Request for Information - AI-Enabled Airspace Management Solutions to Reduce Commander Cognitive Burden
Type: Special Notice
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE ARMYACC-APG

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/1526dcdb6cea4ae2ae4ed1d97d7fc6f6/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army, is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry feedback on AI-enabled airspace management solutions aimed at reducing the cognitive burden on commanders during complex airspace operations. This initiative, in collaboration with the Program Executive Office Intelligence Electronic Warfare & Sensors and the Program Manager Next Generation Command and Control, seeks innovative applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to enhance situational awareness in rapidly evolving battlefield environments. The RFI emphasizes the importance of interoperability with existing systems and compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards, with a demonstration planned for November 2025 at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center. Interested vendors are encouraged to submit a one-page white paper outlining a minimum viable product, and they can contact Rachel L. Moresi or Scott D. Butterfield for further information. There is currently no guaranteed funding for follow-on awards, and responses are due by the specified deadlines.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Rachel L. Moresi
    rachel.l.moresi.civ@army.mil
    Scott D. Butterfield
    scott.d.butterfield2.civ@army.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Airspace AIML RFI_30JUL2025.pdf
    The U.S. Army is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather industry feedback on AI-enabled airspace management solutions. This RFI, a collaboration with PEO IEW&S and PM NGC2, seeks innovative AI/ML technologies to reduce commander cognitive burden in complex, multi-domain battlefield environments. The Army aims to identify near-term
    Airspace AIML RFI_30JUL2025.pdf
    The U.S. Army has issued a Request for Information (RFI) on AI-Enabled Airspace Management Solutions to alleviate cognitive burdens on commanders managing complex airspace operations. This initiative, in collaboration with the PEO IEW&S and NGC2, aims to gather industry insights on innovative AI and machine learning (ML) technologies that can enhance situational awareness and improve airspace management amidst changing battlefield dynamics. Key objectives include identifying immediate capabilities for near-term use and developing long-term AI/ML integration plans for scalable airspace management. The Army seeks solutions to address challenges such as multi-domain operations, increasing use of unmanned systems, and real-time data processing. Specific areas of interest include conflict resolution, airspace optimization, and resilience against adversary countermeasures. The RFI invites industry responses by August 29, 2025, requiring a white paper outlining solution capabilities, scalability, technology maturity, acquisition strategies, and demonstration opportunities for an operational proof of concept by November 2025. This information will guide the Army's development of adaptive airspace management solutions crucial for maintaining operational superiority in contested environments.
    RFI Industry Questions And Answers_25AUG2025.xlsx
    This Request for Information (RFI) seeks industry feedback on AI-enabled airspace management solutions, particularly for UAS operations. It is not a solicitation for a contract but aims to guide future Requests for Proposals. The RFI addresses various questions, including contract value (none associated), set-aside considerations (no), and whether it's a new effort (yes). The government is interested in AI/ML capabilities for predicting enemy drone movements to inform counter-drone strategies. While there are no specific contract awards, promising solutions demonstrated at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) Exercise 26-01 may receive funding. The exercise, tentatively scheduled for November 2-18, 2023, requires a one-page white paper outlining a minimum viable product (MVP) for AI-enabled airspace management. Cybersecurity standards like DoD RMF, Zero Trust Architecture, and NIST guidelines are crucial for integration. The Army will accept responses from both teams and individual vendors, and multi-system, multi-vendor solutions for the MVP demonstration are acceptable. Data feeds from Brigade command posts or higher echelons will be accessible, including tactical radars, Blue Force Tracking, and geospatial data. The Army assumes a GPU-enabled laptop or greater will be available for solutions. The goal is to reduce commander cognitive burden by minimizing manual input and cognitive load in processing airspace information and threats. UK-based companies and FVEY partners are encouraged to participate. Project Linchpin, under PM Intelligence Systems and Analytics, supports AI integration into the Army's intelligence portfolio.
    RFI Industry Questions And Answers_27AUG2025.xlsx
    The Army's Request for Information (RFI) focuses on AI/ML solutions for airspace management, particularly for UAS in contested and congested environments, with a demonstration planned for November 2025 at JPMRC 26-01. Solutions must comply with DoD cybersecurity frameworks (DoDI 8510.01, FIPS 140-3, ZTA, NIST AI RMF, NIST RMF) and aim to reduce commander cognitive burden. The Army prioritizes interoperability with the NGC2 ecosystem and seeks solutions addressing the increasing use of UAS and autonomous platforms. While no follow-on awards are currently guaranteed, the RFI aims to gather information for future solicitations. The Army will likely retain government purpose rights for AI/ML models, with training data remaining government-owned. Vendors may be provided access to representative operational data and government-provided development environments with standard AI tools. Funding for vendor participation in the demonstration is not yet determined.
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