U.S. Air Force Embarks on $99.9M Project to Boost Geospatial Intelligence Technology
The U.S. Air Force is taking significant strides towards advancing geospatial intelligence technology with the launch of a new project. The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate in Rome, N.Y., has issued a presolicitation for the Geospatial Intelligence Processing and Exploitation (GeoPEX) project, which aims to develop enabling technologies for analyzing 3D geographic locations using various sensors and information for military operations.
The GeoPEX project, with a budget of $99.9 million, aims to enhance geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) capabilities for military mission planning and decision-making. The project seeks to develop technologies that will provide tailored, customer-specific geospatial intelligence, analytic services, and solutions.
GEOINT encompasses a wide range of data, including imagery, imagery intelligence, geospatial data, georeferenced social media, and more. It also includes information derived from sensor-fusion information and signature information. The project aims to leverage all available geospatial data, traditional and non-traditional, to create cost-efficient actionable intelligence.
To achieve this goal, the project will require new analytic techniques and the integration of advanced geospatial sensor data. A variety of sources and technologies will be employed, such as panchromatic imagery, synthetic aperture radar, multi and hyper-spectral data, and artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
The technologies of interest for the project include AI, cloud-based high-performance computing, 3D point cloud generation, modeling and visualization, and photogrammetry technologies. Cybersecurity will also be an integral part of the proposals.
The solicitation for this project is open until September 2026 and is currently accepting white papers. Interested companies should submit their white papers to Bernard J. Clarke of the Air Force via email before September 30, 2025.
Foreign companies are not eligible to participate in this project, and multiple contracts may be awarded. More information and the official solicitation can be found on the FBO website.
The U.S. Air Force’s GeoPEX project demonstrates the importance of advancing geospatial intelligence technology for military operations. The integration of advanced sensors, AI, and machine learning will enable the generation of tailored and actionable intelligence to support mission planning and decision-making processes. By harnessing the power of geospatial data from various sources, the U.S. Air Force aims to optimize its capabilities and enhance the overall effectiveness of military operations.
