RFI for next-generation Army software to be released soon

The Army's Computer Hardware Enterprise Software Solutions program, the service's designated primary source for commercial-off-the-shelf information technology, will soon release a request for information for its next generation software, according to a program official.

Wayne Sok, product lead for CHESS in the program executive office for enterprise information systems, told reporters during a Dec. 13 Washington Technology breakfast the "Information Technology Enterprise Solutions-4 Hardware" will be the service's next hardware contract vehicle.

"Currently, we have an ITES-3H and that's going to be expiring in 2021, so you'll start to see industry and a lot of language for RFIs, we'll do more industry engagements, there will be an industry day, we'll do as much as we can," Sok said.

ITES-3H consisted of networking equipment, storage systems, Windows-based servers and desktops. Seventeen indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contracts were awarded for the program, according to an Army release, including seven contracts to small businesses.

Sok added the service is also encouraging small businesses to respond to the RFIs for ITES-4H. He wants to focus on a "measure twice, cut once" approach to the RFIs, saying industry engagement time frames could be longer than expected because the service wants to make sure it's getting the right input and language as technology changes.

ITES-4H will consist of servers, routers, switches and other hardware capabilities and the RFI is "imminent," Sok told Inside Defense.