05. RFI Questions and Answers Part 2.pdf

Request for Information:

Next-Generation Air Operations Center (AOC) Weapon System

Questions and Answers, 5 May 2026

Question Response Will AFLCMC provide a follow-on opportunity for one-on-one industry discussions or a technical interchange meeting (TIM) prior to RFP release?

Will the Government schedule in person 1-on-1 engagements with prospective offerors to discuss program needs before solicitation release?

Vendor engagement will be ongoing throughout the pre-solicitation phase.

The Government will continue to be responsive to questions and feedback from industry.

Has the Government considered a CSO approach to the acquisition strategy?

The Government is considering all acquisition strategies. A Commercial Solutions Opening is not anticipated as the solicitation vehicle for non-commercial systems integration requirements.

What is the Government’s appetite for an OTA pathway for the AI component, given that the broader sustainment effort may follow a traditional FAR-based approach? An OTA for the AI prototype with a production OT follow-on would maximize speed and innovation while the prime contract handles sustainment under traditional vehicles.

The Government is considering all acquisition strategies. OTA prototype(s) with follow-on production is one approach to achieve more rapid and agile influx of innovative capabilities.

Could the Government clarify whether it will establish and maintain a comprehensive Technical Bidders Library (TBL) to support this acquisition, and if so, what specific materials will be included and when they will be made available?

Will the Government provide a comprehensive bidders’ library including all weapon system components, cloud-hosted applications, and all relevant interfaces?

Yes, the Government will supply a bidder's library as part of the draft and final solicitation to cleared, prospective offerors.

Can the Government provide draft evaluation criteria earlier in the acquisition strategy development timeline, so industry has more time to build the right team to deliver the best capabilities for the Government?

The draft solicitation will include draft evaluation criteria with an opportunity for prospective offerors to provide feedback.

How do you ensure a level playing field with all offerors and avoid carve outs and pay-to-play relationships with a small group of vendors?

The Government is engaging with industry as part of market research and seeks to maximize competition for this requirement.

What is the anticipated contract classification level? Will performance require access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) beyond Top Secret?

Facility clearance level required is Top Secret.

A draft DD Form 254 will be provided with the solicitation.

Will development be performed primarily at government facilities, contractor facilities, or a hybrid model? Are any of the AOC locations designated as primary places of performance?

It is anticipated that development will require both classified and unclassified workspace, which may be in government or contractor facilities. Performance locations in government facilities will be specified in the draft Performance Work Statement (PWS) and draft DD Form 254. On-site contractor support is a requirement for select CONUS and OCONUS AOC locations.

What cloud environments, security levels, and deployment constraints are anticipated for operational capabilities?

All cloud and edge operational, production-level capabilities will exist in IL6 or higher and Secret or higher, respectively.

Will the Government prioritize cloud-native architectures or hybrid tactical-edge computing models?

While cloud-native architectures are very favorable in commercial situations, the AOC WS requires the ability to operate in a disconnected state. Both cloud and edge solutions that enable Continuity of Operations (COOP) will be prioritized.

Who controls interface definitions, data standards, API governance, cybersecurity boundary approvals, and release synchronization?

The AOC WS is a system of systems, largely comprised of 3rd party applications, infrastructure, and other related systems. The control of interface definitions, data standards, API governance, cybersecurity boundary approvals, and release synchronization varies greatly by system.

To enable integration of best-of-breed solutions and ensure Government ownership of data, models, and interfaces, including the ability to transition or replace components over time with reduced rework and barriers to entry, How does the program office intend to maintain open architecture standards and interoperability, data portability, and modular integration with more closed systems as mission needs and AI/ML capabilities evolve?

The program office will align with PAE C3BM architectural decisions. The AOC WS is a system of systems, largely comprised of 3rd party applications, infrastructure, and other related systems. The contractor will be expected to integrate modernized capabilities and systems as governed by an engineering change management process.

Does the government have a preference for commercial vs developed software?

The AOC WS includes both commercial and noncommercial systems and components. The Government prefers commercial software when it can meet agencies’ needs.