Request for White Papers: Intelligence Resource Execution and Oversight (Project Argus)

Intelligence Resource Execution and Oversight (Project Argus)- HQ0034279R001

Area of Interest:

The Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security (USW(I&S)) requires a prototype solution to replace the legacy Budget and Intelligence Related Database (BIRD). USW(I&S) is responsible for overseeing intelligence resource execution across the Department. The current BIRD system, developed and maintained by multiple contractor teams over more than a decade using disparate technology stacks and evolving priorities, now suffers from outdated software frameworks, inefficient code, and an overly complex database schema. These deficiencies impede timely analysis, increase manual workload, and limit the ability of analysts to support senior leader decision-making on intelligence resources.

USW(I&S) seeks a modern, flexible, and extensible system that enables efficient ingestion, cataloguing, analysis, and visualization of intelligence resource data. The desired end-state is a single, user-friendly platform that supports rapid querying, analytic dashboards, and an intuitive interface (including special intelligence-enabled natural language queries) so that analysts can produce accurate, timely insights and the Congressional Justification Book (CJB) with significantly reduced manual effort.

The prototype solution must deliver the following core capabilities (additional modules may be required based on evolving USW(I&S) priorities):

• Ingestion and management of current and historical Intelligence Resource data and execution data.  Data will be uploaded by multiple users spanning the Department of War, i.e. Agencies and Services.  Access to and ability to upload shall be controlled by the Office of the USW(I&S).
• Financial management query tool and data analytics supported by Super Intelligence so users can interact with the database for in-depth analysis.  This tool should have the ability to create data visualizations.
• User defined Visual Dashboard creation capability that utilizes resource data uploaded into the system database.
• Congressional Justification Book (CJB) Generator capable of combining quantitative data and narrative inputs from both internal and external stakeholders to produce the CJB.  This tool shall take input from users spanning the Department of War, i.e. Agencies and Services.  Access to and ability to input shall be controlled by the Office of the USW(I&S).
• System should operate at multiple classification levels, i.e. development at an UNCLASSIFIED level that is transferable to the SECRET and TOP SECRET networks; data held at a lower level should be replicated to the higher level.
• Specific Modules:
  • CJB Execution
  • Countries of Interest tracking
  • Congressional Marks tracking
  • Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC) data management

The system must be able to ingest data from common formats (including Microsoft PowerPoint, PDF, and Excel). Offerors may propose either cloud-based or on-premise solutions (or a hybrid approach). Any proposal must include a clear comparison of the pros and cons of the proposed hosting approach, including considerations of cost, security, performance, scalability, and transportability. The solution must support development in an unclassified environment while remaining transportable and operable across Impact Levels (IL) 2 through 7. USW(I&S) requires direct, on-site engagement between the development team and government analysts throughout the prototype effort to ensure the solution meets operational needs.

In the event that the proposed system is not ready for deployment by September 2027, respondents must address their ability to sustain the legacy BIRD system on-site within its classified environment while finalizing the new system. Additionally, respondents must outline their approach to providing the required minimum of 12 months of on-site sustainment following successful transition to ensure full system operability and rapid response.

 Special Considerations:

• Place of Performance: For development, the primary places of performance will be the Pentagon and a contractor-provided development site.  If required to sustain BIRD, the primary place of performance will be the Pentagon.

• Travel and Remote Work: Alternate work locations are authorized for development activities. Direct, on-site engagement between the development team and government analysts is required throughout the prototype effort to ensure the solution meets operational needs. Situational telework may be approved on a case-by-case basis. CONUS travel is authorized as mission needs require and is subject to Government approval.

• Security: Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) facility clearance and personnel clearances are required. Personnel supporting classified development, sustainment, or analytic functions shall possess the appropriate clearance level for their role, up to and including Top Secret / SCI.

• Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, and Regulatory Compliance: The solution must comply with all applicable Department of War and Intelligence Community cybersecurity, information assurance, and related requirements. This includes, but is not limited to, the Risk Management Framework (RMF); National Institute of Standards and Technology; Identity, Credential, and Access Management (ICAM); Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs);  software version update strategies to remain compliant with DISA Standard Parts List (SPL); and relevant DoD Instructions (including DoDI 8500.01 and DoDI 8510.01). The performer shall support the Government in obtaining and maintaining the necessary Authorizations to Operate (ATO) across Impact Levels (IL) 2 through 7.

Please see the attachment for more information and the white paper template.

Please submit your company's white paper to Ms. Ashley Brink (ashley.a.brink.civ@mail.mil) and Ms. Carrie Martin (carrie.e.martin13.civ@mail.mil) NLT 05:00pm EST on November 13, 2026.