Kronos Program – Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO)
Executive Summary:
Space Systems Command’s Kronos CSO is soliciting commercial prototype solutions that strengthen Space Force command and control (C2). Submissions must align to Areas of Interest (AOIs) (Operational C2, Battle Management, Space Intelligence). Phase I requires a brief overview deck (5 slides) and a 5-page white paper; selected offerors may be invited to Phase II for full proposals. Phase I materials are due Dec 11, 2025 at 12:00 pm MT.
How much funding would I receive?
The CSO does not specify dollar amounts but likely in the millions of dollar range. The Government may issue OTA or FAR-based prototype awards; follow-on production is possible if the prototype is successful, subject to available funding and approvals.
What could I use the funding for?
Prototype development aligned to an Area of Interest below:
AOI 01: Operational Command and Control
The Kronos PMO is seeking innovative solutions that enable end-to-end C2 functionality, including planning, preparation, execution, and assessment, within a unified, interoperable framework. Key capabilities include developing and prioritizing commander’s intent; supporting both deliberate and dynamic target development and effects-based operations; conducting capability and feasibility analysis; facilitating commander’s decision-making and force assignment; monitoring real-time mission execution with adaptability to changing conditions; performing combat assessment; and providing comprehensive shared situational awareness across joint, and allied partners. The innovative solution must be scalable, modular, and extensible to support evolving mission needs and emerging technologies. Cloud-native design, DevSecOps practices, AI/ML integration, advanced data management, and zero trust cybersecurity principles are highly desired. Submissions should demonstrate how the proposed solution delivers a cohesive, resilient, and adaptable C2 capability aligned with U.S. Space Force operational priorities and enables agile, data-driven decision-making across the Kronos Enterprise.
AOI 02: Battle Management
The Kronos PMO is seeking an integrated Space Attack Planning Toolkit to enable advanced effects-based planning and coordination across the Kronos Enterprise. The desired solution will support the ability to match space resources to effects-based requirements by synthesizing commander’s guidance, effects, and operational priorities with real-time resource status, including tactical units and ISR assets. The solution should expedite C2 planning and enhance coordination between operational and tactical levels. Key capabilities include integration of tactical C2 assessment tools to enable rapid course of action development, feasibility modeling, probability of success analysis, and collateral impact assessment. The solution should support tactical C2 planning by providing real-time status, warnings, and orders to tactical units, while capturing and managing CONOPs and CONEMPs to ensure coherent command relationships and execution pathways. Additionally, the toolkit must enable tactical C2 monitoring and visualization of ongoing effects, support dynamic guidance updates, and facilitate responsive coordination with tactical units within established rules of engagement. The solution must be modular, scalable, and designed for seamless integration with the broader Kronos C2 architecture, with an emphasis on agility, real-time data integration, and operational relevance.
AOI 03: Space Intelligence
The Kronos PMO is seeking an integrated Intelligence solution to enhance decision advantage for joint and coalition forces across the Kronos Enterprise. The desired solution must unify three core intelligence capabilities: battlespace characterization, collection operations, and targeting. Battlespace characterization should enable continuous understanding and prediction of adversary capabilities, tactics, dispositions, centers of gravity, and courses of action, with dynamic assessments that inform targeting and operational decision-making. Collection operations must support the tasking and synchronization of ISR assets and exploitation resources to acquire actionable data on the operational environment, adversary activity, and infrastructure, closing intelligence gaps and enhancing situational awareness. The targeting component must provide a continuous, analytic process to select, prioritize, and engage targets in alignment with commander objectives, integrating intelligence at every stage of the targeting cycle. The solution must facilitate seamless coordination across functional disciplines and between operational and tactical levels. Scalability, modularity, and interoperability with the broader Kronos C2 architecture are essential, with emphasis on real-time data integration, dynamic visualization, and AI/ML-driven analytic capabilities. Submissions should clearly demonstrate how the solution enhances intelligence-driven operations and supports timely, informed, and effective decision-making across the joint force.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Beyond the direct funding, participation offers major strategic advantages:
Government Validation and Credibility:
Selection through the CSO process signals that your company’s industrialized construction approach meets urgent defense infrastructure modernization goals. That endorsement strengthens credibility with defense primes, base infrastructure offices, and private investors.
Enhanced Market Visibility and Notoriety:
Awardees gain visibility through announcements, government communications, and defense industry press—establishing your firm as a recognized innovator in resilient military housing and off-site manufacturing.
Follow-On Production Opportunities:
Successful prototypes can transition directly to follow-on production agreements without further competition, potentially unlocking multi-installation, multi-year build programs.
Nondilutive Growth and Exit Value:
Winning an OT award provides nondilutive capital and validation, often leading to higher valuations and stronger acquisition potential for defense and construction-tech firms.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Phase I (Initial Submission): Overview briefing (≤5 slides plus required Quad Chart) and a 5-page white paper; optional pitch session may be requested.
Phase II (By Invitation): Technical Approach, Statement of Work, and Price proposal per RFP instructions.
Awards/Timing: The Government may fund all, some, part of, or none of the proposals and may incrementally fund awards; timing is subject to availability of funds.
Where does this funding come from?
Space Systems Command, Kronos Program of Record, using primarily Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) authority under 10 U.S.C. §§ 4021-4022, with potential for FAR-based contracts where appropriate
Who is eligible to apply?
Offerors proposing innovative commercial prototypes addressing the AOIs (page 5).
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Solutions that show Government interest and technical merit, align with AOIs, demonstrate integration feasibility, modern software practices, and offer reasonable pricing. Vendor viability and security posture are also considered.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Prototype focus; follow-on production not guaranteed.
All Phase I & II submissions unclassified; Phase II performers should hold required clearances if classified work is proposed.
Data/IP rights negotiated per DFARS (FAR-based) or via OTA; Government intends to acquire only necessary rights.
Export controls (ITAR/EAR) and FOCI disclosure apply.
Non-Government advisors (FFRDC/SETA/SE&I/A&AS) may review under NDAs.
OCI analysis/mitigation required at Phase II.
CRWL considerations per FY25 NDAA may affect award eligibility.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
For a first-time applicant, preparing a competitive powerpoint and white paper will take 75-100 hours in total.
How can BW&CO help?
Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:
Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development
Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations
Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
Our full service support is available for the Overview Briefing and White Paper for $7000. Pitch & Full proposal quoted upon invitation.
Fractional support is $300 per hour.
For startups, we offer a discounted rate of $250 per hour to make top-tier grant consulting more accessible while maintaining the same level of strategic guidance and proposal quality.
Additional Resources
View the Solicitation Here.