TF-99 VTOL Sources Sought.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

NINTH AIR FORCE (AIR FORCES CENTRAL)

AL UDEID AIR BASE, QATAR

5 March 2026

SOURCES SOUGHT

SUBJECT: VERTICAL TAKE OFF AND LANDING SUAS

Issuing Office: Theater Contracting Office, 1 Expeditionary Theater Support Group

1. INTRODUCTION

This is a Sources Sought notice for market research purposes only. This is not a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding the availability and capability of qualified businesses to provide commercially available Group 2 Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) from unimproved, austere locations.

2. BACKGROUND

Task Force 99 currently relies on a highly configurable fixed wing, Group 2 sUAS as a test and operational platform for medium range Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).

The current operational platform requires a compact and flat runway of at least 200 meters to land and takeoff safely which limits where a flight crew can feasibly launch from. These launch locations are often too far from areas of interest which increases mission risk. A VTOL capable aircraft with comparable performance characteristics would remove the limitation to improved surfaces for launch.

Additionally, given ever evolving mission requirements, Task Force 99 is interested in modularity (i.e. standard commercially available interfaces) for payload integration, telemetry, radio control, and network connectivity.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

Objectives: Provide a group 2 sUAS system with ground control station and RC transmitter included with the following characteristics:

1. The UAS shall be capable of taking off and landing vertically, independent of a runway or prepared surfaces. This capability must allow for launch and recovery from unimproved surfaces.

2. The UAS shall utilize the MAVLINK protocol for all command, control, and telemetry data exchange to ensure interoperability with existing payloads and ground control systems.

3. The UAS shall have a unit cost of no greater than $65K. The objective cost would be approximately $50K.

4. The UAS shall have the following performance characteristics:

Value • Innovate • Partner • Prevail

Requirement Description Threshold (Minimum)

Objective (Desired)

Endurance The UAS shall be capable of sustained, unrefueled flight while carrying a 3 kg payload.

6.5 hours 20 hours

Range The UAS shall be capable of flying a mission profile, unrefueled, with a 3 kg payload.

1,100 km 1,800 km

Payload Capacity The UAS shall be capable of carrying a mission payload, not including fuel.

5 kg 11 kg

Payload Electrical Power

The UAS shall be capable of providing electrical power to a mission payload. (Maximum sustained power draw)

24V @ 180 A 48V @ 180A

Service Ceiling The maximum altitude at which the UAS can operate under standard atmospheric conditions.

3,000 meters 4,000 meters

Cruise Speed The efficient operational speed of the UAS during the main phase of its mission.

80 km/h 110 km/h

Transportability The UAS shall be capable of being packed for transport via commercial utility vehicle

72” X 44” 60” x 44”

Assembly Time The UAS shall be capable of being assembled from a packed for transport state to mission ready state in a short amount of time

30 minutes 15 minutes

Starlink Mini Integration

The UAS shall possess unobstructed clearance of Two

(2) inches above the fuselage.

4. REQUESTED INFORMATION

Interested parties are requested to submit a capability statement that addresses the following:

Company Information:

Company Name

Address

Point of Contact (Name, Title, Phone Number, and Email Address)

CAGE Code and UEI Number

Value • Innovate • Partner • Prevail

Business Size and Socioeconomic Status (e.g., Small Business, Woman-Owned Small Business, Veteran-Owned Small Business, etc.)

A detailed description of your company's experience and capabilities.

What products are available that can meet the minimum requirements of the above table.

What is the production lead time for these products.

Is there any technical support that comes with the product.

Provide any instruction manuals detailing setup and operation.

What performance specifications does VTOL have in relation to the above table.

Any other relevant information that demonstrates your company's ability to perform the work.

5. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Due Date: Capability statements are due no later than 12 March 2026 at 10am Eastern Standard Time.

Format: Submissions should be in Microsoft Word or PDF and should not exceed 10 pages.

Submission Method: Email your capability statement to jesse.bridge@spaceforce.mil. The subject line of the email should be "VERTICAL TAKE OFF AND LANDING SUAS - [Company Name] - Sources Sought Response."

6. DISCLAIMER

This Sources Sought notice is for market research and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation. A contract may not be awarded as a result of this announcement. The Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this notice. All information submitted in response to this notice is voluntary.

7. For questions, contact MSgt Bridge, Jesse at jesse.bridge@spaceforce.mil.

JESSE S. BRIDGE, MSgt, USAF Contracting Officer mailto:jesse.bridge@spaceforce.mil