The Air Force yesterday released a third RFI and a draft RFP for the ICBM Airborne Launch Control System Replacement (ALCS-R), a central nuclear command and control component which the service would like to use to support the Minuteman 3 through approximately 2035 and to meet alternate launch requirements for the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent through 2075, according to the RFI. Maj. Gen. Garrett Harencak, Air Force Assistant Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration, during a speech in Washington last week said that the service plans to fund nuclear command and control regardless of sequestration. "[I]t’s vitally, vitally important, and we’ve just got to get more agile faster, but the main thing is we’ve just got to make the investment," he said. "The decision has been made to make those investments.”
The ALCS-R is largely used as a backup capability. If squadron launch control centers lose command and control over one or more launch facilities (LFs), the current ALCS onboard the Navy E-6B aircraft provides an alternate capability to select targets, enable, launch, and/or secure missiles in those isolated LFs, according to the RFI. The RFI provides industry with draft Statement of Objectives, a third draft of the System Requirements Document, and Draft Sections L and M of the RFP. A Defense Department notice posted yesterday notes that industry days will be held June 9 and 10. Hill AFB is the contracting office.
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