Project Information

Bid Title

RFI: Electronic Access Control Security System

Issuing Agency

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Location

District of Columbia

Published Date

Apr 21, 2026

Closing Date

May 22, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

RFI

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

RFI: Electronic Access Control Security System NEW
Description: The Airports Authority is requesting information from vendors regarding available electronic access control systems that could replace or upgrade its current system. The goal of this RFI is to solicit information from industry to assist the Airports Authority in structuring a future solicitation.
Issue Date: April 21, 2026
Due Date for Submissions: May 22, 2026
Amendments Issued: None
SLBE Requirement: None
Additional Information

Attachment Preview

Electronic Access Control Security System

Request for Information (RFI)

Background

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (Airports Authority) operates electronic key-based

access systems at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), Washington Dulles

International Airport (IAD, and the Dulles Toll Road. The legacy Intellikey-based infrastructure is

nearing end-of-life and requires replacement with a modern, secure, maintainable electronic access

control solution.

The Airports Authority has a multi-level security requirement as a sensitive transportation hub. As

such, certain areas of the airports require additional security capabilities to ensure only authorized staff

have access. These would be controls in addition to current access tools which limit access to the

airside facilities and other operational locations.

Key considerations for an electronic access control solution include, high availability and reliability,

routine maintenance support, advance communications for firmware updates and on-going support,

streamlined management of access permissions, and efficient and intuitive programming tools for the

physical access control devices (keys, card, fob, etc.).

The Airports Authority is requesting information from vendors regarding available electronic access

control systems that could replace or upgrade its current system. The goal of this RFI is to solicit

information from industry to assist the Airports Authority in structuring a future solicitation.

Requested Information

The Airports Authority requests the following information.

I. What type electronic access control solution would be optimal for the Airports Authority

managing sensitive locations?

- What are some typical considerations in developing requirements for an electronic

access control solution and right-sizing the appropriate level of security?

II. What is an optimal system architecture and why?

- Which solution architecture provides more capabilities, reliability, and efficient

management, one that is cloud-based, on-premise, or hybrid?

III. Which types of devices are considered the most efficient in terms of use, maintenance,

programming, and upgrades (key, card, fob, mobile, etc.)?

- What are some limitations for each?

- Is multi-factor validation (ex. device plus PIN) a consistent feature in deployed systems?

IV. What are some typical back-up features and capabilities to ensure continuing operations during

power or telecommunications outages?

V. For a site with approximately 50 locations, what would be an installation timeline with legacy

infrastructure in place, ie telecommunications, power, etc.

- What would be an installation timeline with infrastructure being re-established at new

locations?

VI. What are some considerations in evaluating vendor capabilities?

VII. What would be included in a typical maintenance service agreement?

VIII. What is the typical useful life of such systems, 5 years, 10 years, other?

Responses

This RFI is for information and planning purposes only. The requested information is not intended to

solicit technical or price proposals. Proprietary information is neither sought nor desired by the Airports

Authority. All information received will be treated as being nonproprietary. A solicitation for an actual

solution will be issued in the future after requirements have been refined and finalized. Not responding

to this RFI does not preclude participation in any future RFQ.

Responses are limited to 5-10 pages. Submission of information does not commit a responding party

to submit a proposal to any subsequent solicitation. Commenters are advised that the Airports Authority

is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt or provide feedback with respect to any comments

received under this announcement.

All Responses must be submitted electronically in a single Portable Document Format (PDF) File and

must be received no later than May 22, 2026. Submit responses via e-mail only to

Ramon.Menchaca@mwaa.com.

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 561621Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)

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