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

What the FAA is buying and why it matters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs support for its contract management systems, NIMS and CMIS. This includes operations, maintenance, security, and quality assurance. The contractor will also be involved in designing, developing, testing, deploying, and documenting a new system for the upcoming NISC V contract. Additionally, transition support to a new vendor will be required at the end of the contract.

This opportunity is significant for vendors specializing in government contract management systems, as it involves both maintaining existing critical systems and developing new solutions for future contracts.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This solicitation was published on August 31, 2026. The deadline for responses 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 this demonstration can be found in section L.8 of the solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is set aside specifically for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) concerns. Firms with expertise in technology, particularly in system operations and maintenance, software development, quality assurance, and security compliance for contract management systems, are well-suited.

Experience with federal financial systems like PRISM and Delphi, and managing task order lifecycles, would be beneficial.

How to respond

To access the solicitation, click on “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 to create a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Given the focus on both existing system maintenance and new system development, clearly demonstrate your firm's capabilities in both areas. Highlight your experience with similar government contract management systems and your ability to ensure uninterrupted system availability and security compliance.

Since this is a WOSB set-aside, ensure your business is properly certified and that your proposal clearly reflects this status. Attend the live NIMS demonstration on September 9, 2026, to gain a deeper understanding of the current system and its requirements, which can inform your proposal's technical approach.