# Air Force Expands AI and Modernization Awards

The U.S. Air Force modified Scale AI’s existing contract by **$12.09 million** for agentic AI supporting the E-4C Survivable Airborne Operations Center program, bringing the contract’s cumulative value to $44.34 million. Work is expected to continue through November 5, 2027; this is a contract modification, not a new solicitation. Related Air Force awards include a $49 million-ceiling IDIQ for acquisition technology analytics and transition support, with an initial delivery order of about $1.33 million, and a $10.41 million F-16 electronic warfare systems modification.

- The Scale AI action indicates continued investment in AI capabilities for a specialized airborne command-and-control platform. Contractors offering AI development or integration may find relevant opportunities in defense modernization, though this modification itself does not create a new competition.
- The analytics IDIQ creates a separate channel for acquisition technology and transition support through the Small Business Innovation Research program. Businesses should review the stated vehicle and delivery-order structure when assessing fit.
- The F-16 modification concerns radio-frequency compatibility and diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages, highlighting sustainment and supply-chain needs alongside modernization work.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Contracting Vehicles
**Published:** October 03, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC)

### Vendors
- Scale AI Inc. (awardee)
- Serco Inc. (awardee)
- Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. (awardee)
- BAE Systems Inc. (awardee)
- American Systems Corp. (awardee)

### Sources
- [Scale AI Lands $12M Air Force Deal for Agentic AI on E-4C - ClearanceJobs](https://news.clearancejobs.com/2026/10/03/scale-ai-lands-12m-air-force-deal-for-agentic-ai-on-e-4c) - Security Clearance Jobs