Program Announcement: Kessel Run Seeking Innovative Solutions for the Next-Generation Air Operations Center (AOC) Weapon System

SOL #: FA8730-FALCONER-NGSpecial Notice

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE

Dept Of The Air Force

FA8730 KESSEL RUN AFLCMC/HBBK

HANSCOM AFB, MA, 01731-2100, United States

Place of Performance

GRASSY CREEK, VA

NAICS

Computer Systems Design Services (541512)

PSC

Support Services For Activities Involved With Application Development And Support To Include Analysis, Design, Development, Coding, Testing, And Release Packaging, As Well As Support Of Off The Shelf Business Applications. (DA01)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/a2be5bc280d948b886cd4ad8998ef552/view

Timeline

Posted

Feb 18, 2026

Last Updated

Mar 11, 2026

Action Date

Feb 28, 2026, 9:00 PM

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 Department of the Air Force's Kessel Run Division is conducting market research for the Next-Generation Air Operations Center (AOC) Weapon System. This Special Notice seeks innovative solutions to modernize the AOC, focusing on artificial intelligence/machine learning, enhanced data fusion, advanced cybersecurity, and cloud-native architectures. This is a Program Announcement, with a Request for Information (RFI) anticipated in February 2026.

Purpose & Scope

Kessel Run aims to identify cutting-edge technologies and approaches to enhance the AOC Weapon System (AN/USQ-163 Falconer), which serves as the senior command and control element for the Joint Force Air Component Commander. The modernization effort seeks to build upon current sustainment efforts (contract FA8730-22-F-0071, awarded to SAIC) by addressing opportunities in:

Integration of AI/ML to accelerate decision-making.
Enhanced data fusion and visualization from disparate sources.
Advanced cybersecurity measures.
Cloud-native architectures for agility, scalability, and resilience. The initiative also considers risks related to the evolving cyber threat landscape and integrating legacy systems.

Industry Engagement & Timeline

This Program Announcement is the initial step in a broader industry engagement for market research. A formal RFI is forthcoming. Anticipated future engagement activities include virtual one-on-ones, technology demonstrations, industry roundtables, and Program Manager Q&As.

RFI Release: February 2026
Initial Industry Engagement & Feedback: March 2026
Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) Release: August 2026
Final RFP Release: November 2026
Target Contract Award: June 2027

Contract Details & Response Information

This is a Special Notice for market research purposes only and is neither an RFP nor a Notice of Contract Action. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on responses to this notice and will not pay for any information submitted. Responses are strictly voluntary. Proprietary information should be clearly identified. Submissions imply consent for review by Government, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC), and Advisory & Assistance Services (A&AS) contractor personnel unless explicitly objected to in writing.