Description
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is issuing a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to acquire mature, baseline small unmanned‑air‑system (sUAS) platforms that can be air‑launched, carry a communications‑relay payload, and operate in contested environments. The effort is structured as a five‑phase down‑select: Phase 1 – 10‑page/20‑slide solution briefs; Phase 2 – virtual or in‑person pitch sessions; Phase 3 – prototype integration and flight demonstration; Phase 4 – air‑launch demonstration; Phase 5 – potential low‑rate/full‑rate production. The Government will fund integration work (phases 3‑4) but not the initial development of a new airframe. Successful vendors may be eligible for a non‑competitive follow‑on production contract.
• Target platform: TRL 6 or higher, max gross weight ≤ 330 lb, one‑way range ≥ 1000 km (≥ 6 hr endurance), payload ≥ 35 lb (objective 50 lb), power ≥ 1000 W.
• Air‑launch from a Munitions Adapter Unit (MAU) / Common Weapons Pylon (CWP).
• Operational temperature range –40 °F to 140 °F; required LOS/BLOS communications, MOSA/open‑architecture, containerized software.
• Phase 1 solution brief due 15 Oct 2026 (10‑page paper or 20‑slide deck).
• Phase 2 pitch sessions scheduled 2‑6 Nov 2026 (virtual or in‑person).
• Subsequent phases will be governed by separate RFPs; Phase 5 production is optional and non‑competitive.
• Target average procurement unit cost (excluding payload) ≈ $250,000 at mature production volumes.
• Open to U.S. and international vendors; CAGE/DUNS registration required.
• Security: Phases 3‑5 may require Secret‑level clearance.
Attached files
Contact
Jesse Cooley(Contracting Officer)