5G Deployable Systems – Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is conducting market research to identify deployable 5G systems that can support DHS operational needs. This Request for Information (RFI) is intended to collect technical, operational, and cost-related information from vendors to inform potential future procurement decisions. Responses must be submitted through the Vulcan platform by March 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time.
How much funding would I receive?
Est. $500K to $5 million in the future, however this is currently only a Request for Information (RFI) only.
What could I use the funding for?
DHS is requesting information on deployable 5G system capabilities.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
While no funding is initially provided, responding to this RFI will offer strategic benefits, including early visibility into DHS operational requirements, increased exposure to DHS S&T stakeholders, and the opportunity to be considered for future solicitations informed by this market research. DHS also notes that it may conduct one-on-one meetings and system demonstrations with selected respondents as part of its evaluation process.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Responses must be submitted no later than March 2, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern Time via the Vulcan platform. No funding will be awarded under this RFI but funding could be awarded via other methods in Q4 2026 (estimate).
Where does this funding come from?
No funding is associated with this RFI. It is issued solely for information gathering and market research purposes by DHS S&T.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any vendor capable of providing deployable 5G systems that meet DHS operational needs may submit a response. Respondent technologies must be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 or higher.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
DHS explicitly requests information from systems that:
Are deployable and operationally relevant to DHS missions
Support 4G LTE, 5G NSA, 5G SA, and/or ORAN technologies
Demonstrate TRL 7, 8, or 9 maturity
Include detailed performance, security, and cost data
Can be demonstrated in a 1-to-2-day operational demonstration
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Yes. DHS explicitly states that it does not intend to receive proprietary, trade secret, or confidential business information, and all submissions become the property of the U.S. Government. Participation does not transfer any intellectual property rights, and DHS is not obligated to issue a future solicitation.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The RFI requires a detailed technical response covering system design, performance, security, deployment, cost models, and supporting documentation. Preparation time will vary, but respondents should expect a non-trivial effort comparable to a technical white paper plus cost and demonstration planning materials.
How can BW&CO help?
Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:
Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development
Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations
Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth under Federal & State R&D Initiatives.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
Fractional support is $300 per hour.
For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.
Additional Resources
Review the solicitation here.