The US Air Force has issued a request to find a new contractor for its Global Combat Support System (GCSS-AF) programme, worth about $800m.

Under the seven-year contract, expected to be awarded in April 2011, the new contractor will support the air force’s web portal and logistics applications.

The GCSS-AF is primarily a set of logistics systems, including air force systems, integrated together with a services-oriented architecture.

It also includes a common hosting and messaging environment, business analytics and collaboration services.

The architecture additionally covers instant messaging, security services for 300 air force applications and a logistics data warehouse.

The contractor will also develop an enclave to provide GCSS-AF services to the Department of Homeland Security.