Request for Information: NOAA IRO Research Security Program

Background
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking sources capable of performing tasks for the NOAA IRO Research Security Program. This initiative aims to enhance the agency’s ability to secure sensitive research data, intellectual property, and systems across federal research environments.

The program will develop and implement a Federal Research Security Program compliant with National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 (NSPM-33), focusing on protecting critical technologies, preventing foreign influence, and safeguarding national security within federally funded research contexts.

Work Details
The contractor will be responsible for several key tasks:

1) **Assessment and Gap Analysis**: Evaluate NOAA's current research security environment, identify policy updates needed for NSPM-33 compliance, conduct a gap analysis of security measures, and deliver a report with findings and recommendations.

2) **Program Design and Framework Development**: Create a customized NOAA Research Security Program framework based on NSPM-33 guidance and develop compliance strategies.

3) **Policy and Procedure Development**: Draft comprehensive research security policies, identify critical technologies, develop disclosure requirements, establish due diligence processes, and create instructions for compliance with NSPM-33.

4) **Implementation of Export Control Policies**: Develop an export control policy compliant with NSPM-33.

5) **Training and Awareness Programs**: Create training programs for all research staff on security best practices.

6) **Incident Response and Testing**: Develop an incident response plan tailored to research security risks and conduct simulations to test readiness.

7) **Ongoing Monitoring and Compliance**: Establish a continuous monitoring system for compliance with NSPM-33, including regular assessments and reporting on security status.

Period of Performance
This contract is structured as a one-year base period followed by two one-year option periods, starting from August 1, 2025.

Place of Performance
Work will primarily be conducted at the NOAA Silver Spring Campus located at 1315 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.