Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Project Office 2025 Sources Sought for a Brigade Level Uncrewed Aircraft System
The Department of the Army Materiel Command Contracting Command (ACC Redstone) is conducting a Sources Sought notice for a Brigade Level Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) project. The Army's Program Executive Office Aviation seeks production-ready, cost-effective UAS platforms with specific mission capabilities, including Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) functionality. The UAS must be capable of Reconnaissance Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA), communications relay, and potentially lethal payload delivery and electronic support. Interested parties must submit their request for additional information to Contracting Officer Elbert Clarke and Contract Specialist Keandra Milligan by December 30, 2024, at 4:00 PM CST, with full submissions due by January 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM CST. Companies must provide their company details, unique entity ID, representative information, and contact details when requesting additional information.
The pre-solicitation notice indicates no specific set-aside for this contract opportunity and does not mention incumbent contractors or precise award values. The Army plans to deploy these UAS systems at up to eight sites to support training proficiency, operator continuity, and develop Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP). The systems must comply with 2020 NDAA Section 848 and 2023 NDAA Section 817, or demonstrate a clear path to compliance. The contract falls under NAICS Code 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing) and Product Service Code 1550 (Unmanned Aircraft), with performance located at the Army Contracting Command in Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. While specific quantities are not detailed, the notice suggests this is an interim capability procurement with potential for future urgent capability acquisition.
SourcesSoughtFY25BrigadeLevelUAS_SS2501 Department of the Army Materiel Command Contracting Command Redstone Arsenal
12/13/24, 5:53 PM SPE4AX20RASCP Request for Information: Aircraft Structures Project
PROGRAM OVERVIEW:
DLA-Aviation, Richmond is conducting market research to identify potential sources that may possess the expertise, capabilities and experience to provide a strategic support solution for a listing of NSNs under Federal Supply Classes (FSC) 1560, Airframe Structural Components; 1660, Aircraft Air Conditioning, Heating, and Pressurizing Equipment; and 1680, Miscellaneous Aircraft Accessories and Components. The attached Spread Sheet Return File represents the current population of items DLA is seeking feedback on. The approximate annual demand value for these parts is $80 million. DLA is considering putting these NSNs on a long-term contract of up to 10 years in length. Any resultant solicitation is anticipated to be a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.
Within the Return File, you will notice multiple tabs and data fields associated with each NIIN.
Tab 1 is an instruction on how to respond to this informational request.
Tab 2 is a handy return file with blank fields that we respectfully request you fill in accordingly.
Tab 3 represents 3 year requisition history
Tab 4 represents the Small Business supply base.
NOTE: All information provided within this RFI and associated data and documentation is subject to change and adjustment based on input received from industry.
Scope of project:
This initiative contains 1,785 National Stock Numbers (NSNs) purchased and/or managed by DLA. The NSN list and associated data is attached to this RFI as explained above.
As part of this RFI, DLA would like to know if and how you would be able to support the two Courses of Actions (COA’s) stated below and the benefits and drawbacks of each approach from your perspective. Please read through the COAs and reply to the questions following each section accordingly.
General Questions:
Please indicate which NSNs you believe you could support. Are there common characteristics (e.g., material types, manufacturing process) among these NSNs?
For the NSNs you are unable to support, what are the primary reasons?
Given the list of NSNs attached, would you recommend segmenting into smaller groups, and if so, how (manufacturing process, platform, nomenclature, etc.)? Please provide specific groupings on the Excel spreadsheet provided. Please provide rationale for each grouping.
Is there an upper limit to the number or percentage of NSNs/PNs you would be willing to propose?
Is there additional information you can provide on the NSNs to aid in this division? (e.g. manufacturing process, materials needed)
Would you consider supporting NIINs beyond those that you’ve historically supported? If so, how would you identify those NSNs?
What additional data would help you provide pricing estimates?
Do you anticipate using partnerships to fulfill this contract? If so, what types of companies do you anticipate partnering with?
What is an adequate proposal response time for a potential solicitation?
Indicate your small business size/category in your response.
If applicable include a narrative describing risks this effort might present to your business or the supplier base.
Please specify what contract length you would recommend for this type of population and requirement
CD (Customer Direct) type contract Questions:
Customer Direct (CD) utilizes Time Definite Delivery (TDD) shipment requirements where Contractor shall prepare delivery orders for shipment to DLA customers within one to three days after receipt of order (ARO) in accordance with (IAW) the Contract Delivery Date (CDD). Contractors shall use Vendor Shipment Module (VSM (Section 2.9.3) for shipment processing. CD orders will be delivered directly to DLA customers. The CD requirement for TDD standards is based on DLAD 11.402-90, Time Definite Delivery (TDD) standards. The Contractor shall perform multiple supply chain management functions necessary to ensure the items are delivered directly to the customer in accordance with the metrics identified in Section 6.0 of this SOW. Such supply chain functions include, but are not limited to, material forecasting, acquisition, storage, packaging, and readying the material for shipment through VSM, warehousing, planning, forecasting, and delivery order shipment preparation responsibilities for these NSNs.
In a customer direct (CD) supply arrangement, the contractor forecasts demand, manufactures the NSN or procures it from a sub-contractor, stocks, and ships directly to DLA customers (within the Time-Definite-Delivery standards of either 1 or 3 days). CD items may be shipped in commercial packaging unless otherwise stated.
Please describe what commercial infrastructure you have in place to support a CD supply arrangement.
Given the additional responsibilities of a CD arrangement (material forecasting, acquisition, storage, packaging, and readying the material for shipment through VSM, warehousing, planning, forecasting, and delivery order shipment preparation responsibilities for these NSNs) what additional infrastructure do you need (if any) to fully meet this requirement?
Has your company provided items to DLA under a CD arrangement in the past? If so, please explain to what level; i.e. how many items, how often, etc?
What pricing methodologies (E.g., discrete firm fixed price) would you suggest based on supporting a CD supply arrangement? Please describe the methodology and provide an example. What pricing data can you provide to substantiate increases or decreases? If multiple awards, what timeframe for re-compete of items such as every 3 years? How long can you hold pricing before adjustment is needed?
What performance indicators under a CD arrangement have you been held to in the past and to what level (ex: 90% material availability, etc)?
Are there any other performance indicators you would suggest for measuring contract performance (e.g., on time delivery, material availability, Customer Direct Availability, etc.)?
What additional cost savings can you provide DLA through a Customer Direct model?
DD (DLA Direct) type contract, single or multiple award contract(s) questions:
In a DLA-Direct (DD) supply arrangement, the contractor manufactures the NSN or procures it from a sub-contractor and ships to a DLA depot upon completion of the order. The time to complete the order is based upon a negotiated production lead-time. The contractor does not forecast, stock or ship to the DLA customer.
Please describe what commercial infrastructure you have in place to support a DD supply arrangement.
What additional infrastructure do you need (if any) to fully meet this requirement? To what degree would this increase your costs?
What pricing methodologies (E.g., discrete firm fixed price) would you suggest based on supporting a DD supply arrangement? Please describe the methodology and provide an example. What pricing data can you provide to substantiate increases or decreases? If multiple awards, what timeframe for re-compete of items such as every 3 years? How long can you hold pricing before adjustment is needed?
What performance indicators under a DD arrangement have you been held to in the past and to what level (ex: 90% material availability, etc)?
Are there any other performance indicators you would suggest for measuring contract performance (e.g., on time delivery, material availability, Customer Direct Availability, etc.)?
What additional cost savings may be available to DLA for supporting this type of supply arrangement in lieu of a Customer Direct arrangement such as Economic Order Quantities and other savings?
Summary Information:
Additional materials, suggestions, and comments are encouraged. Please submit your responses and comments no later than April 27, 2020 via email to the point of contact below.
The purpose of this RFI is to allow industry to provide input regarding not only your capabilities relative to the proposed requirement, but also to provide input of your experience and best practices that will allow the Government to develop an intelligent acquisition/solicitation strategy. A key part of this process is determining the feasibility of requisitioning all listed NSNs under single contracts. DLA encourages any suggestions to sub-divide and/or group the NSNs if that would increase the competitiveness of the proposed contracting process.
DLA Aviation is holding a virtual Industry Day on May 12, 2020 to address questions from industry regarding the Attached Statements of Work (SOWs) for this aircraft structural RFI. Interested parties are encouraged to submit specific questions no later than. DLA Aviation will review the questions and provide answers during the Industry Day.
Industry Day:
The Industry Day will be held via teleconference.
General Session:
The General session will be conducted from approximately 0830 -1030 EST.
One-on-one Sessions:
DLA will also be offering one-on-one meeting time slots on a first come first serve basis. One on one meetings will be conducted approximately 1200 - 1700 in roughly 30-minute increments. If needed, one-on-one sessions may extend into additional days depending on the number of requests received.
Pre-registration for call-in attendance is REQUIRED. This is a no-fee event. Additional event details, including presentation documents, and call-in access data will be provided once final attendance is confirmed.
Industry Day Registration:
Please provide the following information to the POCs listed below:
Company Name-
Full Name (s) of employees/representatives attending the Industry Day
Email Address-
Phone Number-
DLA POCS:
Michael Gargiulo - Michael.gargiulo@dla.mil
Michael Weigartz - Michael.weigartz@dla.mil
Summary of Key Supplier Response Dates:
April 27, 2020:
Response to RFI questions and return data file
Submission of any questions you may have for the DLA team
Registration for the virtual industry day
Request for a one-on-one session (optional if your company desires to speak with our team)
One-on-one sessions will be offered on a first come first serve basis only
May 12, 2020:
Virtual Industry Day
A transcript of the questions and answers will be posted to Contract Opportunities under SPE4A220XXXXX_Aircraft Structural RFI.
Disclaimer:
In accordance with FAR 15.201(e), responses to this RFI are not offers and cannot be accepted by the
government to form a binding contract. This RFI is issued for information and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. The government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for information received in response to this RFI. All information received in response to this RFI that is marked proprietary will be handled accordingly. Responses to the RFI will not be returned. Information provided in response to this RFI will be used to assess tradeoffs and alternatives to determine how to proceed with the acquisition process. Responders are solely responsible for all expenses associated with responding to this RFI.
Defense Logistics Agency Aviation
4/13/20, 4:41 PM QF-16 Sustainment Engineering and Logistics Services
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) is conducting market research to identify qualified sources for sustaining engineering and logistics services for the QF-16 aircraft system. This Sources Sought Synopsis seeks capabilities for an anticipated indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract to support approximately 90 QF-16 aircraft over the next 10 years. The required services include post-production Contractor Logistics Support (CLS), repair and replacement of Drone Peculiar Equipment (DPE) and Peculiar Support Equipment (PSE), and comprehensive engineering support. Specific technical capabilities needed include engineering for fielded aircraft hardware/software, component failure investigations, safety investigations, and Engineering Change Proposals. Responses must be submitted by March 18, 2025, and companies must be prepared to handle a SECRET facility clearance, with no classified or sensitive information to be included in the initial response.
The pre-solicitation notice indicates no specific set-aside is currently planned for this opportunity. While no specific incumbent or current contractor is mentioned, the government notes that technical data rights may require partnering with the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). The QF-16s are regenerated F-16 aircraft equipped with specialized drone equipment for manned and unmanned operations to support weapons system evaluations. Interested companies can request a limited technical data package containing additional details about the potential requirement. The government emphasizes that this market research request is voluntary, and submissions are not considered offers and cannot form a binding contract. Technical documents totaling 377 pages across seven documents are available upon request to qualified respondents, and the government will use the responses solely to determine the appropriate acquisition strategy for a potential future solicitation.
FA8232-2025-R-QF16 Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center Hill Air Force Base
2/18/25, 7:08 PM Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) for Flight Test Use
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is seeking to procure four small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) for flight test use through a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items. The sUAS must meet specific technical requirements, including being lightweight (under 10 pounds), featuring vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), possessing quadcopter configuration with electro-optical and infrared cameras, and having an encrypted communication link with a 5 km range. The solicitation will use a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation method, with quotes assessed on price and technical acceptability based on meeting all specification requirements outlined in the Minimum Requirements Document. Quotes are due by February 28, 2025, at 5:00 PM EST, and must be submitted via email to the point of contact, Mr. Jason B. Sav. The government reserves the right to award all, some, or none of the items listed in the solicitation.
This solicitation is a total small business set-aside under NAICS size standard 334517, meaning only small businesses can compete for the contract. The systems will be delivered to AFRL/DO at Wright-Patterson AFB within 90 days of order receipt, with a specific delivery location of Building 15, Room 008. The procurement seeks two different sUAS systems, either from two separate vendors or two different systems from the same vendor, to provide test site users multiple data collection points. While no specific award value is mentioned, the contract includes requirements for additional equipment such as extra batteries, chargers, and propellers, as well as necessary DIU approval paperwork and FCC licenses. The systems must meet DoD cybersecurity standards and be capable of 30-minute flight times at approximately 20 mph, with an AES-256 encrypted communication link.
COMBO-AFRL-PZLEQ-2025-0009 Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Research Laboratory
2/14/25, 9:38 AM STATUS: C-130 FMS Parts Procurement, Support Equipment & Warehousing IDIQ
The U.S. Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center at Robins Air Force Base is conducting market research to identify potential sources to provide agile and streamlined procurement of major C-130 aircraft parts and support equipment for its Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Technical Coordination Group (TCG) partner nations. The contract will cover a broad range of parts, including avionics, engines, hydraulics, structures, and consumables, as well as support equipment such as test equipment, stands, and carts. The primary objectives are timely processing of requisitions, best value pricing, responsive customer support, quality material, and effective program management. The contract will allow C-130 FMS partners to easily requisition required parts and equipment, with the contractor responsible for user familiarization and customer support.
This is not a set-aside opportunity. The government anticipates utilizing a five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract with a one-year base period and four option years. Responses to the Sources Sought notice are due by July 27, 2023. The NAICS code is 336413 - Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing, and the PSC code is 1560-P - Airframe Structural Components.
FA8553-23-R-0017 Department of the Air Force Materiel Command Lifecycle Management Center Robins Air Force Base
6/12/23, 8:25 AM