RFIs 10 Aug 26.pdf

FA2823-26-Q-0062 – Drone Targets Consolidated Requests for Information As of 10 Aug 2026

Question 1): Are the end users planning to utilize these drones for pilot training or Counter-UAS training?

Response 1): We are planning on using the targets for counter-UAS testing.

Question 2): Aircraft Configuration (Section 2.b.ii): The Technical Requirements Document states that a Shahed-type flying wing airframe is preferred, although a conventional airframe may be suitable. Could the Government clarify how this preference will be evaluated? Specifically, is the preference based primarily on aerodynamic performance, visual representation, or another operational consideration?

Response 2): A delta wing is preferred for its visual representation.

Question 3): Orange Cube Autopilot (Section 2.b.iii): Will the Government consider an equivalent commercial autopilot that provides the required functionality and is fully compatible with Mission Planner, or is the Orange Cube autopilot a mandatory requirement?

Response 3): The Orange Cube is preferred due to its ease of use and Mission Planner compatibility. A similar, NDAA compliant autopilot may be acceptable.

Question 4): RFD-900 Radio (Sections 2.b.iv and 2.c.ii): Will the Government consider an equivalent telemetry radio that provides the required range and is fully compatible with Mission Planner in lieu of the specified

RFD-900?

Response 4): A similarly capable radio that is compatible with Mission Planner may be acceptable.

Question 5): Flight Testing (Section 2.b.vii): The Technical Requirements Document requires contractor flight testing prior to delivery. Could the Government clarify the expected scope of this testing? Specifically, is Contractor acceptance testing with documented results sufficient, or does the Government expect a formal flight acceptance demonstration or witness testing prior to delivery?

Response 5): Contractor acceptance with documented results are sufficient.

Question 6): Launch Interface (CLIN 0004): Please clarify the "Launch Interface" requirement. Is the Government seeking compatibility with an existing launch system, or is the Contractor expected to provide a complete launch solution as part of this procurement?

Response 6): If the aircraft requires a physical launch mechanism, the Contractor is expected to provide a complete launch solution.

Question 7): Regarding CLIN 0004 (LAUNCH INTERFACE): Is a launcher required even if the aircraft has landing gear? The manufacturer is not sure if the end user has access to a runway or a large open field for takeoff with conventional landing gear?

Response 7): If the aircraft is Conventional or Vertical Takeoff and Landing, a launcher is not required.

Question 8): Is gasoline propulsion a requirement for award? If an all-electric configuration would be considered under the stated option for electrical, what is the minimum required aircraft endurance per sortie? The TRD specifies two hours of flight time in the context of flight batteries, which on a gasoline aircraft would describe avionics power rather than propulsion endurance.

Response 8): Gasoline is preferred for its thermal and acoustic signals. Electric configurations may be acceptable depending on use case. The two hours of flight time would be all inclusive for electric propulsion, and would be just avionics power for gasoline.

Question 8): Regarding CLIN 0004, Launch Interface: Does the Government require a specific launch method, or is the launch interface expected to be whatever the offered aircraft's launch system requires?

Response 8): Please see responses # 6 and 7.

Question 9): Are the aircraft expected to be recoverable and reusable across multiple test events, or single-use expendable?

Response 9): The aircraft are not expected to be recoverable.

Question 10): Gasoline Propulsion, with option for electrical is required in this requirement, but it is also mentioned with an option for electric. Are Electric VTOL options also acceptable?

Response 10): See response #8

Question 11): Regarding the aircraft propulsion requirement, the solicitation states "Gasoline Propulsion, with option for electrical" and also requires "Flight batteries supporting 2 hours of flight time, 10x batteries (1/tail)." If offering a gasoline-powered aircraft, are the 10 flight batteries still required, or is this requirement only applicable to an electrical propulsion configuration?

Response 11): See response #8

Question 12): Is the requirement open to other than launcher aircraft? Would a runway be available to take off from?

Response 12): Launcher is not required. A runway is available.

Question 13): Shahed is preferred, but are non-Shahed aircraft options also acceptable?

Response 13): See response #2

Question 14): Delivery is required to be made 45 Days After Receipt of Order (ARO). If the lead time exceeds the required timeline, would it still be acceptable?

Response 14): Alternative timelines may be acceptable depending on mission requirements.

Question 15): Is TAA compliance required for this requirement only, or are non-TAA-compliant products acceptable?

Response 15): This is anticipated to be under the TAA threshold, therefore it does not apply.

Question 16): Given the stated end use of counter-UAS testing, would a towed aerial target system be considered responsive to this requirement, or is an independently launched, self-flown target aircraft (as described in the TRD) a firm requirement for this acquisition?

Response 16): A towed aerial target would not be acceptable.

Question 17): Can we submit more than one solution in our quotation, for example, Option 1 (Gasoline) and Option 2 (Electric), when submitting our proposal?

Response 17): Offering separate solutions is acceptable. The evaluation criteria is lowest priced technically acceptable so it would be up to the Offeror if they want to split their efforts on separate solutions to meet the Government’s minimum requirements.

Question 18): Could you please clarify what exactly is meant by “under the TAA threshold”? Does it mean that the threshold amount for this project is below the amount that would require TAA-compliant products, or does it mean that the anticipated project amount itself is below the applicable TAA threshold?

Response 18): There is a dollar threshold before the Trade Agreements Act applies and this is requirement is not expected to meet that threshold. The TAA also does not apply to small business set-asides. The Buy American Act applies.