Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) Opportunity: NC3 Innovation Alliance
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 U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM), through its Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) Enterprise Center (NEC), is inviting non-federal entities to participate in the NC3 Innovation Alliance. This initiative is a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) aimed at fostering multilateral collaboration to modernize the NC3 Enterprise by applying collective expertise and emerging technologies. Expressions of interest are due March 27, 2026.
Purpose and Scope
The primary objective is to enhance NC3 capabilities through more effective research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) outcomes. The collaboration will focus on a wide range of NC3 modernization challenges, including:
- Application of AI/ML, Quantum, and other emerging technologies to C3 scenarios
- Cybersecurity, Cyber Sensing, and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM)
- Software Assurance (SwA) and Hardware Assurance (HwA)
- Advanced Communications and Networking Technologies
- Data Sciences, Resilient Architectures, and System Design
- Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations, EMP Hardening, Testing, and Certification
Services and capabilities from the NC3 Research, Engineering, Architecture, and Collaboration Hub (REACH) and partnership intermediary may support this activity.
Eligibility Requirements
Participation is open to non-federal entities (NFEs), including industry, academia, non-profit organizations, and local or state government organizations. Entities must:
- Be based in the United States and free of foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI).
- Operate under a valid Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code.
- Have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) registered with the DLA via SAM.gov.
- Designate a legally authorized point of contact.
Process for Engagement
Interested parties should express their interest by sending a Business Capability Statement or CV no later than March 27, 2026, to stratcom.offutt.nec.mbx.nec-industry@mail.mil. The email subject line must be "NC3 Innovation Alliance – Inquiry". NEC representatives will review submissions for eligibility. Eligible entities will then receive the proposed CRADA document via the DoD Secure Access File Exchange (SAFE) service for review.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Special Notice / Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA)
- Agency: Department of Defense, U.S. Strategic Command (USSTRATCOM)
- Office: Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) Enterprise Center (NEC)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 27, 2026
- Published: March 4, 2026