Federal Protective Service (FPS) Network Scanning Tool

This Request for Information (RFI) supports the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate’s efforts to conduct market research in support of the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA) and Federal Protective Service (FPS). Recent gap analyses and need assessments have highlighted the importance of developing a portable network scanning tool tailored to FPS operational requirements.

The tool must enable comprehensive discovery and inventory of IT, Internet of Things (IoT), and Operational Technology (OT) assets, perform vulnerability and configuration assessments in environments without centralized monitoring, and generate structured outputs compatible with FPS’s existing inventory and reporting tools. The project will also address the need for interoperability with legacy systems, unique asset tracking, and compliance with government travel and operational constraints.

DHS S&T HSARPA is leading the development of this tool, with FPS as the component customer and eventual recipient. The Contractor will design, develop, test, and deliver the tool, with oversight and project management provided by DHS S&T HSARPA. The Contractor shall design, develop, test, and deliver a consolidated, portable, agentless network scanning tool for use by FPS.

The tool will support real-time discovery and inventory of information technology (IT), Internet of Things (IoT), and Operational Technology (OT) assets, vulnerability and configuration assessments, and integration with FPS’s existing inventory and reporting systems. The project will also include the development of a user interface, documentation, and training materials, as well as validation and testing in operational environments. The attached draft Statement of Work (SOW) provides background for the FPS Network Scanning Tool.

Update 8/27: Question received: Does FPS require the individual computing, collection, and other electronic components to be independently ruggedized for operational use after removal from their protective transport case, or is it acceptable for commercially available components to be protected during transportation within a ruggedized enclosure/case, provided the complete solution otherwise satisfies the Government's portability, durability, and operational requirements?

Government response: The Government confirms that a ruggedized transport case would be sufficient. Individual components do not need to be independently ruggedized, provided the complete solution otherwise satisfies the Government’s portability, durability, and operational requirements. At this time, no specific MIL-STD, IP rating, shock/vibration, environmental, or other durability standard applies, but may apply to this requirement in the future.