The RFI suggests there is a growing need in NATO to manage the sheer volumes of OSINT data being collected.

NATO’s Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has issued a request for information (RFI) to industry to explore the market’s open-source intelligence (OSINT) processing capabilities ahead of a potential, future acquisition.

Published on 29 January, the RFI is specifically looking for information on a scalable system able to collect, process, and exploit open-source information to support analysts within its OSINT community.

Expanding on its requirement, the NCIA said it expects the system to leverage “advanced automated analytical techniques through a front-end platform on unclassified and classified networks” as well as provide a “managed attribution” capability for OSINT analysts “to tailor their online presence and digital footprint”.

Additionally, a report-writing and source registry function is required to facilitate sensitive assessments and community sharing.

Interested parties are encouraged to apply before the deadline on 13 February.

OSINT is the practice of collecting, analysing, and interpreting data from publicly available, non-sensitive sources. While often used by civilians and journalists to inform reporting, it is increasingly recognised by militaries as an essential intelligence capability, enabling analysts to tack equipment and troop movements as well as assess military capabilities.

However, conducting systematic OSINT is difficult given the sheer volume of data and the complexities of distinguishing fact from misinformation. This creates a clear requirement for a robust processing system, a need this RFI looks to address.