Post Quantum Cryptography Support for FAA Information Technology and National Air Space Systems

SOL #: 697DCK-26-RFI-PQCSources Sought

Overview

Buyer

Transportation

Federal Aviation Administration

697DCK REGIONAL ACQUISITIONS SVCS

FORT WORTH, TX, 76177, United States

Place of Performance

Place of performance not available

NAICS

Custom Computer Programming Services (541511)

PSC

Support Services For Activities Involved With Application Development And Support To Include Analysis, Design, Development, Coding, Testing, And Release Packaging, As Well As Support Of Off The Shelf Business Applications. (DA01)

Set Aside

No set aside specified

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/03a6704e102945708807878ac8dae17e/view

Timeline

Posted

Mar 10, 2026

Last Updated

Mar 24, 2026

Response Deadline

Apr 24, 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is conducting a Request for Information (RFI), RFI Number 697DCK-26-RFI-PQC, to gather industry insights and capabilities for Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Support for its Information Technology and National Air Space Systems. This RFI aims to inform the FAA's acquisition strategy for PQC modernization. Responses are due by April 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.

Purpose & Scope

The FAA seeks information from capable respondents on their readiness and capabilities to support the transition of the National Airspace System (NAS) and its supporting Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure, as well as FAA business systems, to quantum-resistant cryptography. This modernization effort is crucial for enhancing resilience against emerging threats like quantum computing. Key areas of interest include:

PQC Migration Strategy: Transitioning both FAA enterprise IT and NAS safety-critical ATC systems.
Procurement Models: Evaluating "One-Stop Shop" versus "Individual Component" approaches.
Technical Requirements: Considerations for NAS and non-NAS environments, including safety, complexity, longevity, and crypto-agility.
Vendor Capabilities: Information on technology tiers, PQC algorithm implementation, FIPS validation, and cryptographic agility.
Operational Impact: Analysis of potential disruption, performance constraints, and interoperability.
Costs: Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates for implementation.
Vendor Insights: Challenges and opportunities in PQC upgrades and certification.

Contract & Timeline

Type: Request for Information (RFI) – This is NOT a Request for Proposal.
Anticipated PSC: DA01 - IT AND TELECOM - BUSINESS APPLICATION/APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT SERVICES.
Anticipated NAICS: 541511 - Custom Computer Programming Services.
Set-Aside: None specified.
Response Due: April 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET (extended by Amendment 0001).
Published: March 24, 2026 (Amendment 0001 date).

Submission Details

Responses must be submitted electronically to Jackson.T.LeMay@faa.gov and Kristin.T.Frantz@faa.gov. Respondents are encouraged to include any clarifying questions, assumptions, or concerns as a formal attachment to their RFI response; these do not count against the 30-page limit. The Government will not pay for any information received.