Bid guide

How to bid on Kronos Family of Systems Commercial Solutions Opening with DEPT of Defense

DEPT of the Air Force El Segundo, CACloses September 26, 2026

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The U.S. Space Force is looking for commercial prototype solutions for space intelligence. This is part of Area of Interest (AOI) 3 under the Kronos Family of Systems Commercial Solutions Opening. They are interested in several key areas, including orchestrating sensor collection, analyzing radar and RF data, operating at the tactical edge, synchronizing data when disconnected, and reporting space events in real-time.

This opportunity is significant for vendors who can offer innovative technologies to enhance space domain awareness and intelligence capabilities for the U.S. Space Force. The goal is to improve how space sensors are used, how data is analyzed, and how critical information is shared quickly.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

Questions about this call must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time on September 9, 2026. This is your chance to clarify any uncertainties directly with the agency.

Phase 1A submissions, which include a Quad Chart and White Paper, are due by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time on September 25, 2026. It is advised to submit your proposal well before the deadline to avoid any potential technical issues with the submission portal.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for firms specializing in professional services, particularly those with expertise in space intelligence, sensor technology, data analytics (radar and RF), tactical communications, and real-time reporting systems. The agency is seeking commercial prototype solutions, so companies with existing or near-ready innovative products are a good fit.

Vendors capable of developing solutions that can integrate with existing systems, operate in various security domains (Secret and Top Secret), and handle complex data orchestration will find this particularly relevant.

How to respond

To respond, you need to prepare a Quad Chart and a White Paper for Phase 1A. These documents should clearly address one or more of the specified focus areas within AOI 3. You may submit more than one white paper and quad chart.

All submission instructions, eligibility requirements, and evaluation procedures are detailed in the main Kronos FoS CSO document. You must register for the Kronos Gateway link, which can be found in the main Kronos Solicitation FA8806-26-S-0001. It is crucial to monitor SAM.gov for any updates or amendments related to this call.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Clearly articulate how your proposed prototype solution addresses the specific Area of Interest (AOI 3) and which Focus Area Statements (FAS) it targets. Be precise in your descriptions and avoid general statements.

Ensure your Quad Chart is concise and visually effective, summarizing the key aspects of your solution. Your White Paper should provide more detail, explaining the technical approach, expected outcomes, and how it meets the agency's needs. Highlight any unique commercial aspects of your solution.

Pay close attention to all instructions in the Kronos FoS CSO document, as it contains critical information on submission format, content, and evaluation criteria. Submitting questions by the deadline can help clarify any ambiguities before you finalize your proposal.

See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond

Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.

View this bid on BiddingSimple

This guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of the Air Force; the original posting controls.