NATO Business Opportunity: Air Command and Control Information System Increment 2 (AirC2IS Inc2) Defense Design Analysis (D2A) Simulation Tool
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 NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) has issued a Special Notice for a business opportunity related to the Air Command and Control Information System Increment 2 (AirC2IS Inc2) Defense Design Analysis (D2A) Simulation Tool. This project aims to enhance Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) and Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) planning capabilities. NCIA intends to issue an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for this requirement. An Industry Day is scheduled for the week of March 09, 2026, with RSVPs due by March 04, 2026. U.S. prime contractors must meet specific eligibility criteria, including NATO Competitive Procurement (NCP) approval and a Declaration of Eligibility (DOE) from the Department of Commerce (DOC), with DOE requests due by March 13, 2026.
Scope of Work
The full AirC2IS Inc2 project will provide a unified, integrated tool suite comprising a Planner and a D2A simulation-based application to enhance BMD planning. This specific IFB focuses on the D2A portion. The D2A project will be executed in three estimated one-year phases:
- Phase 1 (Risk Reduction): Analyze data feasibility for BMD/IAMD modeling, work with users on workflows/HMI, and produce an initial prototype based on existing tools, interfacing with AirC2IS Increment 1. Deliverables include two pilot applications.
- Phase 2 & 3 (Development & Implementation): Develop and implement all D2A service requirements, including static, raid, and sensitivity analysis functions. Phase 2 involves delivery and implementation of D2A simulation functions in the AirC2IS Inc2 Planner. Phase 3 is an optional full-scale development of the remaining D2A scope.
Procurement Approach
The IFB will utilize a Best Value Competitive Dialogue evaluation methodology:
- Step 1: Evaluation of D2A Proposals and down-selection of two companies to deliver Phase 1. Each will be awarded a contract to develop a D2A pilot application using their COTS product.
- Step 2: Assessment of the two pilot applications from Phase 1 against technical/operational criteria, and companies' Best and Final Offers (BAFO), for the award of one contract for Phase 2 (firm scope) and Phase 3 (contract option).
Eligibility for U.S. Firms
U.S. prime contractors must:
- Maintain a professionally active facility within the United States.
- Be pre-approved for participation in NATO Competitive Procurement (NCP).
- Be issued a Declaration of Eligibility (DOE) by the Department of Commerce (DOC).
- Register with NCIA’s eProcurement tool, Neo (https://www.ncia.nato.int/business/procurement/neo-eprocurement).
The NCP application is a one-time process requiring a company resume/capability statement and financial documents. The U.S. Government accepts the legacy NATO International Competitive Bidding (ICB) application, available at https://www.bis.gov/about-bis/bis-leadership-and-offices/SIES/business-opportunities-nato.
Key Dates
- Industry Day: Week of March 09, 2026 (RSVP NLT March 04, 2026 to 42602799-AirC2ISInc2-D2A@ncia.nato.int)
- Request DOE / Submit NCP Application: March 13, 2026
- NCIA IFB Distribution (planned): March 31, 2026
- Bid Closing (anticipated): May 05, 2026
- Contract Award (estimated): September 30, 2026
Contact Information
For DOE/NCP inquiries, contact Lee Ann Carpenter at LeeAnn.Carpenter@bis.doc.gov.