How to bid on 10GB Ethernet Service for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Department of Defense needs a company to provide, install, and maintain a 10GB Ethernet telecommunications service. This service will connect locations on the IQO lease between Colorado and Utah. This is a small-business set-aside, meaning only small businesses are eligible to bid, which can be a significant advantage for qualified vendors.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Quotation (RFQ) was published on August 06, 2026. All quotes must be submitted by September 08, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. The specific service date and other details are outlined in the attached solicitation documents. Failure to submit your quote by the deadline will result in it not being considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for small business concerns in the telecommunications sector. The relevant NAICS code is 517121, which covers wired telecommunications carriers. The small business size standard for this procurement is 1500 employees. Vendors must also have a DITCO Basic Agreement to access the solicitation attachments and submit quotes. The product and service code for this requirement is DG11.

The government will use a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection process. This means that among all technically acceptable offers, the one with the lowest price will be selected.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation documents, you must have a DITCO Basic Agreement. Access requests must include your UEI or CAGE code for verification. Requests without this information will be rejected. If you do not receive approval or rejection within 24 hours, you should send an email to [email protected].

You can also download the solicitation via IDEAS. Log into IDEAS at https://ideas.govcloud.disa.mil/suite/, navigate to the “Solicitations” tab, and then select the “Solicitation Package” icon to download the requirement. Your quoted prices must clearly identify monthly recurring charges and non-recurring charges. CLINs should include item descriptions, quantities, and units of measure as indicated in the IQO Deskbook.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Since this is an LPTA evaluation, ensure your technical proposal clearly meets all stated requirements. Any deviation from the technical requirements could make your offer unacceptable, regardless of price. Once technical acceptability is confirmed, your pricing becomes the deciding factor.

Carefully review all provisions and clauses referenced in the DITCO Basic Agreement and the attached RFQ. These can be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov. Pay close attention to the specific evaluation criteria detailed in the attachment to understand exactly what the agency is looking for in a technically acceptable offer. Double-check all calculations and ensure your pricing is competitive while still covering your costs and allowing for a reasonable profit.