Current and Emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools to Accelerate Air Force Mobility Aircraft Acquisition Activities

SOL #: FA8688-RFI-26-0001Sources Sought

Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSE
Dept Of The Air Force
FA8688 AFLCMC WLYK FUTURE TANKERS
WPAFB, OH, 45433-7222, United States

Place of Performance

OH

NAICS

No NAICS code specified

PSC

No PSC code specified

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Timeline

1
Posted
Feb 18, 2026
2
Last Updated
Mar 20, 2026
3
Response Deadline
Apr 30, 2026, 8:00 PM

Qualification Details

Fit reasons
  • NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
  • Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
  • Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
  • Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps

Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.

Quick Summary

The Department of the Air Force, specifically the Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Air Force Life Cycle Management Center/Mobility Aircraft Directorate (AFLCMC/WL), is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify current and emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. The goal is to accelerate Air Force Mobility Aircraft Acquisition activities by improving the acquisition process, delivering high-quality hardware and software faster, and supporting PEO Mobility procurement across aircraft lifecycles. This RFI seeks to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate the fielding of mobility aircraft capabilities to Warfighters. Responses are due by April 30, 2026.

Scope of Interest

The RFI seeks information on Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) and Government Off The Shelf (GOTS) high Technology Readiness Level (TRL 7-9) AI tools that can deliver measurable improvements in:

  • Efficiency in Acquisition: Reducing time, manpower, and cost.
  • AI Capabilities: Specific use cases for accelerating acquisitions and product support planning.
  • Data Handling & Security: How data is used, secured, and data rights.
  • Performance Monitoring: Assessing program risks, cost, schedule, and technical performance.
  • Knowledge Sharing & Automation: Capturing knowledge, automating testing, and reducing workload.
  • Practical Applications: Generating/editing acquisition documents, analyzing proposals.
  • Costing Models: Enterprise or per-license models, tokens, etc.
  • Integrability & Customizability: Compatibility with existing systems, workflows, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Interaction with Government Ecosystem: Interoperability with existing government data, tools, and standards.
  • Tool Development Maturity: TRL and readiness for immediate use.
  • Product Roadmap: Current status and future development plans.

A notional scenario, "PEO Mobility Enterprise Connectivity in a Contested Environment," is provided to guide vendors in demonstrating AI capabilities across the acquisition lifecycle (Requirements Definition, Procurement, Product Support/Sustainment).

Submission Requirements

Interested parties must use the provided "AI RFI Response Form 02172026.xlsx" to submit their responses. This form requires detailed information on vendor capabilities, tool specifics (TRL, CMMC, FedRAMP, IL certifications), scenario-based responses for acquisition phases, and pricing approaches. Responses should be submitted electronically to Debra Zides (debra.zides.2.ctr@us.af.mil) and Capt Jason Kyles (jason.kyles.1@us.af.mil).

Important Notes

This is a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) only and does not constitute a commitment to procure. Proprietary information and trade secrets should NOT be included, as the government may publicly disseminate submitted information. All submissions become Government property.

  • Set-Aside: None specified.
  • Response Due: April 30, 2026, 8:00 PM EDT.
  • Published: March 20, 2026.

People

Points of Contact

Debra ZidesPRIMARY
Capt Jason KylesSECONDARY

Files

Files

Download
Download

Versions

Version 2Viewing
Sources Sought
Posted: Mar 20, 2026
Version 1
Sources Sought
Posted: Feb 18, 2026
View
Current and Emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools to Accelerate Air Force Mobility Aircraft Acquisition Activities | GovScope