REQUEST FOR INFORMATION: Advanced Automation Contract (AAC)

The Department of the Air Force, through the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office’s Data and Automation Division, is seeking industry input via Request for Information SAF/AQ-RFI-26-0001 to shape a future acquisition strategy for managing a dynamic Advanced Automation portfolio. This effort focuses on identifying capable organizations that can serve as centralized orchestrators for a rapidly evolving ecosystem of software tools, platform licenses, and specialized labor pools, with an emphasis on rapid deployment, scalable subcontracting, and administrative oversight. The Government is not seeking a traditional systems integrator but rather a model that enables flexible, agile management of external vendors, including micro-competitions, centralized procurement of COTS and GOTS software, and coordination of technical performers deploying solutions into a multi-classification cloud-based architecture built on Kubernetes. The successful respondent, if selected in a future acquisition, would be expected to act as the central security node, managing security documentation and clearance processes—including DD-254s, Joint Use agreements, and TS/SCI Program Access Requests—for a network of subordinate contractors. Industry response must be submitted electronically by 13 July 2026 at 5pm EST to designated points of contact and must not exceed five pages, excluding appendices, and must remain unclassified. Responses must include company details such as CAGE code, UEI, business size, socioeconomic status, and contact information, followed by a proposed contract structure with suggested CLINs and contract type, along with recommendations on whether an integrator should serve as prime or subcontractor. The Government is particularly interested in models that support continuous market research, rapid acquisition cycles, and oversight of AI and Large Language Model-based custom software development. All proprietary information must be clearly marked as such, and any objection to public disclosure must be submitted in writing with specific justification. Place of performance is Arlington, Virginia, and while this RFI does not constitute a solicitation for award or commit the Government to future contracting, it aims to inform the design of a flexible, responsive contractual vehicle capable of handling shifting requirements and funding levels across a complex automation portfolio.