Statement of Work_UAV Netting _ 25 Aug revision.docx

Statement of Work For The Autonomy & Navigation Technology Center Title: UAV Netting Enclosure Document Revised: 25 August 2026

1. Background: The Autonomy and Navigation (ANT) Center is a forward-looking research Center seeking to identify and solve tomorrow's most challenging autonomy and navigation related problems. The ANT Center also supports the education of AFIT students who conduct ANT-related research projects. The navigation and autonomy technologies that are developed or evolved because of this research impact a multitude of Department of War (DoW) systems. One of the ANT Center’s core research thrusts is “Autonomous & Cooperatives System”. To increase the level of autonomy for the DoW, the ANT Center must be able to successfully perform test flights using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV’s). To do so, the ANT Center requires the use of a large outdoor UAV netting enclosure.

2. Scope: The ANT Center is requesting a new UAV netting enclosure to be installed to support teaching and research for the increased use of small UAVs in military conflicts around the world. The ANT Center currently has an outdoor "drone flight" structure that can be used to instruct students and test and help develop new capabilities for drones. This structure was constructed about 10 years ago (about 2x predicted lifetime) and was designed so that the net could be raised or lowered over time. Unfortunately, this ability to raise and lower the net reduces the space available within the structure for flight testing. Furthermore, as the current net has aged, the attachment to the cables used to raise and lower have broken, reducing the space available within the structure for drone flight. Currently only ~60% of the total possible volume is usable. Replacing this netting will increase total space available, providing more opportunities for students and other DoW users to perform research & training within this space. The poles are structurally sound, the carabiners/pins that hold the wire down to the concrete are coming up.

3. Period of Performance: no more than 90 Days After Contract is Awarded. Work hours would need to be done between 0800-1700 M-F (Normal business hours) while a government employee can be present. Base access would need to be established through the visitor’s center, and contractors will need to have real IDs and be sponsored by the project manager.

4. Location of Performance: Area B Bldg 642 - 2950 Hobson Way, WPAFB, OH 45433-7765

5. Requirements/Salient Characteristics: At a minimum, the Contractor shall provide the hardware, components, and labor to complete the installation of a new UAV netting 1 enclosure. Requirements include:

· Complete engineering and design of the net attachment system to pre-existing poles. All design plans, structural wind/tension calculations, concrete foundation details for the entry gates, and shop drawings must be developed, signed, and stamped by a Professional Engineer (PE) currently registered and licensed in the State of Ohio Stamped design packages must be submitted to and approved by Base Civil Engineering (CE) prior to the start of any site demolition or installation Remove and dispose of current netting

· Install new UAV nylon netting on existing poles, requiring:

· Net Size of: 65’L x 45’W x 40’H

· Net shall have “holes” of 4” per side or less

· Must be a fixed position

· Must be UV weather and flame resistant

· Net shall be tight, utilizing complete space, with less than 1 foot of flex into space without wind between poles

· Attachment of netting to poles must not encroach on inner space more than 2.5”. Poles can be included in inner space if desired.

· Existing cables shall be replaced.

· Two 8’ x 8’ gated entry ways will be installed in “middle” (over the side walk) of each 65’ length side (i.e., 2 8’ x 8’ gated entries will be installed). When closed, shall have holes of 4” or less, similar to or smaller than holes in rest of net. When open, door(s)/gates shall remain open to allow small vehicles to drive through or equipment to be carried in and out without 2nd person. Each 8’x8’ opening can be single or double-door type structure. Supporting poles for entry ways must be solidly installed into ground with concrete base and cannot depend on net for structural strength.

· Provide all labor, materials, and any other miscellaneous items necessary.

· Minimum 5-year warranty on the netting, materials and labor provided by the vendor.

6. Invoice and payment: The contractor shall be paid upon submission of a properly prepared invoice and after final inspection and acceptance have been made. The invoice shall be submitted to in Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) in accordance with the terms of the final contract award.