Commercial cloud-based Weather Intelligence Service

The U.S. Air Force, through the 20th Contracting Squadron on behalf of Air Forces Central, is soliciting a Firm-Fixed-Price commercial Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) weather intelligence platform under solicitation FA480326Q0096, exclusively for small businesses as a total set-aside under FAR 19.5. The service requires a high-resolution, AI-driven meteorological and oceanographic forecasting system capable of delivering real-time and predictive weather data to support U.S. Central Command operations across the Area of Responsibility. The platform must be operable within classified Government networks including NIPRNet, SIPRNet, and JWICS, and must integrate seamlessly into Cross-Domain Solutions to enable mission planning and command and control functions. The contractor must demonstrate proven capability to rapidly deploy the service and deliver structured data products to secure boundaries, with all performance measured against availability, accuracy, and usability benchmarks. The contract includes a three-month base period beginning after award, with two optional extensions—a three-month and a six-month extension—with the total evaluated price calculated as the sum of all CLINs plus 50% of the value of the six-month option. A live technical demonstration is mandatory and serves as a pass/fail gate; failure to be invited to or participate in the demonstration results in immediate disqualification. Evaluation will be based on technical approach, past performance, and price, following a best-value tradeoff process under FAR Part 12 and simplified procedures in FAR 13.106. The NAICS code is 513210 and the PSC is DA10. The contractor must comply with stringent security protocols, including maintaining appropriate clearance levels for all personnel throughout the contract’s life and adhering to DD Form 254 specifications for classified systems. The platform must achieve Initial Operational Capability verified by the Contracting Officer’s Representative through a successful demonstration and validated Authority to Operate. The Government will provide necessary infrastructure including API specifications, security credentials like CACs and SIPRNet tokens, and remote access to C2 testbed environments. The contractor is required to submit a Quality Control Plan within 30 days of award and maintain compliance with the Government’s Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan. Transition-in includes security onboarding and training on AFCENT-specific protocols, while transition-out requires submission of preliminary and final plans at 30 and 90 days before base contract expiration. Pricing is firm-fixed, and all offers must remain valid for