Picogrid, a developer of integrated systems technology, has secured a significant $9.3 million contract from the U.S. Air Force to modernize security operations at key installations. This multi-year award will transition the company’s Legion software from successful pilot programs to full operational deployment. The initiative aims to equip Air Force personnel with a unified, responsive command-and-control architecture to better protect critical assets and personnel.
Unifying Defense Systems for Enhanced Awareness
The core objective of the program is to enhance installation security and overall situational awareness for military operators. Picogrid's Legion software achieves this by creating a common operational picture for Security Forces and other mission commanders. It integrates data from a wide array of existing sensor technologies into a single, cohesive system, thereby streamlining operations and improving effectiveness.
Legion is designed to eliminate the information silos that often hinder traditional defense systems by orchestrating sensors and effects dispersed across different locations. The platform applies artificial intelligence-based analytics to process vast amounts of data in real time. This ensures that Airmen on the ground receive timely threat awareness, providing them with the critical information needed to act decisively.
A Collaborative, Vendor-Agnostic Model
Picogrid’s strategy marks a departure from conventional defense contracting models that often rely on single, proprietary systems. The company provides a flexible software architecture that serves as a reusable foundation for any military mission. Crucially, Picogrid focuses on software integration and does not build its own sensors or weapons, avoiding competition with hardware specialists.
This approach is powered by the Picogrid Partner Program, an ecosystem of over 50 third-party vendors providing best-in-class drones, sensors, and robotics. By maintaining a vendor-agnostic stance, Picogrid ensures the military can continuously access the most advanced technology on the market. This collaborative model fosters innovation and adaptability, allowing for rapid integration of new capabilities as they emerge.
Accelerating Technology Deployment
Martin Slosarik, Co-Founder and Head of Growth at Picogrid, emphasized that speed is the new operational imperative in modern defense. “We achieve that speed through neutrality,” he stated, explaining that the company collaborates with partners rather than rebuilding existing market solutions. This allows Picogrid to act as the essential glue connecting systems from commercial giants, legacy primes, and defense startups.
The contract was awarded under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III authority, a mechanism designed to fast-track proven technologies. This process allows the Air Force to bypass bureaucratic delays and immediately scale solutions that have already succeeded in pilot phases. It reflects a broader push within the Department of War to accelerate the transition of innovative technologies from development to operational use.
Strategic Importance and Continued Growth
This modernization effort aligns with the strategic vision outlined by Gen. Kenneth S. Wilsbach, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, who stressed that every part of the service delivers combat power. By enhancing base security, the Legion system directly contributes to the overall readiness and lethality of the force. This ensures that foundational support capabilities are robust enough to enable decisive victory against any adversary.
The $9.3 million award represents another significant milestone in Picogrid’s rapid growth across the Department of War. It follows successful collaborations with major defense vendors like Palantir and Northrop Grumman. The Legion software has also been validated in demanding U.S. Department of War and NATO exercises, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness in complex operational environments.
In conclusion, Picogrid's contract with the U.S. Air Force marks a pivotal step in modernizing military installation security through advanced software integration. The deployment of the Legion system underscores a strategic shift towards agile, collaborative, and vendor-agnostic defense solutions. This partnership highlights the increasing importance of leveraging a broad ecosystem of technology providers to deliver superior capabilities to the warfighter.