Use Mystic Bids to Forecast Business Growth Now

Lohfeld Consulting’s Mystic Bids blog highlights forecasted procurements still in development, giving contractors an early look at where the market is heading. In this edition, we focus on 10 major opportunities—seven of which are new—valued in the billions, spanning pharmaceutical distribution, cyber defense, next-generation IT infrastructure, and environmental remediation, that agencies are expected to release between 2027 and 2028. If you have questions or need help preparing for any of these forecasted opportunities, contact Lohfeld Consulting.

The Mystic Bids blog complements our ongoing series: Mega Bids, which highlights active opportunities valued at more than $500M; Mighty Bids, which range from $10M to $499M; and Mini Bids, which are valued at less than $10M. We define “active opportunities” as those in which the government has conducted market research, hosted an industry day, or otherwise engaged with potential offerors in the past quarter.

Description of Mystic Bids (Updated 01/05/2026)

1. Pharmaceutical Prime Vendor III (PPV III)
   Agency: Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
   NAICS Code: 325412 – Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing
   GovWin Opp ID: 230579
   RFP Type: Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)
   Competition Type: Full and Open/Unrestricted
   Value: $61.8B
   RFP Date: 02/2028
   Description: The VA has an ongoing need for pharmaceutical distribution services to facilities across the U.S., its territories, and select international locations. Since moving away from its depot system in the early 1990s, the VA has relied on the PPV program, which uses just-in-time inventory management, advanced ordering software, and prompt payment systems. In addition to VA facilities, this program supplies other federal agencies, including the Indian Health Service (IHS) and Bureau of Prisons (BOP), as well as eligible state veterans’ homes. Contractors must maintain a web-based ordering system, comply with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) requirements for controlled substances, provide next-day CONUS delivery or 72-hour OCONUS delivery, and deliver robust reporting, with pricing tied to federal contracts or, where needed, wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) generics.
   Status: On October 6, 2025, the government released an SSN with responses due on November 3, 2025. The SSN sought qualified sources, especially Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs), capable of providing nationwide and overseas pharmaceutical distribution services to the VA and other federal facilities. Respondents must demonstrate capabilities in cold chain logistics, inventory forecasting, electronic data interchange (EDI), real-time pricing, and reporting compliance under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). The SSN requests detailed information on company experience, distribution networks, ordering systems, customer support, inventory management, and prior contract history to inform the VA’s acquisition strategy. The SSN responses will help determine whether to set aside the procurement for veteran-owned businesses or pursue a broader competition. This notice is for planning purposes only and will not result in an immediate solicitation or contract award. The McKesson Corporation is the incumbent contractor.
2. Next Generation Network Infrastructure RFI on Telecommunications Information Technology (NGNI)
   Agency: General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) Information Technology Category (ITC)
   NAICS Code: 517111 – Wired Telecommunications Carriers
   GovWin Opp ID: 240041
   RFP Type: Undetermined
   Competition Type: Undetermined
   Value: $50B
   RFP Date: 07/2027
   Description: GSA is developing its NGNI strategy to succeed the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) contracts, which expire in July 2032. Established in 2017, EIS provides federal agencies with a comprehensive suite of telecommunications and IT services, including data, voice, cloud, wireless, satellite, and managed network solutions, through multiple award IDIQ contracts. Agencies access these services by obtaining a Delegation of Procurement Authority (DPA) and issuing task orders in compliance with fair opportunity procedures. NGNI is designed to anticipate future market trends and ensure agencies continue to benefit from modern, secure, and cost-effective infrastructure solutions.
   Status: GSA held an Industry Day on May 31, 2024, which focused on the EIS program scope and planning for NGNI.
3. Test and Evaluation Technologies for Ranges, Armaments, and Spectrum (TETRAS) III
   Agency: Dept. of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Air Force Test Center (AFTC) 96^th Test Wing
   NAICS Code: 541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
   GovWin Opp ID: 251026
   RFP Type: IDIQ
   Competition Type: Undetermined
   Value: $20B
   RFP Date: 06/2027
   Description: AFMC’s 96th Test Wing has an ongoing need for airborne and range instrumentation, infrastructure, facilities, and technical expertise to support testing and fielding of advanced warfighting capabilities. TETRAS III will provide innovative test and evaluation solutions for weapons systems; command, control, communications, computers, cyber-defense, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C6ISR); electronic combat systems; munitions; and emerging technologies. Other technologies will include hypersonics, directed energy, and cyber. TETRAS III is designed to deliver rapid, flexible, and scalable support that enhances test missions, increases throughput, and adapts to evolving national defense requirements; by modernizing test ranges and capabilities, it ensures the DOD can validate and transition cutting-edge systems with speed and agility.
   Status: The Air Force published the TETRAS III Industry Day Q&A responses on June 4, 2025
4. Streamlined Technology Acquisition Resources for Services (STARS) IV
   Agency: General Services Administration (GSA), Federal Acquisition Service (FAS)
   NAICS Code: 541512 – Computer System Design Services
   GovWin Opp ID: 259682
   RFP Type: IDIQ, GWAC
   Competition Type: 8(a) Set-Aside
   Value: $50B
   RFP Date: 01/2027
   Description: The government is considering a continuing requirement for the 8(a) STARS IV. The contract would enable federal agencies to meet diverse IT needs worldwide while promoting innovative, best-value solutions aligned with agency missions. STARS IV would support customized IT services, including data management, cybersecurity, software development, systems design, and IT operations, with IT services remaining the principal purpose of all orders. The scope includes two specialized sub-areas: 1) emerging technology-focused IT services, and 2) IT services performed outside of CONUS. Ancillary services and equipment may be included when integral to IT solutions, but the contract prohibits orders whose primary purpose is non-IT, personal services, or standalone telecommunications.
   Status: GSA has not decided whether to pursue a follow-on to this program. Current contracts expire in July 2029.
5. Special Operational Equipment (SOE) Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) Program 6
   Agency: Dept. of Defense (DOD), Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
   NAICS Code: 339999 – All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing
   GovWin Opp ID: 259561
   RFP Type: IDIQ
   Competition Type: Full and Open/Unrestricted
   Value: $33B
   RFP Date: 01/2027
   Description: The program will provide comprehensive supply chain support for special operational equipment required by military installations and federal activities worldwide. Vendors will deliver logistics services, including sourcing from manufacturers, competitive pricing, customer support, global shipping, and transportation visibility. The program covers a broad range of specialized operational equipment, including survival gear, tactical and protective equipment, diving and underwater systems, communications devices, and lifesaving tools. Overall, the effort ensures rapid, reliable access to mission-critical equipment to support operational readiness across diverse environments.
   Status: The government released an SSN with responses due on December 5, 2025.
6. Small Business Enterprise Applications Solutions (SBEAS) IDIQ
   Agency: Dept. of the Air Force, Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Business and Enterprise Systems Directorate (AFLCMC/HI)
   NAICS Code: 541511 – Custom Computer Programming Services
   GovWin Opp ID: 250762
   RFP Type: IDIQ
   Competition Type: Small Business Set-Aside
   Value: $13B
   RFP Date: 10/2027
   Description: This program provides network-centric IT services for Air Force requirements and optional use by supporting agencies. The contract provides access to a comprehensive range of IT services that support the full system and software lifecycle across diverse environments, including government, cloud, and mobile platforms. Services include systems engineering, software development, cybersecurity, data services, application administration, modernization, and sustainment. Task orders will define specific performance, scheduling, and technical requirements, and all solutions must operate within approved DOD network-centric enterprise environments.
   Status: The 20 current SBEAS contracts expire in December 2029. The three biggest recipients of SBEAS spending have been Absolute Strategic Technologies, LLC, Obsidian Global, LLC, and Zigabyte Corporation.
7. AEC Remedial Acquisition Framework Environmental Services and Operations (ESO)
   Agency: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
   NAICS Code: 562910 – Environmental Remediation Services
   GovWin Opp ID: 197160
   RFP Type: IDIQ
   Competition Type: Small Business Set-Aside
   Value: $9.8B
   RFP Date: 11/2027
   Description: This program will support the Superfund Remedial program under the Remedial Acquisition Framework. The multiple-award contract will provide a national vehicle for acquiring a wide range of remedial and environmental support services for EPA regional and headquarters offices. Work will be issued through task orders and may be site-specific, using either a fixed-price or a time-and-materials structure. The contracts primarily support remedy operations, technical oversight of remediation activities, assistance to EPA project managers, and preliminary assessment and site investigation efforts.
   Status: The contract remains active and expires on July 31, 2028. The top three earning contractors are OCH, JV; EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc.; and TechLaw Consultants, Inc.
8. TRICARE Pharmacy Program (TPHARM6)
   Agency: Dept. of Defense (DOD), Defense Health Agency (DHA)
   NAICS Code: 524114 – Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers
   GovWin Opp ID: 260384
   RFP Type: Other Other
   Competition Type: Undetermined
   Value: $5.1B
   RFP Date: 03/2027
   Description: Under this replenishable contract, the contractor maintains a base inventory for dispensing, while DHA replenishes dispensed items through the DLA’s National Pharmaceutical Vendor on a pill-for-pill basis. Replenishment orders are placed from the DLA Medical Master Catalog, drawing from federal supply schedules and other government contracts, with the contractor selecting the most cost-effective source. All replenished inventory must be Trade Agreements Act compliant, and government-procured brand-name drugs are purchased at discounted “Big 4” rates.
   Status: On December 16, 2025, the government released a request for information (RFI). Submissions are due by 12:00 PM MT on January 30, 2026. The government anticipates holding an industry day in July 2026. The current contract expires on December 31, 2029.
9. U.S. Army Marketing and Advertising Program
   Agency: Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army (ASA) Manpower & Reserve Affairs (M&RA), U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC), and the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve (OCAR)
   NAICS Code: 541810 – Advertising Agencies
   GovWin Opp ID: 254507
   RFP Type: Other
   Competition Type: Full and Open/Unrestricted
   Value: $4B
   RFP Date: 11/2027
   Description: The government requires full-service advertising and marketing support to advance nationwide personnel acquisition and retention programs. A full-service advertising agency will provide end-to-end services, including strategy development, research, creative production, media placement, event marketing, and social media. The effort supports multiple Army organizations and covers campaigns across traditional and digital media platforms. These services will support recruiting and retention for the Active Army, Army Reserve, officer programs, and specialized missions, including Special Operations, medical, legal, and other critical skill areas.
   Status: The current contract with Omnicom Group will expire in November 2028.
10. ePayment Card Services
    Agency: Dept. of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
    NAICS Code: 522320 – Financial Transactions Processing, Reserve, Clearinghouse
    GovWin Opp ID: 253629
    RFP Type: Other
    Competition Type: Full and Open/Unrestricted
    Value: $2B
    RFP Date: 04/2027
    Description: The government requires secure electronic payment solutions that convert balance-due, estimated, installment, and other tax payments into electronic transactions. Driven in part by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the government seeks to expand convenient, high-volume digital payment options for both domestic and international taxpayers, including solutions for the unbanked and underbanked. Contractors must provide multilingual, secure Interactive Voice Response (IVR) and web-based systems capable of processing at least 300,000 transactions per day while protecting taxpayer data and complying with IRS, Treasury, and NIST security requirements. The solution must support a wide range of tax payment types, provide transparent fee information, ensure disaster recovery, and include fraud detection and incident reporting capabilities. Contractors are also responsible for reporting, quality control, marketing to encourage electronic payments, and ongoing system certification and compliance throughout the contract lifecycle.
    Status: The current active contracts will expire in December 2027. The contract holders are Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. and Official Payments Corporation.

Large Government Lab Contracts

There are multiple opportunities for managing large laboratory and R&D facilities. However, the opportunities are limited to a select number of bidders with specialized expertise. These opportunities include:

• Oak Ridge Institute Science and Education Contract (ORISE): RFP Date: 02/2026; GovWin ID: 228984; Agency: Dept. of Energy (DOE) Office of Science; Value: $3.2B.
• One Professional Services Solution (HOPSS): RFP Date: 05/2026; GovWin ID: 249137; Agency: Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH); Value: $3.6B.
• Management and Operation of Sandia National Laboratory (SNL): RFP Date: 06/2026; GovWin ID: 176048; Agency: Dept. of Energy (DOE); Value: $50B.
• Management and Operation of the Nevada National Security Site: RFP Date: 11/2026; GovWin ID: 223041; Agency: Dept. of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA), Nevada Operations Offices (DOE/NV); Value: $13B.
• Management and Operation of the Princeton Physics Laboratory (PPPL M&O): RFP Date: 11/2026; GovWin ID: 60483; Agency: Dept. of Energy (DOE); Value: $14.6B.
• Los Alamos National Laboratory Management and Operations (LANL M&O): RFP Date: 04/2027; GovWin ID: 235406; Agency: Dept. of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); Value: $32B.

Construction and Installation Contracts

There are several significant construction projects sponsored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

• Border Infrastructure Design Build Multiple Award IDIQ: RFP Date: 12/2027; GovWin ID: 258850; Agency: Dept. of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection; Value: $5B.
• Paving Requirements for Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson: RFP Date: 12/2027; GovWin ID: 237214; Agency: Pacific Air Forces, 11th Air Force, 673d Air Base Wing (ABW), 673d Civil Engineer Group; Value: $149M.
• NIH FY2025 Multiple Award Construction Contract (MACC): RFP Date: 03/2027; GovWin ID: 250357; Agency: Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH); Value: $3B.

Care Facilities and Public Health Contracts

There are several large contracts focused on providing shelter or public health services that may not come to fruition based on the current administration’s focus:

• Full-Service Influx Care Facility Services: RFP Date: 01/2027; GovWin ID: 248823; Agency: Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families; Value: $75B.
• Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractor Jurisdiction (DME MAC); RFP Date: 01/2027; GovWin ID: 214540; Agency: Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Value: $310M.
• The Chief Information Officer Commodities Store (CIO-CS) is in the process of transferring to the General Services Administration (GSA). Details on the timeline are still in the planning stage. GovWin ID: 234645; Agency: Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Institutes of Health (NIH); Value: $25B.

Conclusion

Positioning early for high-profile Mystic bids is the key to success. At Lohfeld Consulting, we specialize in helping contractors capture and develop proposals for these game-changing opportunities. From pipeline strategy and capture planning to proposal management, writing, and reviews, our experts ensure you are ready to compete and win. If your team is targeting one or more of these Mystic Bids, contact us today to gain the strategic edge that makes the difference.

Relevant Information

• Use Mega Bids to Drive Business Growth Now

• Use Mighty Bids to Drive Mid/Small Company Growth Now

• Use Mini Bids to Drive Small Business Growth Now

By Brenda Crist, Vice President at Lohfeld Consulting Group, MPA, CPP APMP Fellow

Lohfeld Consulting Group has proven results specializing in helping companies create winning captures and proposals. As the premier capture and proposal services consulting firm focused exclusively on government markets, we provide expert assistance to government contractors in Capture Planning and Strategy, Proposal Management and Writing, Capture and Proposal Process and Infrastructure, and Training. In the last 3 years, we’ve supported over 550 proposals winning more than $170B for our clients—including the Top 10 government contractors. Lohfeld Consulting Group is your “go-to” capture and proposal source! Start winning by contacting us at www.lohfeldconsulting.com and join us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube^(TM).