Bid guide
How to bid on CASTLE KEEP development and sustainment for the Army
What the Army is buying and why it matters
The Department of Defense is seeking information from vendors capable of developing and sustaining CASTLE KEEP. This is a classified customer portal that supports workflow, reporting, metrics, analysis, and information sharing for the Army SCI community within commercial cloud environments.
The work involves software development and sustainment, cybersecurity testing using red and blue teams, system integration, and technical documentation. Vendors would also need to provide workspace with NIPRNet and JWICS access for three to four personnel. This is an opportunity for firms with expertise in secure cloud solutions and classified systems.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on September 09, 2026. Responses are due by September 22, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.
This is an RFI, not a contract offer. The government will not award a contract based on this RFI or pay for information submitted. Responses will be used for market research to help the Army determine the most suitable approach for future solicitations. Not responding to this RFI does not prevent participation in future solicitations.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for technology firms with strong capabilities in software development, sustainment, and cybersecurity, particularly within classified environments. Vendors must be able to support systems requiring Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility for personnel.
The RFI is unrestricted, meaning it is open to all business sizes and socioeconomic categories. The Army encourages submissions from small businesses, SDVOSBs, 8(a) firms, WOSBs, and HUBZone businesses.
How to respond to this RFI
To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click leads to the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.
Responses are limited to 15 pages per CAGE code. Ensure your submission clearly describes your existing capabilities relevant to developing and sustaining CASTLE KEEP in Army commercial cloud solutions.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Focus on demonstrating your firm's specific experience with classified systems, commercial cloud environments, and cybersecurity testing (red and blue teams). Highlight your ability to provide personnel with active Top Secret clearance and SCI eligibility.
Clearly articulate your approach to software development and sustainment, system integration, and technical documentation. If your firm has experience with infrastructure as code tools like Terraform for deployments and cloud management, be sure to mention it. Since this is an RFI, provide detailed information about your capabilities to help the Army understand your firm's potential.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of the Army; the original posting controls.