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

What the FAA is buying and why it matters

The Department of Transportation's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs support for its contract-management systems, NIMS and CMIS. This includes operations, maintenance, security, and quality assurance. The selected contractor will also design, develop, test, deploy, and document a new system for the upcoming NISC V contract, and provide transition support at the end of the work.

This opportunity is important for technology firms specializing in system operations, maintenance, security, and software development, particularly those with experience in government contract management systems.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This solicitation was published on September 11, 2026. The deadline for responses is October 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this time.

A live NIMS demonstration is scheduled for September 9, 2026. Details for this demonstration can be found in section L.8 of the solicitation documents.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is set aside for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) concerns. It is suitable for technology firms with expertise in system operations and maintenance, quality assurance, security compliance, and full-lifecycle software development (design, development, testing, deployment, documentation).

Experience with contract management systems, particularly those used within federal agencies, would be highly relevant. The contractor will also need to provide Subject Matter Expertise in system architecture and software recommendations.

How to respond to this solicitation

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

Practical tips for a competitive response

Given this is a WOSB set-aside, ensure your business registration and certifications are current and accurately reflect your WOSB status. Clearly demonstrate your firm's experience with similar government IT support and software development projects.

Pay close attention to the requirements for both maintaining existing systems (NIMS/CMIS) and developing a new system for NISC V. Highlight your capabilities in system security, quality assurance, and providing Subject Matter Expertise. Attend the live NIMS demonstration on September 9, 2026, if possible, to gain a deeper understanding of the current system.