The U.S. Air Force is turning to the private sector for input on artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) technologies that could be integrated into its command-and-control (C2) modernization efforts.
In a request for information (RFI) — posted Monday on sam.gov — the service’s integrated program executive office for command, control, communications and battle management (C3BM) said it is in search of an AI/ML toolkit to apply to its cloud-based C2 efforts.
“This effort shall be a collection of tools and technologies that improve tactical C2 software applications under development within multiple programs (e.g., Cloud-Based Command and Control) and reduce operational workflow timelines for C2,” the RFI states.
Specifically, the Air Force is “seeking information to gain an in-depth knowledge of state-of-the-art commercialized artificial intelligence and automation technologies” for several mission applications such as “data collection and curation, machine to machine operations, large language models, and continuous and/or reinforced learning training models.”
The Air Force did not publicly release a statement of objective with RFI, saying that some information related to the notice was “controlled” access.
The Air Force’s cloud-based C2 platform integrates hundreds of critical air defense radar and data feeds under one cloud-based interface, then develops action plans to help leaders quickly make critical decisions.
The platform was initially launched in the North American Aerospace Defense Command’s Eastern and Canadian air defense sector in October 2023. The Air Force plans to continue scaling that capability to other air defense sectors throughout this year.
Integrating AI/ML can assist commanders in the decision-making process and help maintain situational awareness, the RFI says.
Responses to the RFI are due on April 26.
