How to respond to the State Department’s Cleared Construction Security RFI

What the State Department is researching

The State Department is gathering industry input about security personnel who monitor construction at overseas facilities. Duties described include controlling site access, observing uncleared workers, reporting security issues, inspecting materials, controlling documents, and maintaining a 24/7 presence.

The estimated contract value is $250 million, with an anticipated period from March 15, 2027, through March 14, 2032. This is an RFI for market research, not a contract bid or promise of award. Responses may help the Department shape a future acquisition and assess whether a small-business set-aside is possible.

Deadline and what it means

The RFI was published October 20, 2026. The response deadline is October 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET.

This notice does not ask vendors to submit offers for a contract. The Government says it will not award a contract because of this notice, and it does not expect to provide feedback to respondents.

Who this opportunity may suit

This market research is relevant to security firms that can recruit and support cleared personnel for construction-site security at overseas facilities. The anticipated NAICS code is 561612, Security Guards and Patrol Services.

The notice says contractors would need a Top Secret facility clearance and qualified, cleared staff. It describes CST candidates as needing at least five years of relevant experience in areas such as construction security surveillance, technical surveillance countermeasures, security, construction quality assurance, construction supervision, or related military experience. CAG candidates need three years as or like a Military Policeman, Marine Security Guard, or security watch stander.

How to access the opportunity

Click “View original source” above to open the opportunity on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal homepage, click it again to go to the bid.

A free account may be needed to view documents, though many opportunities can be viewed without one.

Prepare a useful RFI response

Treat your response as capability information, not a price offer. Clearly describe your experience recruiting and managing cleared security personnel, and connect that experience to the capabilities listed in the notice.

Share practical suggestions for improving efficiency or quality, and identify concerns about the requirement. Keep claims specific and support them with relevant examples.

The Government will not reimburse response costs. If you include proprietary information or trade secrets, minimize it and mark it clearly; the notice says submissions become Government property and will not be returned.