Kronos Family of Systems Commercial Solutions Opening

This document addresses industry questions regarding the Kronos Family of Systems Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) FA8806-26-S-0001, focusing on Phase I submissions. Key clarifications include that there is no set ceiling value or budget per Area of Interest (AOI), and the competition type (full and open or small business) will be determined after Phase I responses. The Government allows multiple submissions per vendor for different solutions, with each solution requiring a separate submission for format compliance. There will be no draft RFP, and the target solicitation release date is 11/28/2025. The CSO capabilities are updated from previous RFIs. The Government anticipates awards primarily using OTA authority but reserves the right for FAR-based awards. Integration with legacy systems is in scope for the prototype. The white paper length is 5 pages, and the Government is interested in technically mature commercial solutions that can be integrated with minimal development, supporting all space force components and related terrestrial targets. International companies can submit solutions, subject to technology restrictions.

This document outlines the required elements for a solution proposal, likely within a government Request for Proposal (RFP) or grant application context. It details essential sections such as the company and solution title, objective, a description of the innovative effort, the proposed solution's approach, and its current state of maturity (e.g., technology readiness level). Additionally, it mandates a statement of benefits, an integration strategy, and a bulleted list of major milestones with anticipated delivery dates. Finally, the proposal must include a rough order of magnitude for a prototype demonstrating the solution's capability within six months, including any vendor investment. This structure ensures comprehensive evaluation of proposed solutions.

The government extended the deadline for all Areas of Interest (AOIs) to December 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM MT, and the deadline for questions to December 8, 2025, at 12:00 PM MT. Submissions will be sent to SSC.BMZ.SYD85@spaceforce.mil. The government will evaluate partial solutions and allows multiple submissions per vendor across multiple AOIs. Technical questions regarding scope, outcomes, and testing will be addressed in Phase II. A quad chart template will be provided. Classified submissions are not being considered at this time, and there is no preferred cloud/software environment. Offerors can include GIFs or video content, with a 5-minute total limit, viewable with Windows Media Player Legacy. The period of performance is unique per solution, to be proposed by the vendor. Information regarding the Kronos Family of Systems (FoS) and a presentation by Lt Col Gresier is available through the CSO Vendor Inquiries CAO 25Nov document, as the presentation recording is unavailable due to technical issues. The government will not host an industry day for this call but is considering it for the future.

The Kronos Family of Systems Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) is an active requirement, despite earlier versions of supporting documentation being deleted and re-uploaded. The government will not sponsor technology transfers from Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) as Government Finished Property (GFP). While the Period of Performance (PoP) is unique to each solution, offerors can submit solutions to multiple Areas of Interest (AOIs). Submissions for Phase I and II must be unclassified, strictly limited to a Quad Chart and Whitepaper, and should not include supplemental information like letters of support or corporate qualifications. Templates for the Quad Chart are available, and the CSO number is FA8806-26-S-0001. Briefings must be in PDF format, but GIFs and videos are permitted, with a maximum total duration of 5 minutes per solution, playable with Windows Media Player Legacy.

The Kronos Program's Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) is a solicitation from Space Systems Command, dated December 2, 2025, seeking innovative commercial products, technologies, or services. This CSO, operating under DFARS 212.70, aims to acquire cutting-edge solutions for the Kronos program, ranging from cloud computing infrastructure to AI/ML-driven software applications, to enhance scalability, flexibility, and resiliency for the US Space Force's Command and Control (C2) mission. The government prioritizes prototype solutions that address specific Areas of Interest (AOIs) detailed in Attachment 4, including Operational C2, Battle Management, and Space Intelligence. Awards may be FAR-based contracts or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), with a focus on OTAs for prototypes. The submission process involves two phases: an initial Phase I (PowerPoint and White Paper) and an invited Phase II (Technical, SOW, and Price Proposal). Submissions are due by December 15, 2025, for Phase I, with general questions accepted until December 8, 2025. Evaluations will focus on government interest, technical validity, and vendor investment, with an emphasis on alignment with mission needs and cybersecurity compliance. All submissions must be unclassified, and foreign participation is subject to export control. The government reserves the right to fund all, some, or none of the proposals.

Space Systems Command’s Kronos Program has issued a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) dated November 12, 2025, to acquire innovative products, technologies, or services for its Kronos Family of Systems. The CSO seeks cutting-edge solutions from foundational cloud computing infrastructure to mission-specific software applications, including AI/ML, cybersecurity, and data management. This initiative, operating under DFARS 212.70, aims to enhance the scalability, flexibility, and resiliency of the Kronos program to support US Space Force C2 missions. The solicitation is for prototype solutions and follows a two-phase submission process: an initial unclassified Phase I (PowerPoint and White Paper) and an invited Phase II (Technical, SOW, and Price Proposal). Awards may be FAR-based contracts or Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), with a potential for follow-on production without further competition if prototypes are successful. The document outlines general information, submission instructions, and evaluation criteria based on government interest, technical validity, and proposed vendor investment. Key Areas of Interest (AOIs) include Operational Command and Control, Battle Management, and Space Intelligence, with Phase I submissions due by December 11, 2025.