Subterranean environments capable of supporting live - fire exercises

2026-11-03

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND YOUR RESPONSE IS NOT AN OFFER . THIS REQUEST FOR INFORMATION DOES NOT COMMIT THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY ANY COSTS INCURRED IN PREPARATION OF ANY SUBMISSION TO THIS NOTICE , OR TO CONTRACT FOR SERVICES . This Request for Information ( RFI ) is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation . All information received in response to this RFI marked Proprietary will be handled accordingly . Responses to the RFI will not be returned . All information contained in the RFI is preliminary as well as subject to modification and is in no way binding on the Government . PURPOSE : The U . S . Army Corps of Engineers ( USACE ) Engineer Research and Development Center ( ERDC ) is conducting market research to evaluate the availability of subterranean environments capable of supporting live - fire exercises with energetics weighing up to 5 , 000 lbs . TNT Net Explosive Weight . Additionally , this research aims to assess the competencies and capabilities of potential contractors . The government has a long - standing requirement for training site access and supporting services there at to provide unique training opportunities for its military not otherwise available to them at existing government venues . BACKGROUND : The ERDC Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory ( ERDC - GSL ) requires continuous Research and Development ( R & D ) and training to be conducted within a sophisticated tactical tunnel . This initiative is part of ERDC ’ s military engineering research focus , which emphasizes survivability and protective structures . Exclusive access will be needed to a training site having unique size ( acreage ), topography , and underground access and supporting services . To conduct requisite training events , the government requires access to the training site and supporting services . Contractor provided services will be inclusive of any activity that would be reasonably offered by a venue uniquely built , maintained , and managed to support the conduct of military training ranging in type from conventional to exquisite . The programs are specifically designed to support research initiatives funded by Congressional appropriations and the United States Special Operations Command ( USSOCOM ). As part of these efforts , ERDC aims to secure access to a subterranean facility located in Kentucky for tactical purposes , addressing a range of potential threats . The intent of this RFI is to gather data to verify the competencies and capabilities of contractors in the marketplace to perform subterranean missions . The requirements for the site will be , but not limited to : Secure storage for high value and sensitive itemsClassroom area for training and briefingsUnderground communications capabilitiesGPS denied capabilityEvents up to 5K lbs . of TNT Net Explosive WeightUnmanned Aircraft System ( UAS ) operations in GPS - denied environmentsSubterranean safety and rescue teamOperations and Maintenance Support ( O & M ) to include safety in compliance with OSHA and MSHA safety standards ( Portal stabilization , Roof bolting , Wall and column scaling , Road maintenance , Inspection records , Air quality and ventilation ) Develop , document , maintain and implement ongoing ventilation , rock scaling , roof bolting and de - watering operations and evacuation routesSite maintenance to include improved roads as needed per GovernmentEvent Support to include safety support and post event cleanupThe facility must have a Facility Clearance ( FCL ) and all staff members must have Secret or higher clearance levelThe site location should be within 70 miles of Fort Knox , KYThe purpose of this RFI is to obtain availability of vendors and to determine interest in participation before a Request for Proposal ( RFP ) is released for the required services . Respondents are requested to submit responses to the following questions : Contact information : Interested organizations should respond by providing the Government the following information : point of contact , address , telephone , email address , and CAGE code . Capabilities Statement : A description of capabilities in providing 1 ) the minimum required capabilities described above . If your organization can provide additional specialized protective structure testing support , please describeand 2 ) Experience . Previous procurement information , including contract numbers and customers , is recommended . Business Status ( based on NAICS 541990 ): Please indicate the business status of your company ( Socio - Economic Factors : 8 ( a ), HUBZone , Service - Disabled Veteran - Owned Business , Small Disadvantaged Business etc .). Please provide the above information no later than 1 : 00 PM Central Standard Time on 12 January 2026 . Responses should be emailed to Janalyn Dement at Janalyn . H . Dement @ usace . army . mil .

Mississippi

2026-04-29