AIRSPACE AIML RFI

AI-ENABLED AIRSPACE MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS TO REDUCE COMMANDER COGNITIVE BURDEN (AIRSPACE AIML RFI)

Draft RFP #: TBD
Agency: U.S. Army
Contracting Office: Program Executive Office Intelligence Electronic Warfare & Sensors (PEO IEW&S), Program Manager Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2)
Contract Type: Special Notice / RFI
Contract Ceiling: TBD
NAICS Code: 541715 - Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)
Business Pools: Open to Traditional and Non-Traditional Defense Contractors
Expected Release Date: July 30, 2025
Link to Draft RFP / Opportunity: SAM.gov Opportunity Posting

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The U.S. Army is soliciting industry feedback to identify AI/ML-enabled solutions that can enhance airspace management and reduce the cognitive burden on battlefield commanders. As the Army integrates increasing numbers of unmanned and autonomous aerial platforms into contested environments, this initiative seeks to deliver real-time decision support tools to improve safety, coordination, and mission success.
This is a major opportunity for technology providers in AI, ML, predictive analytics, and autonomous systems, as it supports evolving military priorities around multi-domain operations (MDO), situational awareness, and UAS integration

rTurner Consulting is actively supporting capture strategies for clients aiming to participate. Contact us to get started with teaming, solutioning, or proposal development.
📄 View RFI on SAM.gov

CORE SCOPE AREAS

The government seeks industry solutions to deliver the following capabilities:

●    Dynamic Airspace Allocation & Optimization
●    Real-Time Conflict Detection and Resolution
●    Integration of UAS, Loitering Munitions, and Autonomous Platforms
●    Predictive Analytics for Mission Planning
●    Multi-Domain Fires and Effects Coordination
●    AI-Resilient Operations in Contested Environments
●    Environmental Impact Reduction Strategies

Tech Stack Considerations:
AI/ML Algorithms, COTS/GOTS/NDI Tools, Real-Time Data Integration (e.g., radar, ADS-B, weather feeds), Cloud-based and Edge Deployment Models

EVALUATION OR SELF-SCORING CRITERIA (RFI FORMAT)

Although this is an RFI, expected future evaluation areas may include:

Core Technical Capabilities

●    TRL (Technology Readiness Level)
●    Cybersecurity Compliance (RMF, Zero Trust)
●    Interoperability with Joint & Coalition Systems
●    DevSecOps / CI/CD Readiness
●    Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Demonstration Capability for JPMRC Exercise 26-01 (Nov 2025)

Risk & Maturity Considerations

●    Scalability across complex environments
●    Integration with radar, ADS-B, weather, and mission systems
●    Cybersecurity risk mitigation and compliance

Additional Factors (Anticipated)

●    OTA experience
●    Defense contractor status (non-traditional preferred for MVP)
●    Existing DoD deployments or pilots
●    Licensing model flexibility

CAPTURE STRATEGY TIPS

Actionable Recommendations

●    Conduct internal TRL assessment for AI-enabled airspace solutions
●    Identify MVP readiness for JPMRC Exercise 26-01
●    Initiate teaming discussions with UAS/C2 platform providers
●    Map internal capabilities to listed AI/ML focus areas
●    Highlight ability to deliver a demonstration-ready MVP by November 2025

Ideal Prime or Partner Profile

●    Proven DoD contractor with scalable AI/ML tech
●    Experience with UAS and command & control integration
●    DevSecOps and Zero Trust compliance
●    Readiness to engage in Agile, MVP-oriented pilots

TIMELINE & MILESTONES

Stay alert for updates—we’ll keep you posted as the opportunity evolves.

MARKET INTELLIGENCE

FPDSplus is our free GovCon procurement data search and analytics tool. It is FREE to use. Just register for an account and start building charts and graphs!

Top Vendors by Category (via FPDS / FPDSplus)

TOP OTSBs (DoD, last 5 years)

Over the last five years, the Department of Defense (DoD) has awarded substantial R&D contracts in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences sector (excluding nanotechnology and biotechnology), specifically to Other Than Small Businesses (OTSBs). One vendor stands out above all: The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, receiving a staggering $2.92 billion in total obligations—by far the largest share of DoD funding in this category.

In comparison, the next highest recipients — Intelligent Automation, LLC with $78.4 million and Accenture Federal Services with $50.4 million — reflect a steep drop in funding, signaling a highly concentrated contract landscape. A few others, including Safran Data Systems Inc. and River Loop Security LLC, received awards in the low millions, while most vendors on the list were granted less than $1 million.

This distribution highlights the DoD’s reliance on a few key players, especially Johns Hopkins, likely due to their advanced defense research capabilities and long-standing partnerships. The sharp funding disparity underscores the competitive nature of these contracts and the premium placed on specialized, proven expertise.

 Source: FPDS Chart 1: Most successful Vendors within an Agency

🔗 Visit FPDSplus Dashboard
Use it to generate charts by agency, NAICS, award size, and more.

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT YOU

At rTurner Consulting, we help GovCon firms win complex technical opportunities. Our services include:

●    Readiness review for MVP submission
●    Technical narrative crafting & AI articulation
●    Teaming facilitation and gap analysis
●    Coaching on DoD data integration expectations 
●    CI/CD and Zero Trust alignment strategies

📬 Contact Us | 📞 Schedule a Call | 💬Email Us

RESOURCES & LINKS

●    SAM.gov Opportunity Posting
●    FPDSplus Contract Analysis

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