Bid guide
How to bid on Incubator Programs for Secure Facilities and Networks at Universities for DCSA
What the agency is buying and why you should care
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is seeking information from universities about establishing or improving secure facilities and networks for research and development. This is an opportunity for institutions of higher education to inform the Department of Defense's assessment on creating incubator programs.
The DCSA wants to understand how these programs can help transition new technologies, grow the cleared workforce, and function as regional innovation hubs. While this is not a contract opportunity, your response can shape future initiatives and potential funding for secure R&D spaces at universities.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 14, 2026. Responses are due by November 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. At the deadline, the DCSA will stop accepting submissions.
The information gathered will be used to inform an assessment to Congress regarding the feasibility and benefits of establishing these incubator programs. This RFI is for planning and assessment purposes only and does not guarantee a future solicitation or contract.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is specifically for institutions of higher education capable of establishing or expanding secure facilities and networks. It suits universities with existing or planned capabilities in classified research and development, prototyping, and secure collaboration.
Ideal respondents will be able to demonstrate how they can accelerate technology transition, expand the cleared technical workforce, and serve as regional innovation hubs with multi-tenant use. The DCSA is also interested in long-term economic sustainment plans with significant non-federal cost-sharing.
How to respond
To access the full details and prepare your response, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the "View original source" link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents. However, for many bids, you can view documents without an account.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When responding to an RFI, focus on providing clear, concise, and comprehensive information. Since this RFI is for planning, highlight your institution's unique capabilities and how they align with the DCSA's goals for secure facilities, workforce development, and innovation.
Clearly articulate your institution's experience with secure research environments and your capacity to support classified R&D. Emphasize any existing partnerships with government or industry that demonstrate your ability to serve as a regional innovation hub. Provide realistic details on construction, security, governance, and sustainment planning, including potential non-federal cost-sharing.
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 Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA); the original posting controls.