2026-0003 FMN Framework Analysis Support for OCWG 2026 (NS) - THU 5 Mar

Bidding Instructions -Technical Proposal

Bidders shall submit a proposal clearly providing the following information:

a. CV and attestation of the assigned resource for the project that meeting the requirements as per Section 8. Each CV shall contain accurate contact details for reference person for each of the listed professional experiences relevant to this Statement of Work

b. The Proposal shall also contain at a minimum the following information about the assigned resource:

• Contributing to or interpreting Allied Joint Doctrine and/or similar national doctrine from a NATO Nation: list at least two specific projects in the last 5 years that demonstrate this experience, including details about objective, output, outcome and your role.
• Identification and definition of Information Exchange Requirements: list at least two specific projects in the last 5 years that demonstrate this experience,
• Implementing or developing NATOs Federated Mission Networking Concept and Governance Framework: list at least two specific projects in the last 5 years that demonstrate this experience,
• Experience in using, and updating a Wikimedia Semantic Media Wiki platform and a Bugzilla Issue Tracking Platform: list at least two specific projects in the last 5 years that demonstrate this experience with examples of pages/sites where this experience has been demonstrated
• Prior experience of working in international and military environments. Provide a summary list with dates.

Deadline Date: Thursday 5 March 2026

Requirement: FMN Framework Analysis Support for OCWG 2026

Location: Off-Site

Note: Please refer to your Subcontract Agreement, article 6.4.1.a, which states “Off-Site Discount: 5% (this discount is applicable to all requirements, and applies when the assigned personnel are permitted to work Off-Site, such as at- home)". Please be sure to price this discount in your overall price proposal when submitting bids against off-site RFQs

Period of Performance: As soon as possible but not later than 13 April 2026 until 31 Dec 2026

Required Security Clearance: NATO SECRET

1 OVERALL PROJECT SCOPE

The Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of NCI Agency has a requirement for off-site support to the Federated Mission Networking (FMN) Secretariat. The support is required to assist the FMN Operational Coordination Working Group (OCWG).

• NCI Agency is providing support to the management and working group structures that support the direction and development of the FMN Framework;

• As a permanent FMN management body the FMN OCWG is responsible for ensuring coherence between the operational user community requirements and the provided FMN Service Portfolio;

• This requirement is for business architecture/business analysis/operational analysis support for the OCWG Support Team for FMN Framework Development, specifically working in the areas of the Interoperability Operational Requirements, Operational Process Definition, IER Development and Intra-Working Group (IWG) syndicate facilitation.

2 TASKS FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND AWARENESS SUPPORT

The services to be provided are as follows:

• Provision of operational analyses to support the collection, prioritization and consolidation of Interoperability Operational Requirements (IORs) for inclusion within the FMN Operational Requirements process;

• Provision of business analysis/operational analysis support to operational Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) across communities of interests that are participating in the FMN Inter-Working Groups (IWG) Syndicates developing Information Exchange Requirements (IERs) and Procedural  Instructions (PIs);

• Support the identification and management of the IERs, both functional and non-functional requirements, and engage and maintain communication with FMN stakeholders;

• Analyse and provide relevant inputs to the FMN Spiral Specification Roadmap, particularly the linkage between IORs and Capability Enhancements (CPEs);

• Support the Chairman and Secretary in OCWG meetings and other fora.

3 ACTIVITIES AND DELIVERABLES

3.1 Activities (non-deliverable)

The business analysis/operational analysis services provided are as follows:

• Support the chairman and secretary in the working activities of the FMN Operational Coordination Working Group (OCWG);

• Provide analytical support to the OCWG framework development activities at the front end of the FMN Process defining the operational drivers for the interoperability architecture;

• Provide assistance to IWG Syndicates with the task of defining operational processes drawn from Allied doctrine;

• Support the derivation and maintenance of NCS Affiliate Operational Requirements for inclusion within the FMN Operational Requirements process;

• Analyse processes and identify information exchange requirements, functional and non-functional requirements;

• Manage the Interoperability Operational Requirements, functional and non-functional requirements;

• Provide assistance to IWG Syndicates with the task of delivering the Procedural Instructions for the Operational Swimlanes;

• Provide assistance in preparation of products for FMN OCWG meetings;

3.2 Deliverables

The expected classification level of the deliverables (where these are MS Office Products or Wiki Data) is NATO UNCLASSIFIED. However, in some particular circumstances it may be necessary that a part of the deliverables will be classified as NATO RESTRICTED.

Services may require the consultants to access information, as well as CIS systems, and perform interviews in pursuit of data classified up to NATO SECRET. This will take place on-site at an NCI Agency or at an ACO location.

The following specific deliverables are expected from this support:

Q0.1 - OCWG FMN Framework Support activity plan for 2026

Description: Q0.1A: Prepare a high-level activity plan outlining the OCWG FMN Framework Support activities for the 2026 period of performance. The plan will summarize the tasks, coordination activities, meetings, travel, and key milestones required to support execution, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring of deliverables throughout the year, serving as the baseline reference for planning and reporting.

Output: Text report, maximum 5 pages, to include Tasks, o activities, events (Meetings, Travel Dates) and milestones (deliverables).

Format: MS Office product

Deadline:30 April 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Deliverable Q2.1 – FMN Seminar Preparation and delivery

Description: Q2.1A: Prepare briefings and presentations and engagement plan for the FMN Seminar in Split (CRO) as directed by the Customer, utilizing past FMN, Military Knowledge and NATO knowledge/ Awareness.

Output: OCWG Workshop Agenda and track presentations for use at the FMN Seminar

Format: MS Office Products

Deadline: 27 April 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q2.1B: Support the OCWG track session, present briefings and facilitate the workshop during the FMN Seminar.

Output: Facilitation of the OCWG Track Session at the FMN Sprint

Format: Workshop facilitation.

Deadline: 19 May 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q2.1C Gather feedback and write a report on the feedback (with action Points) to be received by the customer within 4 weeks of the end of the meeting.

Output: Report summarizing the feedback and actions identified during the OCWG Track at FMN Sprint. Max 5 pages

Format: MS Office Document

Deadline: 16 June 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Required Travel: FMN Seminar - Split (CRO) -18-20 May 2026 – 3 days +1-day travel either side

Deliverable Q2.2 Interoperability Operational Requirements Management – Q2 update

Description:

Q2.2A: Prepare the Q2 Draft IOR Baseline for presentation and amendment/ approval by the OCWG Affiliates at OCWG #37.

Output: Deliver Q2 IOR Baseline Presentations for read ahead Pack

Format: MS Office Products

Deadline: 8 May 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q2.2B: Co-Chair the discussions on the Q2 Draft IOR Baseline

Output: Co-chair the OCWG Meeting and facilitate working sessions on the IOR Baseline

Format: Workshop facilitation

Deadline: 5 Jun 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q2.2C: Provide a report on the outcome of the IOR workshop, capturing amendments and actions identified for the future development of the IOR Baseline.

Output: OCWG #37 Workshop IOR Baseline Update Report. Max 5 pages plus data annexes if required

Format: MS Office Products

Deadline: 30 June 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Required Travel: OCWG 37 – Prague (CZE) – 1-5 Jun - 5 days +1-day travel either side Deliverable Q2.3 – Operational impact studies for Proposed Spiral Specification

Description: Q2.3A: Utilize past FMN, Military Knowledge and NATO knowledge/ Awareness. to work with the Capability Planning Working Group (CPWG) post publication of the CPWG Adjudication Tool to identify and formulate for OCWG Approval the Operational Impact of any potential descoping of Capability enhancements in the Spiral Specification Roadmap (SSRM).

Output: Deliver SSRM Operational Impact Presentation for read ahead Pack for Q2 OCWG

Format: MS Office Products

Deadline: 8 May 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q2.2B: Provide Co-Chair during OCWG #37 for the discussions on the SSRM Operational Impact Analysis

Output: Co-chair the OCWG Meeting and facilitate working sessions on the SSRM Operational Impact Analysis

Format: Workshop facilitation

Deadline: 5 Jun 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q2.2C: Provide a report on the outcome of the SSRM Operational Impact Analysis workshop, capturing amendments and actions identified for feedback to the CPWG.

Output: OCWG Workshop SSRM Operational Impact Analysis Report. Max 5 pages plus data annexes if required

Format: MS Office Products

Deadline: 30 June 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Required Travel: OCWG 37 – Prague (CZE) – 1-5 Jun - 5 days +1-day travel either side

Deliverable Q2.4 – Support to Specification Development

Description: Q2.4A: Support the C2 Syndicate as the OCWG Facilitator and within that syndicate act as the Lead of the Joint C2 sub team, including management and leadership of team virtual meetings, managing the successful completion of the syndicate sub-team deliverables (Joint C2 Procedural instructions).

Output: Summary report, max 5 pages, documenting Joint C2 team leadership and facilitation of team meetings

Format: MS Office Product

Deadline: 30 Jun 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q2.4B: Support the IWG Medical; and Logistics Syndicates in the production of initial versions of the Proposed Spiral Specifications, providing operational expertise and context.

Output: Populated Introduction and Context sections of the initial draft service instructions in Joint C2, Medical and Logistics,

Format: Updates made in the FMN Spiral 7 Wiki

Deadline: 30 June 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Required Travel: Participate in up to 4 x Physical syndicate meetings – Europe – 3 days + 1 day either side

Quarter 3 Deliverables

Deliverable Q3.1 Interoperability Operational Requirements Management – Q3 Update

Description: Q3.1A: Manage the Interoperability Operational Requirements process and deliver Final Draft IOR Baseline for amendment/ approval by the OCWG Affiliates by OCWG #38.

Output: Deliver Q3 IOR Baseline Presentations for read ahead Pack

Format: MS Office Products

Deadline: 23 Aug 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q3.1B: Co-Chair the discussions on the Q3 Draft IOR Baseline at OCWG #38

Output: Co-chair the OCWG Meeting and facilitate working sessions on the IOR Baseline

Format: Workshop facilitation

Deadline: 18 Sep 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q3.1C: Provide a report on the outcome of the IOR workshop, capturing amendments and actions identified for the future development of the Q3 IOR Baseline.

Output: OCWG #38 Workshop IOR Baseline Update Report. Max 5 pages plus data annexes if required

Format: MS Office Products

Deadline: 30 Sep 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Required Travel: OCWG 38 – Halifax (CAN) 14-18 Sep 2026

Deliverable Q3.2 – Training Support

Description: Q3.2A:Evaluate the available OCWG online Training Materials and identify gaps and shortfalls.

Output: Presentations summarizing the current OCWG online Training materials available, including list of resources, type, and scope, and identifying known gaps and shortfalls in the material. content

Format: MS Office Product

Deadline: 23 Aug 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q3.2B Present the training material status at OCWG #38 and collect and collate new requirements form the WG members

Output: Text report listing new requirements for improvements to the OCWG Training materials

Format: MS Office Product

Deadline: 18 Sep 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q32C: Update the online set of training materials for the OCWG, providing revised and new content to address the identified gaps and shortfalls

Output: Updated training presentations and reference materials

Format: MS Office Products

Deadline: 18 Nov 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the

WG Coordinator

Required Travel: OCWG 38 – Halifax (CAN) 14-18 Sep 2026

Deliverable Q3.3 Attend CWIX Exercise Specifications Conference

Description: Q3.3A Attend the CWIX Exercise Specification Conference (ESC) in order to inject OCWG requirements into the CWIX Exercise for 2027 to meet the demands of the FMN Management Group that the OCWG should influence CWIX exercise conduct to reflect Operational needs.

Output: Text report summarizing the engagement at the ESC and listing the inputs provided and the impact on the CWIX’27 Exercise Objectives

Format: MS Office Product

Deadline: 14 Sep 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Required Travel: CWIX Exercise Specification Conference (ESC) - Beatenberg (CHE), 8-11 Sep 2026.

Quarter 4 Deliverables

Deliverable Q4.1 – Support to C2 Syndicate

Description:

Q4.2A Support the C2 Syndicate as the OCWG Facilitator and within that syndicate act as the Lead of the Joint C2 sub team. Deliver: Data for the spiral specifications for Joint C2 covering

Output: Processes, Organisations, Roles Information Exchange Requirements and Technical Interaction data to address the respective spiral 7 CPEs for Joint C2

Format: Wiki Data Inputs in the Spiral 7 Wiki

Deadline: 4 Dec 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Required Travel Up to 2 x Physical syndicate meetings. Europe, 3 days + 2 days travel

Deliverable Q4.2 – Spiral Specifications Adjustment.

Description: Q4.1A Identify content shortfalls and quality and coherence issues in the Draft Spiral 7 Specifications based on feedback from Affiliates, OCWG, CPWG and CIAV

Output: Produce summary if Spiral 7 Shortfalls for read ahead Pack for OCWG #39

Format: MS Office Products

Deadline: 16 Nov 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q4.1B: Co-Chair and facilitate the review of the Spiral 7 Shortfalls and Issues at OCWG #39, confirming status and collecting additional inputs form the Affiliate Representatives

Output: Text Report listing consolidating inputs from the OCWG Affiliate Representatives on Spiral 7 Shortfalls and Issues

Format: MS Office Product

Deadline: 11 Dec 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Q4.1C: Resolve issues and shortfalls identified by the OCWG in the Draft Spiral 7 Specifications

Output: Updated data in the Spiral 7 Wiki, with changes documented in the Issue Tracker, in line with the agreed shortfalls list

Format: Wiki Data Updates and Issues raised in Bugzilla

Deadline: 30 Dec 2026

Acceptance: Validation by the NCIA PoC in coordination with the OCWG Coordinator

Required Travel: OCWG 39 (Location TBD), 7-11 Dec 2026

3.3 Coordination and reporting

The service provider shall participate in a kick-off meeting within two working weeks after the signing of this contract. This will be a virtual meeting executed via electronic means using Conference Call/VTC capabilities; During the kick off meeting, the service provider will provide and discuss a draft plan for executing the tasks under this statement of work covering the three work strands. Purchaser and service provider will discuss the plan and amend where appropriate; The service provider will provide email minutes containing, at least decisions and actions decided during the meeting.

The contractor’s personnel shall participate in regular status meetings, either in-person (where possible) or via electronic means using Conference Call/VTC capabilities. Status meetings will take place at least once per month;  The rhythm for these meetings will be decided at the kick-off meeting; The contractor’s personnel will initiate these meetings and provide email minutes containing at least decisions and actions decided during the meeting.

4 PAYMENT SCHEDULE

This requirement is for the delivery of the products identified in Section 3.2. Payment will be provided based on these deliveries as indicated in the following table:

Item 1: Q0.1, Q2.1, Q2.2, Q2.3 Q2.4, Q2.5

Deliverable completion deadline: 30 Jun 2026

Item 2: Q3.1, Q3.2, Q3.3

Deliverable completion deadline: 30 Sep 2026

Item 3: Q4.1, Q4.2, Q4.3, Q4.4

Deliverable completion deadline: 31 Dec 2026

The payment shall be dependent upon successful acceptance of the Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS) – (Annex A).

Invoices shall be accompanied with a Delivery Acceptance Sheet (annex A) signed by the contractor and the NCIA POC

5 SECURITY CLEARANCE

The services under this SOW require the consultant to have a valid NATO SECRET security clearance.

6 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Services are to be provided for the period starting 13th April 2026 through 31 Dec 2026.

7 TERMS

Services will primarily be performed off-site at the consultant’s own office. The contractor is responsible for office space and internet connectivity at their own facilities.

Office space and computer equipment will be provided at NCIA The Hague or at ACO locations for during any visits for the duration of this contract;

Mobile NATO Restricted IT will be provided to the contractor;

Any access to systems higher than NATO Restricted that are required to support the production of the deliverables shall only be organised through NCI Agency.

This Task Order requires scheduled travel as detailed in Section 3.2, consisting of:

Attend and support routine meetings of the OCWG: Up to 3 meetings, max 5 days in person per meeting plus travel (2 x Europe, 1 x North America)

Attend and support FMN Syndicate Sprints: Up to 3 meetings, max 4 days in person per meeting plus travel (2 x Europe, 1 x North America)

Attend IWG Syndicate meetings for C2: Up to 2 meetings, max 3 days in person per meeting plus travel (Europe)

Attend IWG Syndicate meetings for Logistics and/or Medical: Up to 2 meetings, max 3 days in person per meeting plus travel (Europe)

Attend FMN Seminar: Max 3 days in person plus travel (CRO)

Attend the CWIX Exercise Specification Conference: Max 4 days in person plus travel (CHE)

All travel expenses, including per diem, lodging and associated expenses for travel are included in the price of the bid (NTE), such that the purchaser shall not be invoiced separately for travel.

Extraordinary Travel (Purchaser Directed Travel) may be required to other NATO or non-NATO locations as necessary. In the event of such unforeseen meetings being called, the cost of all travel and subsistence will be addressed through a contract amendment.

Extraordinary Travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with Article 5.5 of AAS+ Framework Contract. Such costs will be set as a separate PO line with a not to exceed value to cover and reimburse of actual expenses upon submissions of all receipts and invoices in line with NCIA processes.

8 COSTRAINTS

NATO will retain the intellectual property rights for all products developed in relation to this project.

All deliverables, scripts, documentation and required code will be stored as directed by NCIA.

9 SPECIFIC EXPERTISE REQUIRED

[See Requirements]

Requirements

5 SECURITY CLEARANCE

• The services under this SOW require the consultant to have a valid NATO SECRET security clearance.

9 SPECIFIC EXPERTISE REQUIRED

The services to be provided under this SOW requires the skills found in an experienced business architect/ business analyst/ operational analyst who has worked in a multinational military environment.

9.1 Mandatory Expertise

• Demonstrated deep knowledge (at least 5 years) of contributing to or interpreting Allied Joint Doctrine and/or similar national doctrine from a NATO Nation;
• Proven expertise (at least 3 years) in the identification and definition of Information Exchange Requirements;
• Deep Expertise (at least 5 years) in implementing or developing NATOs Federated Mission Networking Concept and Governance Framework;
• Demonstrated Knowledge (at least 3 years) of working with information exchange and interoperability standards;
• Proven ability (at least 5 years) to report/brief material tailored to the requirements of senior military stakeholders and decision makers;
• Demonstrated ability (at least 5 years) to work in an international team;
• Demonstrated ability to write effectively in the English Language;
• Demonstrated ability (at least 3 years experience) with Semantic Media Wiki and Bugzilla Issue Tracking Tools.

9.2 Mandatory Experience & Background

• Proven experience (at least 5 years) in the extraction and documentation of Military Operational Processes in one or more Domains or Military Functions;
• Proven experience (at least 5 years) in the specification and definition of Military Interoperability Operational Requirements;
• Deep Experience (at least 5 years) of working with military interoperability programmes and concepts;
• Deep experience (at least 5 years) in working with international organisations and in multinational environments;
• Knowledge of NATO Command and Force Structures and military operations.

9.3 Desirable Soft Skills

• Clearance & Security Awareness: Ability to work with classified/unclassified data and within secure environments;
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Ability to communicate clearly and respectfully across diverse national, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. Awareness of military etiquette, rank structures, and communication protocols;
• Facilitation and Stakeholder Engagement: Confident leading structured workshops and interviews with multinational stakeholders. Skilled at eliciting input, aligning perspectives, and building consensus in group settings;
• Adaptability & Flexibility: Comfortable working in ambiguous, evolving environments (e.g., changing mission needs, shifting stakeholder engagement timelines). Can pivot between strategic thinking and tactical detail depending on audience and situation;
• Political and Situational Awareness: Understands the sensitivities and nuances of working in a multinational defense setting. Exercises discretion and professionalism in all interactions. Recognizes when to escalate issues, seek clarification, or defer to local/national policies;