Attachment 1-LE_RFW_5 AUG26.pdf

DoW DRONE OTA CONSORTIUM

REQUEST FOR WHITEPAPERS

Solicitation Number RFW-DOTAC-ARMY-2026-001 Title Launched Effects (LE) Prototype Project

Requiring Activity Capability Program Executive for Aviation (CPE-AVN) Project Manager (PM): Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Issued By U.S. Army Contracting Command – Redstone Arsenal

(ACC-RSA)

Request for Whitepaper/Solution Due Date

Initial Cut-off: 14AUG26 Subsequent submissions will be evaluated on a continuous rolling basis.

Authority: 10 U.S.C. § 4022 (Prototype Other Transaction Authority) Point of Contact for Submission: DMConsortium@army.mil

I. OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW & FUNDING

• Objective: PM UAS seeks modular, affordable, and attritable LE systems, sub-components, and software ready for rapid physical prototyping, operational assessment, and potential transition to follow-on production.

• Competition Pool: This solicitation is open to Pool 1 (Unrestricted / Full & Open), Pool 2 (Small Business), and Pool 3 (Non-Traditional Defense Contractors

(NDC)).

• Target Funding Threshold: Individual prototype awards are anticipated at or below $150,000,000.

• Key Takeaway for Offerors: Prioritize modularity (hardware-agnostic software), rapid delivery timelines, and open architecture to allow integration into existing Army systems.

II. OBJECTIVE & OPERATIONAL NEED

This effort seeks complete LE systems as well as individual component or software offerings—including air vehicles, sensors/payloads, launchers, controllers, datalinks, mission planners, autonomy software, and training systems—to enable operational employment by Soldiers in tactical, GPS and Electronic warfare contested environments.

Selected prototypes will support physical operational assessments, iterative technology enhancements, and direct integration with Army systems.

Core Definition of Launched Effects (LE) mailto:DMConsortium@army.mil

The LE Family of Systems consists of attritable air- and surface-launched unmanned systems designed to autonomously or semi-autonomously deliver mission effects.

Offerors may submit solutions addressing any of the three distinct operational constructs:

• One-Way Attack (OWA): A system designed to deliver a kinetic effect against a specifically designated objective (where searching/loitering is optional).

• Loitering Munition (LM): A one-way munition construct where searching or loitering for a target is an intrinsic requirement prior to engagement.

• Launched Effects (LE / DILR): Unmanned systems designed to deliver mission effects autonomously or semi-autonomously, and collaboratively, with an emphasis on information products derived from Detect, Identify, Locate, and Report (DILR) behaviors, such as chip-outs.

III. TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES & DESIRED ATTRIBUTES

Solutions must address one or more of the following capability areas:

• Sensing & Effects: Kinetic Warheads, Electro-Optical / Infrared sensing (for

DILR), Radio Frequency-based sensing, Electronic Warfare (EW)/Electronic Attack, and decoy effects.

• Targeting Autonomy: Automated Target Recognition and Assisted Target Recognition capabilities.

• Range & Launch: Air and/or ground launch options. Minimum 40 kilometers (km) operating range (with meaningful time-on-station); desired 1000+ km.

• Resiliency: Fully functional execution in Global Positions System-denied and EW-contested environments.

• Collaborative Autonomy: Coordinated multi-LE autonomous behaviors, including communications-denied operations and communications relay.

• Interoperability: Hardware-agnostic software architectures compatible with Army networks and Command and Control systems.

• Training Support: Digital training and simulation replicating full mission execution.

IV. SUBMISSION & PHASED EVALUATION PROCESS

In accordance with Section 4.2 of the DoW Drone OTA Consortium Agreement, this competitive evaluation will be executed in a phased format:

• Phase I: White Paper (max 5 pages)

• Phase II: Demonstration/Live Pitch (optional)

• Phase III: Full Proposal (by invitation only, technical and cost)

Phase I: White Paper / Solution Brief Submission Requirements

• Page Limit: White papers must not exceed 5 pages (12 pt Arial, single-spaced).

The Cover Page does not count toward this limit.

• Required Content:

1. Technical Concept: Detailed description of the LE system, component, or software behavior (specifying Human-in-the-Loop/Human-on-the- Loop/Human-out-of-the-Loop autonomy levels).

2. Delivery Schedule, Production Readiness, & Scalability: Provide a month-by-month breakdown of production capacity over the next 12 months, specifying how soon delivery of first systems. This must include a clear description of baseline capabilities as they exist today, alongside an organic ramp-up timeline that explicitly details any projected production increases achievable with no additional funding. Demonstration History:

Past performance data and reports from previous demonstrations/tests hosted by the United States Government, along with points of contact.

3. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost Estimate: Vendors are required to submit a high-level cost estimate for the entire lifecycle of the proposed solution. This estimate should clearly itemize costs for the following categories:

• Manufacturing: All costs related to the production of hardware and software components. Specifically, unit cost for each item, as well as the major subcomponents included in the unit cost.

• Testing Support: Costs associated with all required testing phases.

• Payload Integration: Expenses for integrating the payload with the delivery system.

• Delivery: All logistical and shipping costs to the specified final destination.

• Personnel Support: Costs for any on-site or remote personnel, such as Field Service Representatives (FSRs), required for testing, integration, or other support activities. Please specify the roles and responsibilities of these personnel within the estimate.

• Submissions: RFW submissions shall be submitted to the email address listed below and shall include the associated solicitation number in the subject line of the e-mail. If the respondent does not include the solicitation number in the subject line of the e-mail, the submission will NOT be reviewed. In the event where the paper is proprietary or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), a DoD Safelink drop site will be provided. Any requests for more information or clarification should be submitted to the DMConsortium@army.mil email NLT 5 days after receipt of the RWP. Replies will be made within 48 hours after RWP is posted.

[Solicitation Number in Subject Line][ DMConsortium@army.mil ]

V. GOVERNMENT RIGHTS AND DISCLAIMERS

• The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards, a single award, or no award as a result of this RFW.

• Binding Authority: Only an Agreements Officer has the authority to enter, modify, or execute a binding instrument on behalf of the United States Government.

• Cancellation: The Government reserves the right to cancel this RFW, either before or after the closing date. If the RFW is canceled, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any proposal preparation costs.

VI. SUBMISSION MAINTENANCE & SOLUTION BASKET UPDATE POLICY

Offerors are responsible for maintaining a current, complete, and accurate submission package.

Throughout the open period of this RFW, offerors may submit revised documentation to correct inadvertent errors, update system specifications, or address feedback from the Government.

The formal acceptance of any updates into the official evaluation package, however, remains at the sole discretion of the Government. All evaluations will be based on the latest submission officially accepted by the Government at the time of review.

V. MANDATORY REGISTRATION & ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for an award under the DoW Drone OTA Consortium, vendors must meet the following criteria:

1. Active Registration: Must have an active Unique Entity ID and be registered in the System for Award Management (https://sam.gov).

2. Export Control Compliance: Must strictly comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations and Export Administration Regulations.

3. Joint Certification Program: Must have an approved DD Form 2345

4. Security Standards: Must comply with NIST SP 800-171 for the protection of

Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

5. Billing Preparedness: Must be registered or prepared to register in the Wide Area

Work Flow invoice portal (https://wawf.eb.mil/).

6. Non-Traditional Participation: If proposing as a traditional defense contractor, the offeror must identify their cost-sharing approach (per Section 5.3) or partner with a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor to fulfill statutory 10 U.S.C. § 4022 requirements.

VI. ADMINISTRATIVE & REGULATORY POLICIES

1. Data Rights and Intellectual Property https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fsam.gov https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fwawf.eb.mil%2F

Per Section VI of the Consortium Agreement, the Government intends to negotiate data rights on a project-by-project basis. The Government’s baseline target is Government Purpose Rights (GPR) for newly developed prototypes.

2. The Electronic "Solution Basket" White papers evaluated during Phase I that are deemed highly qualified but not selected for immediate funding (if available) may be placed in the Consortium's Electronic Solution Basket for up to three (3) years from the evaluation date. The Government reserves the right to pull these solutions from the basket and initiate a Phase III award if funding and requirements align.

If your proposal is selected for placement in the "Solution Basket" (held for future matching with Department of War funding opportunities), you should proactively submit updated or revised documentation. Keeping your package current ensures that your technical capabilities, pricing, and production readiness remain accurate and competitive when reviewed by the Government.

3. Advisory Role Disclosure Offerors are notified that the Government Steering Committee utilizes Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance and Federally Funded Research and Development Center contractors as non-voting technical advisors. Submission of a Phase I white paper constitutes consent to share proprietary submission details with these authorized advisors under strict Non-Disclosure Agreements.