How to bid on NISC Enterprise Support Tasking (NEST) for the Department of Transportation

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking custom computer programming services for their NISC Enterprise Support Tasking (NEST). This work involves maintaining existing systems (NIMS and CMIS) used for NISC IV contracts and developing new software to support the upcoming NISC V contracts. The chosen vendor will provide operations and maintenance, quality assurance, security compliance, and serve as a Subject Matter Expert for new system design and development.

This is an important opportunity for Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) to provide critical technical support to the DOT's National Airspace System (NAS) integration and technical operations programs. It offers a chance to work on both ongoing system maintenance and new software development, ensuring the smooth transition and management of significant government contracts.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on August 28, 2026. The deadline for submitting your proposal is October 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this time.

A live demonstration of the NIMS system is scheduled for September 9, 2026. Details for accessing this demonstration can be found in section L.8 of the solicitation documents. Participating in this demonstration is highly recommended to understand the existing system requirements.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically set aside for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) concerns. Firms specializing in custom computer programming services, software development, system architecture, and IT operations and maintenance will find this relevant. Experience with government financial systems like PRISM and Delphi, or similar large-scale contract management systems, would be beneficial.

The ideal vendor will have expertise in maintaining system availability, ensuring security compliance, and providing quality assurance and control for enterprise-level software. The ability to act as a Subject Matter Expert for new system design, development, testing, and deployment is also crucial.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation documents, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Given the focus on both maintenance and new development, clearly articulate your firm's capabilities in both areas. Highlight your experience with similar government contracts or large-scale enterprise systems. Detail your approach to ensuring uninterrupted system availability, security compliance, and quality control.

Since a NIMS system demonstration is scheduled, make every effort to attend. This will provide valuable insight into the current system and help you tailor your proposal to address specific operational and maintenance needs. For the new NISC V system, emphasize your expertise in recommending software architecture and development tools, and your process for design, development, testing, and deployment. Ensure your proposal clearly demonstrates your status as a Women-Owned Small Business.