Commercial cloud-based Weather Intelligence Service
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The 20th Contracting Squadron, on behalf of Air Forces Central (AFCENT), is soliciting quotes for a commercial cloud-based Weather Intelligence Service (SaaS). This service will provide high-resolution weather forecasting, AI-driven predictive modeling, and automated alerts for the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) Area of Responsibility, requiring rapid deployment and data delivery to classified networks including SIPRNet and JWICS. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due June 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM local time.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for a fully managed SaaS weather platform accessible via NIPRNet and SIPRNet within Government-approved cloud environments. Key aspects include:
- Data Integration: Integrate, process, and provide global, regional, and local meteorological and oceanographic (METOC) data.
- User Interface: Offer an intuitive, map-centric UI with advanced data visualization, analysis, and mission-specific product creation tools.
- Modeling: Utilize a global atmospheric prediction engine with AI-native capabilities, probabilistic forecasts, and high-resolution (3km) regional modeling with a 15-minute update cadence.
- Alerts: Provide configurable decision logic, automated insight generation, and API delivery of alerts for severe weather and environmental events.
- Support: Include help desk support, on-site training, and a turn-key solution.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract for Software-as-a-Service (SaaS).
- Duration: A 3-month base period, with options for one 3-month and one 6-month extension, totaling 12 months.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (NAICS 513210, size standard $47M).
- Product Service Code (PSC): DA10 (IT AND TELECOM - BUSINESS APPLICATION/APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE).
- Response Due: June 12, 2026, 12:00 PM local time.
- Published: June 4, 2026.
- Place of Performance: AFCENT Headquarters Building, Shaw AFB, SC.
Evaluation Factors
Award will be based on a best-value tradeoff using simplified procedures for commercial acquisitions (FAR Part 12). Evaluation factors include:
- Technical Approach: Assessed via a live demonstration, written submission, and understanding of requirements (UI/UX, JWICS/C2/SIPR Integration, Clarity).
- Past Performance: Evaluated based on recency, relevancy, and acceptability of up to three (3) recent and relevant contracts.
- Price: Assessed for reasonableness and consistency with the technical approach. The Government intends to award without discussions.
Special Requirements
- Cybersecurity: Compliance with DoD and Air Force cybersecurity directives, RMF, NIST SP 800-53. Platform must operate on NIPRNet, SIPRNet, JWICS, C2 environments. FedRAMP accreditation at Impact Level 2 or higher for NIPR, with data products delivered to Impact Level 6 and JWICS.
- Personnel: Contractor personnel must possess appropriate security clearances if accessing classified systems.
- Deliverables: Include a Quality Control Plan (QCP), Service Implementation Plan, and Transition-Out Plan.