Air Force Readies $12.5 Bn Contract for Network Infrastructure Overhaul

The U.S. Air Force is looking to completely overhaul its network infrastructure across the service, including the Guard and Reserve bases. This was revealed in a request for proposal floated by the Air Force's Enterprise IT and Cyber Infrastructure Division.

“It will feature a basic Ordering Period of 5 years, plus one 5-year optional ordering period and a total program ceiling of $12.5 billion,” the RFP says. 

“The goal is to increase integration through a modern streamlined network keeping up with the industry standards, utilizing best practices, performance, and modern management techniques to provide the DAF with a mission capable network,” it adds.

Earlier this month, the Officials of the Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate in Rome, N.Y., reportedly called for the use of artificial intelligence tools for command and control, according to an agency announcement.

By expediting the research and development of innovative AI-based capabilities to bolster Joint All Domain Command and Control (C2), the Department of the Air Force (DAF) aims to gain a strategic decision-making edge.

The Air Force is seeking AI support in several key areas, including command and control optimization for mission-tailored AI; federated, composable autonomy; and AI toolbox development.

Additionally, the agency is exploring advanced wargaming agents, interactive learning for C4I, command and control complexity dominance using generative AI, software-defined distributed command and control, and tactical AI.