GSA RFI for Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) - MRAS

The General Services Administration (GSA), through its Information Technology Category (ITC) under the Office of Enterprise Technology Solutions (ETS), is conducting market research to explore the current landscape of Open Radio Access Network (ORAN) and related technologies. This initiative is part of GSA's broader efforts to enhance supply chain security and manage risks associated with the procurement of ORAN products and services. The GSA aims to gather innovative ideas from commercial partners to ensure that any vulnerabilities in the supply chain are swiftly addressed throughout the lifecycle of these services and products.

This Request for Information (RFI) seeks input from vendors who hold a Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) IT contract or a Government-wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) with GSA, particularly those offering ORAN-related services. The focus is on understanding how these vendors can support secure acquisition, validation, and deployment of ORAN technologies. The RFI aligns with legislative frameworks such as the Secure 5G and Beyond Act of 2020 and the National Strategy to Secure 5G Implementation Plan, aiming to bolster national cybersecurity measures while fostering innovation in radio access network solutions.

ORAN represents a shift towards nonproprietary radio access networks that enable interoperability between equipment from different vendors, enhancing flexibility and reducing dependency on single-source suppliers. Variants like Virtual Radio Access Network (vRAN) and Open Virtual Radio Access Network (OvRAN) further disaggregate hardware from software, promoting virtualized environments that can adapt more readily to technological advancements. This RFI will help GSA understand how these technologies can be effectively integrated into federal IT infrastructure while maintaining robust security protocols.

Through this market research effort, GSA aims to engage with commercial IT service providers who can contribute valuable insights into developing secure, efficient methods for deploying ORAN technologies. By leveraging industry expertise, GSA seeks to enhance its procurement strategies in alignment with national cybersecurity goals, ensuring that federal agencies have access to cutting-edge technology solutions without compromising on security or performance.