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

The Air Operations Center Program Office, Kessel Run Division, Portfolio Acquisition Executive Command, Control, Communications, and Battle Management (PAE C3BM/C3C) is initiating market research to identify and explore cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches for the modernization of the Air Operations Center (AOC) Weapon System. The AOC is the senior command and control element for the Joint Force Air Component Commander, responsible for planning, executing, and assessing air, space, and cyberspace operations.  

Statement of Need 

The AOC Weapon System AN/USQ-163 Falconer is a critical component of our nation's defense, enabling commanders to make rapid, informed decisions in complex and dynamic environments. The current sustainment and modernization contract FA8730-22-F-0071 was awarded to SAIC. As we look to the future, we are seeking to build upon these efforts and identify new and emerging technologies that can further enhance the AOC's capabilities. 

We are particularly interested in solutions that address the following opportunities and risks: 

Opportunities: 

• Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning to accelerate decision-making. 

• Enhanced data fusion and visualization from disparate sources. 

• Advanced cybersecurity measures to protect against emerging threats. 

• Cloud-native architectures for increased agility, scalability, and resilience 

Risks: 

• The ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. 

• The challenge of integrating legacy systems with modern technologies. 

Industry Engagement 

This Program Announcement is the first step in a broader engagement with industry for market research purposes. A Request for Information (RFI) is linked to this announcement as of 26 February 2026. Based on the responses received, we anticipate holding a series of future forums, including: 

• Virtual One-on-Ones: To discuss your proposed solutions in more detail. 

• Technology Demonstrations: To see your innovative technologies in action. 

• Industry Roundtables: To foster a collaborative discussion on the future of the AOC Weapon System. 

• Program Manager Q&As: To get the specific answers you need to better understand the level of effort and work required to perform 

Below is a tentative schedule of events for the Program Office – these dates are subject to change:  

Anticipated Milestone and Projected Start Timeline 

Request for Information (RFI) Release - February 2026 

Initial Industry Engagement & Feedback - March 2026 

Draft Request for Proposal (RFP) Release - August 2026 

Industry Engagement on Draft RFP - September 2026 

Final Request for Proposal (RFP) Release - November 2026 

Contract Award (Target) - June 2027

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We look forward to hearing from the innovative leaders in the industry and working together to shape the future of the AOC Weapon System.

Any information submitted by respondents to this special notice is strictly voluntary. This is neither a Request for Proposal nor a Notice of Contract Action (NOCA). This is a program announcement for market research purposes. Responses to the notice will not be returned. Respondents are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice or upcoming RFI; all costs associated with responding to this notice will be solely at the interested parties’ expense. The Government does not intend to award a contract based on this notice. 
 
Respondents are advised that the Government is under no obligation to provide feedback with respect to any information submitted. To the maximum extent possible, please submit non-proprietary information. Any proprietary information submitted should be identified as such and will be handled accordingly and protected from disclosure. Proprietary information will be safeguarded in accordance with the applicable Government regulations. The Government shall not be liable for damages related to proprietary information that is not properly identified. 
 
Any submissions in response to this notice constitutes consent for that submission to be reviewed by Government personnel, Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) Contractor employees, and Advisory & Assistance Services (A&AS) Contractor employees supporting the Air Operations Center Program Office -- unless the respondent clearly objects in writing to the release of this information to FFRDC and/or A&AS Contractor employees supporting PAE C3BM/C3C in a cover letter accompanying the respondent’s submission. All Government and Department of Defense (DoD) contractor personnel reviewing responses understand their responsibility for proper use and protection from unauthorized disclosure of proprietary information.