2026-0006 C3 Taxonomy Analytical Support 2026 (NS) - WED 25 Feb

Deadline Date: Wednesday 25 February 2026

Requirement: C3 Taxonomy Analytical Support 2026

Location: Off-Site

Period of Performance: 2026: As soon as possible but not later than 06 April 2026 until 31 December 2026

Required Security Clearance: NATO SECRET

1 OVERALL PROJECT SCOPE

The Chief Technology Office (CTO) of NCI Agency has a requirement for off-site support to the Federated Interoperability (FI) Branch of SACT under the ACT Programme of Work (POW) for 2026.

NCIA Supports the FI Branch through a Federated Mission Networking Framework Support Project. This project is divided into multiple Work Packages (WPs). WP6 provides support for the development and maintenance of the Consultation Command and Control Taxonomy (C3T) which is approved by the NATO Digital Policy Committee.

An SME is needed with Knowledge of NATO C3, Information principals and have proven analytical expertise to assist the project team in the maintenance and development of different layers of the C3 Taxonomy.

2 TASKS FOR C3T ANALYTICAL SUPPORT

Services to be provided are focused on providing SME support to:

Analyse existing C3 Taxonomies based on the sponsor’s priorities. For the specified Taxonomy layers in scope, provide SME support to:

• Contribute to discussions and analysis to determine appropriate taxonomy categorisations and structure
• Provide relevant analysis and reports to support justification of taxonomy structures and descriptions.
• Generate Content (develop the descriptions) for Taxonomy elements, using experience and analysis to identify appropriate descriptions for categorised concepts through extant doctrine where appropriate, but familiar with open source information repositories.
• Contribute directly to the authoritative repository in the SACT Taxonomy Wiki
• Document analytical results in architecture tools/methods as directed e.g. Archimate, ARCHI, ARIS
• Support the ACT led C3 Taxonomy Change Management review and control process
• Support the preparation and development of C3 Taxonomy Baseline 8 (BL8)

Provide regular reporting as follows:

• Initially weekly reporting of activities and results to the project manager or assigned task lead;
• Monthly reporting to the C3T Work Package Sponsor in coordination with the task lead, in line with the Sprint schedule.

3 ACTIVITIES AND DELIVERABLES

3.1 Activities

Under the direction of the project manager or assigned task leader, the services provided are related to the following activities:

• Propose changes to the structure of the existing C3Taxonomies in accordance with guidance of the sponsor of the project;
• Review and redesign the current Capabilities Taxonomy (current baseline is deemed not fit for purpose)
• Identify any obvious ‘missing’ NATO capabilities in the proposed data model.
• Review and redesign the current Business Process Taxonomy (enhancements)
• Review and redesign the current Information Products Taxonomy (enhancements)
• Design a new Data Taxonomy
• Support a detailed review of Core Services Baseline (in conjunction with Core Services COI)
• Engage with FI branch ACT to resolve issues with import/export of wiki files
• Prepare meetings, set agendas, engage with stakeholders, manage action lists, and contribute working papers and presentations as directed by the FI branch.
• Keep up-to-date with the latest C3Taxonomy developments in the field of Federated Mission Network (FMN) activities (FMN Spiral 7 Wiki);
• Alignment of FMN Data with Taxonomy hierarchies
• Engage with the C3Taxonomy stakeholders to elicit taxonomy requirements through surveys and workshops;
• Support the development of Baseline 8 (BL8) of the C3T

3.2 Deliverables

Each deliverable shall undergo internal peer review by the Contractor prior to submission. A peer review statement shall be included in the deliverable or accompanying submission email. Peer review is not a substitute for NCI Agency validation and acceptance.

The following specific deliverables are expected from this statement of work:

D001: C3T Support Activity Plan

Description: Deliver C3T development activity plan detailing monthly tasks, milestones and deliverables in agreement with the ACT Sponsor.

Output: Product in MS Word Doc format.

Due: 30 April 2026

Acceptance criteria: Document covers the full planning period. Monthly activities, milestones, and associated deliverables are clearly identified. Content reflects priorities agreed with the ACT Sponsor and NCI Agency POC. ACT Sponsor review comments (if any) are addressed in the final version. Formal acceptance confirmed by NCI Agency POC and the ACT Sponsor

D002: C3T Structural Change Options

Description: Provide an analytical report proposing structural changes to the existing Taxonomies for C3T BL8, including analysis, rationale and courses of action.

Output: Max 5 pages Format: MS Word docx

Due: 30 Apr 2026

Acceptance criteria: Report includes analysis of the current C3T BL8 taxonomy structure. Proposed structural change options are clearly described and supported by rationale. At least one recommended course of action is identified. Document does not exceed five pages (excluding cover page and annexes, if permitted). ACT Sponsor review comments (if any) are addressed in the final version. Formal acceptance confirmed by NCI Agency POC and the ACT Sponsor

D003: Implement C3T Changes

Description: Implement Taxonomy changes for BL8 in the Tidepedia C3T Wiki in accordance with the activity plan (D001), agreed structural changes (D002) and any third-party Requests for Change (RFCs).

Outputs: Data Updated on a monthly basis in the C3T Wiki. Monthly report in a simple Word Document listing RFCs and associated changes made by the contractor based upon the change  log from C3T Wiki.

Due: On a monthly basis, with the report due on the last day of each calendar month. The following Deliverable identifiers and reporting periods are specified for 2026:

D003.1 (Contract start to 30 April)

D003.2 (1-31 May)

D003.3 (1-30 Jun)

D003.4 (1-31 Jul)

D003.5 (1-31 Aug)

D003.6 (1-30 Sep)

D003.7 (1-31 Oct)

D003.8 (1-30 Nov)

D003.9 (1-31 Dec)

Acceptance criteria: Approved taxonomy changes are correctly implemented in the Tidepedia C3T Wiki in accordance with D001 and D002.  A monthly report listing all RFCs and implemented changes is delivered within the required timeline. Reported changes are traceable to the corresponding RFCs and entries in the C3T Wiki change log. ACT Sponsor review comments (if any) are addressed in the final submitted report.  Formal acceptance confirmed by NCI Agency POC and the ACT Sponsor.

D004 Alignment of C3T BL8 with FMN Spiral 7

Description: Deliver Analytical report on the alignment of the C3T BL8 with FMN Spiral 7 terms.

Output: MS Word Document, detailing analysis, summary of the alignment and identification of shortfalls and mitigation actions on the C3T and FMN Spiral 7 Interoperability Architecture.

Due: 31th Dec 2026

Acceptance criteria: Report includes analysis of the alignment between C3T BL8 elements and FMN Spiral 7 terms. Alignment gaps and shortfalls are clearly identified and described. Recommended mitigation actions are provided where misalignment is identified. ACT Sponsor and Project Manager (PM) review comments (if any) are addressed in the final version. Formal acceptance confirmed by the NCI Agency POC and the ACT Sponsor.

The expected classification level of the deliverables is NATO UNCLASSIFIED.

However, in some particular circumstances it might be decided 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, classified up to NATO SECRET. This will be done on-site at an NCI Agency location.

3.3 Coordination and reporting

The contractor’s personnel 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 contractor’s personnel will provide and discuss a draft plan for executing the tasks under this statement of work. Purchaser and Contractor will discuss the plan and amend where appropriate.

The contractor’s personnel 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.

For 2026 payment will be provided based on these deliveries as indicated in the following table, assuming a start date NLT 6 April:

D001 Due 30 Apr 2026

D002 Due 30 Apr 2026

D003.1 Due 30 Apr 2026

D003.2 Due 31 May 2026

D003.3 Due 30 Jun 2026

D003.4 Due 31 July 2026

D003.5 Due 31 Aug 2026

D003.6 Due 30 Sep 2026

D003.7 Due 31 Oct 2026

D003.8 Due 30 Nov 2026

D003.9 Due 31 Dec 2026

D004 Due 31 Dec 2026

Payment Milestones: Completion of each deliverable shall be accompanied documented in Delivery Acceptance Sheet (DAS) – (Annex B), signed for acceptance by the Purchaser’s authorized point of contact and the Contractor

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

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

5 SECURITY CLEARANCE

The duties of the consultants require a valid NATO SECRET security clearance. NATO SECRET security Clearance in progress is acceptable.

6 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Services are to be provided for the period starting NLT 06 th April 2026 through 31 Dec 2026.

7 PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENT

This is a Completion-type contract requires a single consultant with all necessary skills to complete the service.

7.1 Place of Performance

Services will primarily be performed off-site at the consultant’s own office. Office space and computer equipment will be provided at NCIA The Hague for access during scheduled visits for the duration of this contract; mobile NATO Restricted IT will be provided to the contractor; contractor is responsible for office space and internet connectivity at their own facilities.

7.2 Travel

The contractor shall be required to travel in support of this contract as follows: Physically attend up to 2 x Architecture CaT Meetings in support of the ACT Sponsor to brief C3T development status and support workshops with National Architects. Specific meeting dates and times are to be confirmed NLT 20 Apr 2026. For planning the meetings will take place in Europe, and the contractor is expected to participate for 3 days per meeting.

Physically attend up to 2 x Project Team Meetings. Specific meeting dates and times are to be confirmed NLT 20 Apr 2026. For planning the meetings will take place in The Hague, and the contractor is expected to participate for 3 days per meeting.

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 CONSTRAINTS

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 duties of the consultants require a valid NATO SECRET security clearance. NATO SECRET security Clearance in progress is acceptable.

9 SPECIFIC EXPERTISE REQUIRED

The services to be provided under this SOW require an SME with a blend of business analysis, data taxonomy, and technical expertise, while also aligning with military standards and operational requirements.

9.1 Specific Experience & Background

• Minimum of 7 years in business analysis, taxonomy development, or data architecture within an IT environment.
• Proven experience and knowledge in the use and of Semantic Media Wiki, demonstrated in at least two past projects.
• Proven knowledge of NATO Structures, NATO Working Groups and military operations demonstrated in at least three past projects
• At least 5 years’ experience in NATO IT, defence contracting, or NATO agencies.
• Expert knowledge (demonstrated by at least 5 years’ experience) of Information Architecture and systems engineering techniques
• Expertise in Taxonomy Development & Management including the design of hierarchical classification structures, controlled vocabularies, and/or metadata schemas in the military domain, demonstrated in at least one past project.
• Extensive expertise (at least 5 years’ experience) in Stakeholder Engagement to include work with military IT personnel, analysts, and decision-makers to align taxonomy with mission objectives.
• Proven expertise (at least 5 years) in Requirements Elicitation & Documentation to gather and document requirements from military stakeholders, ensuring alignment with operational needs, demonstrated in at least 3 projects.
• Proven knowledge of Military Taxonomy & Classification Systems for familiarity with military classification frameworks (e.g., C3T, NATO STANAGs, NIST 800-60) demonstrated in at least one past project.
• Proven knowledge of Metadata & Structured Data for experience in applying metadata standards like the NATO Core Metadata Specification, Dublin Core)) demonstrated in at least three past projects.
• Proven Data Analysis expertise to query, analyze, and validate data structures, demonstrated in at least 3 projects.

9.2 Desirable Soft Skills (demonstrated in at least one past project)

• Security Awareness: for the ability to work with classified/unclassified data and within secure environments.
• Attention to Detail: for ensuring accuracy and consistency in military taxonomies.
• Communication & Collaboration: for the ability to work with NATO military and civilian personnel, Capability Teams and Alliance representatives.
• Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Identifying gaps and inconsistencies in classification structures.
• Training & Documentation: Developing taxonomy guidelines, best practices, and user training materials.