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/9d2c2478a5874c08839c14e69d470203/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 Air Operations Center Program Office, Kessel Run Division (PAE C3BM/C3C), is conducting market research to identify innovative solutions for the modernization of the Air Operations Center (AOC) Weapon System (AN/USQ-163 Falconer). This Program Announcement is the initial step in a broader industry engagement, with a Request for Information (RFI) linked as of February 26, 2026. Responses to this Program Announcement are due by February 28, 2026.

Purpose & Scope

The AOC is the senior command and control element for the Joint Force Air Component Commander. Kessel Run seeks cutting-edge technologies to enhance its capabilities, specifically in:

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for accelerated decision-making.
Enhanced data fusion and visualization from disparate sources.
Advanced cybersecurity measures against emerging threats.
Cloud-native architectures for agility, scalability, and resilience.

Key risks to address include the evolving cyber threat landscape and the integration of legacy systems with modern technologies.

Contract & Timeline

Type: Special Notice (Market Research Program Announcement)
Set-Aside: None specified
Product Service Code: DA01 (Support Services for Application Development and Support)
Response Due (Program Announcement): February 28, 2026
Published: February 26, 2026
Anticipated Milestones:
- RFI Release: February 2026 (Linked)
- Initial Industry Engagement & Feedback: March 2026
- Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) Release: August 2026
- Final RFP Release: November 2026
- Contract Award (Target): June 2027

Industry Engagement

Following RFI responses, Kessel Run anticipates holding virtual one-on-ones, technology demonstrations, industry roundtables, and Program Manager Q&As.

Important Notes

This is a market research announcement, not an RFP or Notice of Contract Action. Responses are voluntary, and the Government will not pay for information or administrative costs. No contract will be awarded based on this notice. Proprietary information should be clearly identified. Submissions imply consent for review by Government, FFRDC, and A&AS contractor personnel unless explicitly objected to in writing.

Documentation

The "01. FA8730-FALCONER-NG Documentation Request and Disclaimer Form.pdf" outlines critical terms for contractors receiving information for the RFI, including usage restrictions, destruction requirements, and handling of Controlled Unclassified Information. Agreement to these terms is required for accessing government-furnished documentation.