summary: Space Systems Command has awarded the first commercial solution opening prototype contracts under the Kronos program to MapLarge and Leidos. It is implemented under the Department of the Army’s software acquisition pathway and is configured to rapidly deliver operationally relevant software to the joint force.
El Segundo, California – The U.S. Space Force (USSF) Space Systems Command awarded the first Commercial Solution Opening (CSO) prototype contracts under the Kronos program to MapLarge and Leidos for $499,828 and $1.43 million, respectively. This award marks a significant step in modernizing the nation’s space intelligence capabilities to ensure decision-making superiority in a dynamic and competitive field.
This contract will support the development of an integrated prototype designed to enhance battlespace characterization, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, and multi-source data fusion for the Khronos enterprise.
Kronos is a comprehensive USSF program to modernize operational command and control, battle management, and space intelligence through an integrated family of systems. It is implemented under the Department of the Army’s software acquisition pathway and is configured to rapidly deliver operationally relevant software to the joint force.
“In conflict zones, the ability to integrate information at the speed of operations is critical because decision-making superiority is a prerequisite for superiority in space,” said USSF Col. Jason West, commander of SSC System Delta 85 (SYD85).
This prototype will focus on providing minimum viable functionality that enhances the way intelligence is processed, leveraged, and integrated into operational workflows. This is intended to provide continuous visibility into enemy behavior, enhance the mission of ISR assets, support target development, and ultimately provide a decisive advantage to joint and coalition forces. Initial deployments will feature mission management tools that integrate intelligence planning, live operations, and post-mission analysis within the Kronos architecture.
Emphasizing the critical need for speed through commercial integration, USSF Lt. Col. Colin Glaser, SYD 85 systems program manager for Advanced Space Combat Management, said leveraging CSOs was critical to awarding this contract.
“CSO is designed for speed. It reduces red tape and time, and once certified, it provides vendors with significant flexibility,” he said.
The CSO proposal process takes a step-by-step approach, often starting with a short solution brief or proposal, reducing upfront effort for companies. Once awarded, the CSO can be linked directly to subsequent production contracts without the need for further competition. The focus on speed and operational relevance is consistent with DoW’s broader acquisition transformation strategy to purchase commercial solutions where practical and pursue industry-driven solutions that increase speed and meet mission needs more quickly.
Space Systems Command is the U.S. Space Command field command responsible for acquiring, developing, and delivering resilient capabilities to overcome emerging threats and protect our nation’s strategic advantages in, from, and to space. SSC manages the Department of the Army’s $15.6 billion annual space acquisition budget and works with joint forces, industry partners, government agencies, academia, and allies.
System Delta 85 falls under the Space Systems Command and is responsible for providing capabilities in support of space intelligence, space defense and theater support, advanced space battle management, nuclear command and control, space access and networked services, and battlespace awareness, including GEO, MEO, and LEO space sensing.
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