This Government Contract opportunity from Department Of Defense was posted on August 24, 2026. The submission period has ended. Browse the details below for market research, or find similar active opportunities.
Program Announcement: Kessel Run Seeking Innovative Solutions for the Next-Generation Air Operations Center (AOC) Weapon System
Contract Overview
Solicitation details, issuing organization, response deadlines, documents, and interested companies for this government contract opportunity.
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AI Contract Overview
The Air Operations Center Program Office, Kessel Run Division under the Portfolio Acquisition Executive Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify innovative technologies and modernization approaches for the Revolutionary Air Operations Center (AOC) Weapon System, a critical command and control element responsible for planning and executing joint force air, space, and cyberspace operations. This RFI, identified by solicitation number FA8730-FALCONER-NG and posted on May 28, 2026, is strictly for informational purposes and does not constitute a solicitation, guarantee of future procurement, or commitment to award a contract. Respondents must submit a white paper in PDF format, not exceeding 30 pages, containing company details including name, headquarters address, point of contact, CAGE code, facility clearance level, and business size certification under NAICS codes 541511 or 541512 with a $34 million small business size standard, along with socioeconomic status. Technical responses must address the Program Information and Statement of Need (Attachment 2) and Technical Questions (Attachment 3), demonstrating experience as a prime contractor and full-service systems integrator supporting defense weapon systems, with an emphasis on cloud-native and edge computing solutions operational in classified environments at Impact Level 6+ or Secret+. Program and contract management responses must cover recent past performance on similar Department of War activities, including contract numbers; confirmation of an adequate accounting system audited by the Defense Contract Audit Agency and experience with Cost Accounting Standards; affirmation of nontraditional defense contractor status per DFARS 202.101; recommended contract types and structures, with specific input on Other Transaction Agreements; three specific questions to improve proposal competitiveness; preferred acquisition vehicles for effective award; and performance metrics that enable mutual recognition of success. Access to attachments requires completion of the Documentation Request and Disclaimer Form, with access restricted to data custodians listed in the company’s JCP Certificate. All submissions must adhere to strict security protocols: no classified information is permitted, proprietary content must be clearly identified, and responses may be reviewed only by U.S. Government personnel, FFRDC, and A&AS contractors unless explicitly objected to in writing. Responses must be submitted via email or the DoD SAFE portal by March 20, 2026, with respondents bearing all associated costs. An Industry Day is scheduled for June 11, 202
General Info
Agency
NAICS
Place of Performance
0, VA, USASet-Aside
Timeline
Submission Closed
Organization & Contact Information
Full Description
Update (24 August 2026):
The Anticipated Milestone schedule has been updated. No response to this updated announcement is required from interested vendors.
Upcoming Anticipated Milestones:
Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) Release - September 2026
Industry Engagement on Draft RFP - September/October 2026
Final Request for Proposal (RFP) Release - January 2027
Contract Award (Estimated) - August 2027
Announcement:
The Air Operations Center Program Office, Kessel Run Division, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (PAE C3BM/C3C) is initiating market research to identify and explore cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches for the modernization of the Air Operations Center (AOC) Weapon System. The AOC is the senior command and control element for the Joint Force Air Component Commander, responsible for planning, executing, and assessing air, space, and cyberspace operations.
Statement of Need
The AOC Weapon System AN/USQ-163 Falconer is a critical component of our nation's defense, enabling commanders to make rapid, informed decisions in complex and dynamic environments. The current sustainment and modernization contract FA8730-22-F-0071 was awarded to SAIC. As we look to the future, we are seeking to build upon these efforts and identify new and emerging technologies that can further enhance the AOC's capabilities.
We are particularly interested in solutions that address the following opportunities and risks:
Opportunities:
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Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate decision-making.
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Enhanced data fusion and visualization from disparate sources.
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Advanced cybersecurity measures to protect against emerging threats.
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Cloud-native architectures for increased agility, scalability, and resilience
Risks:
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The ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
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The challenge of integrating legacy systems with modern technologies.
Industry Engagement
This Program Announcement is the first step in a broader engagement with industry for market research purposes. A Request for Information (RFI) is linked to this announcement as of 26 February 2026. Based on the responses received, we anticipate holding a series of future forums, including:
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Virtual One-on-Ones: To discuss your proposed solutions in more detail.
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Technology Demonstrations: To see your innovative technologies in action.
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Industry Roundtables: To foster a collaborative discussion on the future of the AOC Weapon System.
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Program Manager Q&As: To get the specific answers you need to better understand the level of effort and work required to perform
Below is a tentative schedule of events for the Program Office – these dates are subject to change:
Anticipated Milestone and Projected Start Timeline (Updated as of 24 August 2026)
Request for Information (RFI) Release - February 2026
Initial Industry Engagement & Feedback - March 2026
Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) Release - September 2026
Industry Engagement on Draft RFP - September/October 2026
Final Request for Proposal (RFP) Release - January 2027
Contract Award (Estimated) - August 2027
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We look forward to hearing from the innovative leaders in the industry and working together to shape the future of the AOC Weapon System.
Any information submitted by respondents to this special notice is strictly voluntary. This is neither a Request for Proposal nor a Notice of Contract Action (NOCA). This is a program announcement for market research purposes. Responses to the notice will not be returned. Respondents are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice or upcoming RFI; all costs associated with responding to this notice will be solely at the interested parties’ expense. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this notice.
Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to provide feedback with respect to any information submitted. To the maximum extent possible, please submit non-proprietary information. Any proprietary information submitted should be identified as such and will be handled accordingly and protected from disclosure. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. The Government shall not be liable for damages related to proprietary information that is not properly identified.
Any submissions in response to this notice constitutes consent for that submission to be reviewed by Government personnel, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) Contractor employees, and Advisory & Assistance Services (A&AS) Contractor employees supporting the Air Operations Center Program Office -- unless the respondent clearly objects in writing to the release of this information to FFRDC and/or A&AS Contractor employees supporting PAE C3BM/C3C in a cover letter accompanying the respondent’s submission. All Government and Department of Defense (DoD) contractor personnel reviewing responses understand their responsibility for proper use and protection from unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information.
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