Post Quantum Cryptography Support for FAA Information Technology and National Air Space Systems
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Request for Information (RFI), RFI Number 697DCK-26-RFI-PQC, to gather industry insights on providing Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Support for its Information Technology and National Airspace System (NAS) systems. This is not a Request for Proposal but an information-gathering effort to inform the FAA's acquisition strategy for PQC modernization. Responses are due by April 10, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Purpose & Scope
The FAA is seeking capable respondents to demonstrate their capabilities to support the transition of the NAS, its supporting Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure, and FAA business systems to PQC. This modernization aims to enhance resilience against emerging threats like quantum computing. Key areas of interest include:
- PQC Migration Strategy: Input on transitioning both FAA enterprise IT and NAS safety-critical ATC systems to quantum-resistant algorithms.
- Procurement Models: Evaluation of "One-Stop Shop" (integrated) versus "Individual Component" (modular) approaches.
- Technical Requirements: Considerations for NAS and non-NAS environments, including safety, complexity, longevity, and crypto-agility.
- Vendor Capabilities: Information on technology tiers supported, PQC algorithm implementation, FIPS validation, and cryptographic agility.
- Operational Impact: Analysis of potential disruption or delay caused by PQC insertion, performance constraints, and interoperability.
- Costs: Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates for implementation, including various cost drivers and training.
- Vendor Insights: Challenges and opportunities in coordinating PQC upgrades, certification, and joint acceleration efforts.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Product Service Code (PSC): DA01 - IT AND TELECOM - BUSINESS APPLICATION/APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SERVICES
- NAICS Code: 541511 - Custom Computer Programming Services
- Response Due: April 10, 2026, 4:00 PM ET
- Published: March 16, 2026
Submission Details
Responses must be submitted electronically via email to Jackson.T.LeMay@faa.gov and Kristin.T.Frantz@faa.gov. The email subject line should be formatted as: RFI Response: [697DCK-26-RFI-PQC– Company Name]. Respondents are encouraged to include any clarifying questions, assumptions, or concerns as a formal attachment to their RFI response, which will not count against the 30-page limit.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a commitment by the Government to award a contract. The Government will not pay for any information received. FAA policies and guidance are referenced in the Acquisition Management System (AMS), not FAR.