Emily Mifsud
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, FLA – The Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center is fielding the Installation Resilience Operations Command and Control platform at five more bases after three years of successful initial testing here.
AFIMSC awarded a $20 million contract to Simplesense, Inc., Nov. 18 to provide the low-rate initial production and install. The installations slated for IROC deployment are Beale AFB, California; Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska; Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio; Patrick Space Force Base, Florida; and Fort Moore Army Base, Georgia.
The Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies program that’s managed by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering provided the funding. The purpose of AFPIT is to expedite the transition of critical technologies into production for fielding to U.S. warfighters.
IROC integrates data and analytics from multiple sensors and control systems across an installation. The information collected translates into useful intelligence that increases situational awareness and mission effectiveness while reducing costs and manpower. It allows commanders and other leaders to have real-time visibility into systems to improve security, emergency response and facility operations.
The system also enhances the utility of sensors by allowing integration of items previously excluded, such as gunshot detection, real-time occupancy data, smart facility controls, energy controls, space optimization and records accountability.
“IROC is a critical leap forward in capability benefitting Airmen and Guardians during routine and emergency operations that enables artificial intelligence-driven analytics,” said Jadee Purdy, AFIMSC director of data analytics and innovation. “Installations play a key role in the Global Power Competition and the APFIT funding will provide the foundational elements to achieve a future that leverages and ensures efficiency in peace time and resilience during wartime.”
IROC was one of 19 projects selected in FY 2024 to receive AFPIT funding.
“IROC was selected because it advances the vision of an ‘Installation of the Future’ by operationalizing data in real-time,” said Lt Col TJ Gabrielson, IROC program manager. “We have a successful prototype that offers a capability to integrate previously isolated data and provides real-time insight into installation and facility operations.”
Work is set to commence immediately.
Lowell Usery, AFWERX arch branch chief and previous program lead representing the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, demonstrates gunshot detection capabilities of the Installation Resilience Operations Center prototype at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Proven successful after three years of testing and development, IROC is moving into production and will deploy to five additional installations upon receiving $20 million in funding. (U.S. Air Force photo by Sarah McNair) 
This displays the potential impact of the Installation Resilience Operations Command and Control, or IROC, prototype at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Proven successful following three years of testing and development, IROC is moving into production and will deploy to six additional installations upon receiving $20 million in funding. This first-of-its-kind technology integrates data and base operations providing real-time accessibility to improve installation security, emergency response and facility operations. (U.S. Air Force illustration)
