Request For Information (RFI) for C-UmS (003).pdf

Dismounted, Man-portable, Handheld, Counter-Unmanned System (MPHC)

CAUTION:

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by the AFLCMC/EBUW, Small Arms and Light Weapons Program Office, to conduct market research and identify sources capable of providing Dismounted, Man-portable, Handheld, Counter (MPHC)-Unmanned Systems (UmS) solution(s).

The outcome is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of counter UmS technology, available solutions, and the capabilities of potential vendors in this field.

The increasing presence of UmS across all domains – air, ground, and maritime – are posing a growing threat to the security of Department of the Air Force (DAF) installations and personnel.

These UmS threats range from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions to one-way attack (OWA) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and delivery of hazardous materials.

This multi-domain threat environment exposes a critical vulnerability in the Department of the Air Force’s (DAF) base security posture, jeopardizing the ability to conduct effective operations as required by the National Defense Strategy.

The requirement is for a Man-Portable C-UmS capability that seamlessly integrates with existing DAF small arms tactics, providing the ability to defeat UmS threats. The desired capability must enable effective engagement of both stationary and moving targets, while demonstrably increasing the probability of threat-ending hits. The desired system should enable the Airman or Guardian to prioritize and engage multiple UmS threats. The MPHC may incorporate one or more solution types to achieve the desired effect. The design will minimize impact on Airman or Guardian mobility. Compatibility with Joint or DAF owned existing equipment will ensure seamless transition and operational effectiveness across diverse environments. The system will adhere to strict military durability standards and be easily maintained to maximize operational availability. Furthermore, the MPHC will be engineered for interoperability with existing and future base defense systems, enhancing situational awareness and enabling coordinated responses to complex UmS threats. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) level must be no lower than 7.

The Air Force has not made a commitment to procure any of the items/services discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. Contractors/Institutions responding to this market research are placed on notice that participation in this survey may not ensure participation in future solicitations or contract awards. The Government will not reimburse participants for any expenses associated with their participation in this survey. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes

(a) The Government does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this Request For Information or to otherwise pay for the information solicited except as an allowable cost under other contracts as provided in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 31.205-18, Independent Research and Bid and Proposal Costs.

(b) Although “proposal” and “offeror” are used in this Request for Information, your response will be treated as information only. It shall not be used as a proposal.

(c) This Request for Information is issued for the purpose of market research in an effort to overcome barriers to competition.

Purpose

The purpose of the RFI is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of the Dismounted, Man-portable, Handheld, Counter-UmS (MPHC) technology, available solutions, and the capabilities of potential vendors in this field and identify potential sources that have ready to deploy Counter-UmS capabilities to detect, track, identify, and defeat hostile drones.

The outcome may be an Industry Day or Demonstration Day on a date to be determined.

The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government.

Brief Description

The Small Arms and Light Weapons Program Office procures and sustains all small arms and light weapons for the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The goal of the RFI is to identify potential sources that have ready to deploy Counter-UmS capabilities to detect, track, identify, and defeat hostile drones.

The proliferation of small, affordable, and highly capable Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) poses a significant and growing threat to personnel, critical assets, and operations both domestically and abroad. These systems can be used for hostile intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR), and as weapon delivery platforms. To effectively mitigate this threat, the DAF requires a robust, scalable, and layered Counter-UmS defense capability.

The DAF is seeking information on mature, field-ready Counter-UmS solutions that can be deployed in various operational environments (e.g., fixed-site, mobile, man-portable). The desired system(s) should provide a comprehensive "detect, track, identify, and defeat" capability against a wide range of Unmanned Systems (UmS) threats, including but not limited to Group 1 - 2 UmS and drone swarms.

Some of the capabilities required include, but not limited to:

1. TRL level no lower than 7.

2. Vendors’ capabilities must be COTS, non-developmental items.

3. Performance: Ability to detect, track, identify, and defeat moving and stationary UmS targets with low radar cross-sections, in cluttered environments. Solutions must provide the capability to defeat UmS in low-light conditions and against targets designed to minimize detection.

Note: THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY to identify sources that can provide Dismounted, Man-portable, Handheld, Counter (MPHC)-Unmanned Systems (UmS) solution(s). The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The DAF has not made a commitment to procure any of the items/services discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become Government property and will not be returned.

Responses must be received no later than close of business 26 May 2026.

Please send responses to ricardo.jones@us.af.mil.

CONTRACTOR CAPABILITY SURVEY

Dismounted, Man-portable, Handheld, Counter-Unmanned System (MPHC)

Part I. Business Information

Please provide the following business information for your company/institution and for any teaming or joint venture partners:

• Company/Institute Name:

• Address:

• Point of Contact:

• CAGE Code:

• Phone Number:

• E-mail Address:

• Web Page URL:

• Government Proposed North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code:

332994

• Based on the Government proposed NAICS Code, state whether your company is:

• Small Business (Yes / No)

• Woman Owned Small Business (Yes / No)

• Small Disadvantaged Business (Yes / No)

• 8(a) Certified (Yes / No)

• HUBZone Certified (Yes / No)

• Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No)

• Service Disabled Veteran Small Business (Yes / No)

• System for Award Management (SAM) (Yes / No)

• A statement as to whether your company is domestically or foreign owned (if foreign, please indicate the country of ownership).

Responses to the Capability Survey Part I and Part II must be received no later than close of business 26 May 2026. Please ensure data is in a readable electronic format that can be received through a firewall. Attachments shall not to exceed 10 MB per email. Multiple emails are acceptable. Responses must be sent via email to the following:

• Ricardo Jones Contracting Officer, ricardo.jones at us.af.mil

• Hayley Brown, Contract Specialist, hayley.brown.2@us.af.mil

• Gerald Singletary, Program Manger. gerald.singletary.2@us.af.mil

Questions relative to this RFI should be addressed to the PCO, Ricardo Jones, ricardo.jones@us.af.mil.

Part II. Capability Survey Questions

A. General Capability Questions:

1. Describe the nature of the Counter-UmS capabilities you provide.

2. Describe your company's past experience providing services similar in complexity to this requirement. Include contract numbers, a brief description of the work performed, period of performance, agency/organization supported, and individual point of contact (Contracting Officer or Program Manager).

3. Please provide details regarding the following areas of interest:

a. Detection, Tracking, and Identification (DTI):

i. Primary Sensors: Radar (e.g., 3D, Active Electronically Scanned Array - AESA), Radio Frequency (RF) detection/analysis

ii. Secondary Sensors: Electro-Optical (EO), Infrared (IR), and acoustic sensors for threat validation and identification.

iii. Kinetic: Precision hard-kill solutions, including guided projectiles, high-energy lasers, and interceptor drones.

b. System Attributes:

i. Scalability & Modularity: Ability to tailor the system for different missions and environments.

ii. Interoperability: Open architecture design that allows for easy integration of third-party sensors and effectors.

iii. Deployment: Solutions for fixed-site installation, on-the-move (OTM) vehicle integration, and man-portable configurations.

iv. Environmental: Ability to operate in all weather conditions, day and night.

4. Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of your proposed system and its key components.

5. Information on the system's performance, including documented detection ranges, defeat effectiveness, and any operational testing data.

6. Describe the system's open architecture and its ability to integrate with other systems.

7. Deployment and Support:

mailto:hayley.brown.2@us.af.mil

1. Describe the typical deployment configurations (fixed, mobile, etc.).

2. Outline the training required for operators and maintainers.

3. Describe your company's logistics and lifecycle support capabilities.

4. What quality assurance standards / processes does your company employ? Provide a description of your quality program (ISO 9001, AS9100, etc.).

8. If providing information for an ammunition solution, vendors shall include as much known data as possible to support an ammunition package and enable a comprehensive technical, safety, logistics, and suitability assessment. Requested information includes item nomenclature; part number; manufacturer or prime contractor; vendor; national stock number (if assigned); associated weapon or gun system; next higher assembly; size and weight of the unpackaged item; explosive composition as listed on the Safety Data Sheet; net explosive weight; physical and functional descriptions; fuze safety features, if applicable; quantity requested; unit price; manufacturer procedures for storage, handling, demilitarization, and disposition; justification and intended statement of use; authorizing directive; copies of all drawings including packaging and container configuration data; details of all testing accomplished; and a detailed summary of specification changes relative to no‑fire, all‑fire, and resistance values. For small‑arms ammunition, submissions shall also include muzzle velocity, chamber pressure, primer and propellant types with composition and charge weights, projectile weight/type/size, and a manufacturer’s statement certifying compliance with Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) standards.

B. Commerciality Questions:

1. Is there established catalog or market prices for our requirement?

2. If you offer this product and/or service to both U.S. Government and commercial sources, is the same workforce used for both the U.S. Government and general public?

3. Is our requirement offered to both under similar terms and conditions? Briefly describe any differences.