AI architecture and near-term plans. 2.4.4. Conducting feasibility studies on emerging AI/ML computational techniques (such as machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and large language models) and assessing their potential operational benefit for identified use cases. 2.4.5. Developing and evaluating AI/ML software prototypes and demonstrators for selected BMD use cases at NATO UNCLASSIFIED level in the NATO Software Factory (NSF). All development to take place in NSF and to use existing LLMs where needed (to make it easier to migrate to NS). 2.4.6. Preparing and providing subject matter (BMD AI) briefings, expert reports, and feasibility study documentation related to the project work. 2.4.7. Developing and documenting a responsible AI framework aligned to the NATO Principles of Responsible AI Use (PRU), as outlined in the NATO AI Strategy, but specifically tailored to the BMD context. This work should follow NATO ambition and align with existing work on the topic as required. 2.4.8. Planning and delivering subject matter (BMD AI) training and knowledge transfer sessions to the NCIA project team and a wider NCIA community, focusing on the BMD case. NCIA will share currently available AI training material with the contractor team. 2.5. The deliverables will be: 2.5.1 Baseline Data Architecture (in archimate format) 2.5.2 Identified BMD use-cases for AI/ML techniques Report (in word format) 2.5.3 A software prototype (alpha version) as the demonstrator for the use-cases and data architecture captured in previous deliverables. 2.5.4 The deliverables will be required by various dates, as identified in Section 5, throughout the contract execution. 2.6. All deliverables are to be peer reviewed within their delivery cycle. Input and guidance will be provided by NCIA in written form and during targeted review meetings. 2.7. During the period of performance a Delivery Acceptance Sheet shall be provided to the Purchaser for each scheduled delivery, as identified in Section 5. The Purchaser will confirm the acceptance by signing the Delivery Acceptance Sheet. 2.8. The classification level of the deliverables is NATO UNCLASSIFIED. 2.8.1. Work is to be performed on UNCLASSIFIED networks. NSF access will be arranged by the Contractor. 2.9. The contract will have annual optional scope extension work packages to be executed in 2027 and 2028 should NCIA choose to exercise them. 2.10. The Agency Point of Contact for the daily execution of the contract is the NCIA Project Manager (PM). 2.11. The team of contractors will carry out tasks and will issue deliverables as described below. WP1 – 2026 BASE: BMD AI Concepts and Solutions – Feasibility Study Year 1 The team of contractors will apply AI research and engineering principles in BMD domain. They will investigate and evaluate advanced AI and machine learning techniques applicable to the BMD domain, with a focus on use cases identified in the NIAG SG300 report. Contractors will lead feasibility studies, develop scenario definitions, design baseline data architectures, and produce software prototypes. The academic partner will provide AI research expertise and support, while the AI Technologists will implement and demonstrate the concepts. Deliverable D1: The team of contractors will deliver the following services and products for the BMD AI feasibility study (Year 1 – Feasibility and Architecture Definition phase): Review of existing SG300 reports and TBMD simulation data, and identification of relevant datasets; Scenario and use-case definitions (e.g. target characterisation, trajectory estimation, engagement coordination); Feasibility Study Report v1 – documenting assessed AI/ML approaches and their applicability; Kick-off and Review Meeting Minutes; System Architecture Document – defining a baseline data architecture and methodological framework for responsible use of advanced AI technologies; AI/ML algorithm evaluation and benchmarking report for identified use cases; Software prototype – alpha release for at least one identified use case; Progress briefing to NCIA project team. Deliverable D2: The team of contractors will deliver the following services and products (prototype validation, knowledge transfer and roadmap phase): Updated Feasibility Study Report v2 – incorporating findings from prototype testing; Software prototype – beta release with demonstrated performance against identified scenarios; Technical expert report documenting evaluation results and recommendations; Supporting and participating in product demonstrations at relevant meetings and conferences; Final Feasibility Study Report – with conclusions and recommendations for implementation at NATO CLASSIFIED level; Technology Roadmap document for further development and integration of AI solutions in BMD capability; Aligning to NCIA's Principles of Responsible AI Use framework documentation, covering ethics, explainability, and governance considerations; Training session on AI concepts and solutions for NCIA project team and a wider NCIA community. Constraint C1: Expert products are produced in the Agency provided environment and they are maintained in the project collaboration portal. The team of contractors will work with NCIA team and regularly engage with the operational user community and the academic partner. Acceptance Criteria A1: Deliverables are reviewed by the project team and the contractor will update them based on NCIA feedback/correction. For acceptance, each deliverable has to be approved by the project manager. Additional Notes: Deliverables will be maintained in NCIA provided technical repositories and portals. The team of contractors will regularly work with NCIA team in NCIA, The Hague, The Netherlands. Research and feasibility work will be partly conducted at an academic facility. Software prototypes and demonstrators will be developed in an agile fashion and incrementally under full control of the NCIA project. The team of contractors will ensure that AI solutions reflect responsible AI principles and are relevant to the operational BMD domain. WP2 – 2027 OPTION (if 2027 option is exercised): BMD AI Concepts and Solutions – Advanced Prototyping Year 2 This work package is needed should NCIA choose to exercise the 2027 OPTION. The team of contractors will continue applying AI research and engineering principles together with the NCIA project team, building on the Year 1 results. The focus will shift to advanced prototyping and integration of selected AI/ML use cases, with particular attention to (T)BMD fire-control coordination, multi-sensor data fusion, and decision-support capabilities. Deliverable D1: The team of contractors will deliver the following services and products: Refined scenario and use-case specifications based on Year 1 findings; Advanced software prototype – alpha release for expanded set of AI/ML use cases; Review and update of data architecture framework; Kick-off and review meeting minutes. Deliverable D2: The team of contractors will deliver the following services and products: Advanced software prototype – beta release with extended functionality; Integration study report – assessing integration pathways into existing BMD BMC3I systems; Validation and verification report for AI/ML models against operational scenarios. Deliverable D3: The team of contractors will deliver the following services and products: Updated software prototype with operator-in-the-loop testing results; Operator feedback report and user acceptance assessment; Participation in product demonstrations at relevant NATO meetings and conferences. Deliverable D4: The team of contractors will deliver the following services and products: Annual summary report on AI/ML prototype maturity and readiness for further NATO development; Updated technology roadmap and recommendations for Year 3; Training session on BMD AI developments and prototype demonstrations for NCIA project team. Constraint C1: Expert products are produced in the Agency provided environment and they are maintained in the project collaboration portal. The team of contractors will work with NCIA team and regularly engage with the operational user community. Acceptance Criteria A1: Deliverables are reviewed by the project team and the contractor will update them based on NCIA feedback/correction. For acceptance, each deliverable has to be approved by the project manager. Additional Notes: Deliverables will be maintained in NCIA provided technical repositories and portals. The team of contractors will regularly work with NCIA team in NCIA, The Hague, The Netherlands. Research and feasibility work will be partly conducted at an academic facility. Software prototypes and demonstrators will be developed in an agile fashion and incrementally under full control of the NCIA project. The team of contractors will ensure that AI solutions reflect responsible AI principles and are relevant to the operational BMD domain. WP3 – 2028 OPTION (if 2028 option is exercised): BMD AI Concepts and Solutions – Consolidation and Handover Year 3 This work package is needed should NCIA choose to exercise the 2028 OPTION. The team of contractors will provide final consolidation of AI/ML solutions developed throughout the programme, prepare handover packages for NATO programme-level implementation, and support knowledge transfer activities to ensure sustainability of the developed capabilities. Deliverable D1: The team of contractors will deliver the following services and products: Final software demonstrator release – consolidated AI/ML solution package; Comprehensive technical documentation for implementation teams; Updated framework to show how responsible AI is addressed for these use cases, with lessons learned. Deliverable D2: The team of contractors will deliver the following services and products: Transition and integration support report for NCIA programme-level teams; Final validation report against all identified operational use cases; Publication-ready technical report for NATO scientific community. Deliverable D3: The team of contractors will deliver the following services and products: Transition and integration support report for NCIA programme-level teams; Final validation report against all identified operational use cases; Publication-ready technical report for NATO scientific community. Deliverable D4: The team of contractors will deliver the following services and products: Transition and integration support report for NCIA programme-level teams; Final validation report against all identified operational use cases; Publication-ready technical report for NATO scientific community. Constraint C1: Expert products are produced in the Agency provided environment and they are maintained in the project collaboration portal. The team of contractors will work with NCIA team and regularly engage with the operational user community and the academic partner. Acceptance Criteria A1: Deliverables are reviewed by the project team and the contractor will update them based on NCIA feedback/correction. For acceptance, each deliverable has to be approved by the project manager. Additional Notes: Deliverables will be maintained in NCIA provided technical repositories and portals. The team of contractors will regularly work with NCIA team in NCIA, The Hague, The Netherlands. Research and feasibility work will be partly conducted at an academic facility. Software prototypes and demonstrators will be developed in an agile fashion and incrementally under full control of the NCIA project. The team of contractors will ensure that AI solutions reflect responsible AI principles and are relevant to the operational BMD domain.
  3. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 3.1. The work shall be conducted in close collaboration between the Contractor and NCIA BMD Programme. ACT POW BMD Project: Project Manager Team of Contractors: To provide deliverables and inputs identified under work packages above, including academic support.
  4. COORDINATION AND REPORTING 4.1. The contractors shall participate in a kick-off and task planning meeting within one working week after the signing of this contract. 4.2. This will be a virtual meeting executed via electronic means using Conference Call capabilities or in person in the NCIA offices in The Hague, The Netherlands. 4.3. During the kick off meeting, the contractors will provide and discuss a plan for executing the tasks under this statement of work. Purchaser and Contractor will discuss the plan and confirm amendments where appropriate. 4.4. The contractors will provide email minutes containing decisions and actions decided during the meeting. 4.5. The contractors shall participate in regular status meetings, either in-person (where possible) or via electronic means using Conference Call capabilities. 4.6. The rhythm for these meetings will be decided at the kick-off meeting. 4.7. The contractors will initiate these meetings and provide email minutes containing at least decisions and actions decided during the meeting. 4.8. The contractor shall follow all general rules, terms and conditions as applicable for working in NCIA offices in The Hague, The Netherlands.
  5. DELIVERABLES AND MILESTONES 5.1. This is a completion-type contract which requires a team of Contractors with complementary skills to complete the work. 5.2. Schedule of payments: Payment will be made after the Purchaser has signed the Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS). 5.3. The contractor shall submit an invoice, with approved DAS attached, to the Purchaser for payment as per the schedule listed below. 5.3.1. 2026 BASE Contract WP1-D1: Delivery Date: 15 September 2026. Payment Amount: 50% of the total cost. Payment Milestone: After deliverable completion and signed Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS). WP1-D2: Delivery Date: 15 December 2026. Payment Amount: 50% of the total cost. Payment Milestone: After deliverable completion and signed Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS). 5.3.2. The contract will include an optional scope extension work package to be executed in 2027 and 2028, should NCIA decide to exercise it. NCIA reserves the right to exercise this option at a later stage, depending on project priorities, requirements, and the deliverable timeframe. 5.3.3. 2027 OPTION if exercised WP2-D1: Delivery Date: 31 March 2027. Payment Amount: 25% of the total cost. Payment Milestone: After deliverable completion and signed Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS). WP2-D2: Delivery Date: 30 June 2027. Payment Amount: 25% of the total cost. Payment Milestone: After deliverable completion and signed Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS). WP2-D3: Delivery Date: 30 September 2027. Payment Amount: 25% of the total cost. Payment Milestone: After deliverable completion and signed Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS). WP2-D4: Delivery Date: 15 December 2027. Payment Amount: 25% of the total cost. Payment Milestone: After deliverable completion and signed Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS). 5.3.4. 2028 OPTION if exercised WP3-D1: Delivery Date: 31 March 2028. Payment Amount: 25% of the total cost. Payment Milestone: After deliverable completion and signed Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS). WP3-D2: Delivery Date: 30 June 2028. Payment Amount: 25% of the total cost. Payment Milestone: After deliverable completion and signed Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS). WP3-D3: Delivery Date: 30 September 2028. Payment Amount: 25% of the total cost. Payment Milestone: After deliverable completion and signed Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS). WP3-D4: Delivery Date: 15 December 2028. Payment Amount: 25% of the total cost. Payment Milestone: After deliverable completion and signed Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS).
  6. SCHEDULE 6.1. Period of performance will be, for the BASE period, 18 June 2026 (tentative) through 31 December 2026. 6.1.1. If the 2027 option is exercised, the period of performance is 01 January 2027 to 31 December 2027. 6.1.2. If the 2028 option is exercised, the period of performance is 01 January 2028 to 31 December 2028. 6.2. The work location will be: 6.2.1. Primarily at the contractor's remote location (teleworking) as agreed with the Project Manager. 6.2.2. Regularly visiting the NCIA offices in The Hague, The Netherlands, and at ACT SEE, Mons, Belgium, as tentatively provided in section 10.
  7. CONSTRAINTS 7.1. All the documentation provided under this statement of work will be based on NCIA templates or agreed with project point of contact. 7.2. All support, maintenance, documentation and required code will be stored under configuration management and/or in the provided NCIA tools. 7.3. All development package elements (documents, solutions, tools and source code) under this project will be property of the NCIA.
  8. SECURITY AND NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENT 8.1. The expected classification level of the deliverables is NATO UNCLASSIFIED. 8.2. A non-disclosure declaration will be signed by the contractor team members prior to the commencement of the contract.
  9. OTHER ARRANGEMENTS 9.1. Work is to be performed on UNCLASSIFIED networks and appropriate hardware and connectivity will be arranged by the Contractor. 9.2. NATO will retain the intellectual property rights for all products developed in relation to this project. 9.3. All AI/ML development activities shall adhere to responsible AI principles, including transparency, explainability, and human oversight. The team of contractors shall include responsible AI considerations in all technical reports and design documents.
  10. TRAVEL 10.1. Travel on Duty (TDY): This work requires scheduled travel as described in this section. 10.2. In 2026, it is planned to hold 3 (three) Team Meetings at NCIA in The Hague, The Netherlands, and 3 (three) Report Review sessions at ACT SEE Mons, Belgium. The first Team Meeting will serve as the project kick-off. At least one contractor possessing the AI Strategist skill set and one contractor possessing the AI Technologist skill set will be required to participate in all sessions. Each session will span 3 full working days (Tuesday to Thursday). Travel days (Monday and Friday) are excluded from working day counts. Exact dates will be finalised by NCIA after contract award. TDY_01: Kick-Off and Planning Meeting. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: NCIA, The Hague, NLD. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 16 Jun 2026. TDY_02: Report Review Week #1. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: ACT SEE, Mons, BEL. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 13 Jul 2026. TDY_03: Team Meeting Week #2. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: NCIA, The Hague, NLD. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 14 Sep 2026. TDY_04: Report Review Week #2. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: ACT SEE, Mons, BEL. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 12 Oct 2026. TDY_05: Team Meeting Week #3. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: NCIA, The Hague, NLD. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 16 Nov 2026. TDY_06: Report Review Week #3. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: ACT SEE, Mons, BEL. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 14 Dec 2026. 10.3. In 2027, should the option be exercised, it is planned to hold 3 (three) Team Meetings at NCIA in The Hague, The Netherlands, and 3 (three) Report Review sessions at ACT SEE in Mons, Belgium. Sessions are distributed across the year with approximately 2 months between each, on the week of the 15th of the month, excluding August. Each session will span 3 full working days. TDY_01: Team Meeting Week #1. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: NCIA, The Hague, NLD. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 19 Jan 2027. TDY_02: Report Review Week #1. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: ACT SEE, Mons, BEL. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 15 Mar 2027. TDY_03: Team Meeting Week #2. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: NCIA, The Hague, NLD. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 17 May 2027. TDY_04: Report Review Week #2. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: ACT SEE, Mons, BEL. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 11 Oct 2027. TDY_05: Team Meeting Week #3. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: NCIA, The Hague, NLD. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 15 Nov 2027. TDY_06: Report Review Week #3. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: ACT SEE, Mons, BEL. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 13 Dec 2027. 10.4. In 2028, should the option be exercised, the same travel arrangement applies as for 2027. TDY_01: Team Meeting Week #1. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: NCIA, The Hague, NLD. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 19 Jan 2028. TDY_02: Report Review Week #1. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: ACT SEE, Mons, BEL. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 15 Mar 2028. TDY_03: Team Meeting Week #2. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: NCIA, The Hague, NLD. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 17 May 2028. TDY_04: Report Review Week #2. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: ACT SEE, Mons, BEL. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 11 Oct 2028. TDY_05: Team Meeting Week #3. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: NCIA, The Hague, NLD. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 15 Nov 2028. TDY_06: Report Review Week #3. Skill Set: AI Strategist, AI Technologist(s). Location: ACT SEE, Mons, BEL. Duration: 3 working days. Schedule: Week of 13 Dec 2028. 10.5. The cost of Travel on Duty (TDY) listed in this section shall be included in the proposed price. 10.6. Any additional travel expenses not specified under this section will be the responsibility of the NCIA and the expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with Article 5.5 of AAS Framework Contract and within the limits of the NCIA Travel Directive. They will be invoiced separately to the purchaser by the service provider, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the framework agreement. These additional travel costs are considered an extra charge to the overall bid price. 10.7. The schedule and extent of each TDY will be determined by the NCIA project manager.
  11. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS [See Requirements]
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