PM UAS_Challenge_Launched Effects Integration 20250728.pdf

Description

Program Executive OƯice Aviation (PEO Aviation) and Project Manager Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (PM UAS), seeks qualified vendors to provide aƯordable Launched EƯects (LE).

Launched EƯects are attritable unmanned systems deployed from a host platform (airborne or ground-based) to perform missions such as reconnaissance, electronic warfare, communications relay, or strike. LE systems are networked, autonomous, and designed to operate in collaborative teams that oƯer lethal and non-lethal eƯects to extend operational reach at the Brigade, Corps, and Division level. Furthermore, LEs are designed for autonomous operations in contested environments to enable maneuver, achieve local Fire Support superiority, and deliver eƯects on High Value Targets for Army or Joint assets in high-risk missions. This eƯort will accelerate delivery of LE systems that support soldier-operated experimentation, training, operational employment, and further improvement of LE Concepts of Employment (CONEMPS) and Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs).

Army leadership has directed PM UAS to field Launched EƯects to every Army Division and Multi Domain Task Force in 2026. This challenge invites vendors to propose modular LE systems. Initial awards will be prioritized to vendors that can deliver systems within 4-6 months from ONI agreement award. One Nation Innovation’s challenge-based sourcing model will select LE system solutions.

Overall Objective

The objective of this eƯort is to rapidly procure and issue LE systems that are interoperable, modular, and ready for operational evaluation. LE systems must include complete systems of air vehicles, payloads, launchers, and supporting ground elements to include system controllers and datalinks. The proposed solution must include a fully supported Program of Instruction (POI), to include all necessary training materials/manuals and instructors for operator training. The solution must also satisfy safety processes needed for soldier operation of the systems. These solutions will be capable of integrating with current Army systems and scaling to support future upgrades via an iterative agile fielding approach.

Problem Statement

The US Army lacks an inventory of LEs that can be deployed and evaluated by soldiers in near-term tactical environments. Operators will shape DOTMLPF-P requirements by providing iterative feedback on selected LE systems used in training and operational situations/scenarios. A challenge-based OTA model is needed to identify and deliver LE systems that meet operational needs and evolve over time.

Desired Solution

The Government seeks LE systems that meet the prioritized Key Capabilities below.

Demonstrating innovation and compressed schedules to incorporate future requirements is encouraged. Provide supporting details for all capabilities below in the white paper.

Accomplishing additional Secondary Key Capabilities provide a greater chance of agreement award.

Key Capabilities:

Priority Capabilities

System performs the following modular sensor and effects capabilities:

o Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Detect, Identify, Locate and Report (DILR) -

The System can operate EO/IR DILR payloads to collect, process, and transmit intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition.

o Inert Lethal - The System can operate inert lethal payloads to engage designated targets.

System capable of Ground and/or Air launch System supports a minimum operating range of 40km, with additional Time on

Station System capable of full mission preplanning and execution o Ability for operators to conduct dynamic re-tasking of individual and groups of LEs during mission execution

System autonomously executes assigned missions without requiring direct intervention from the operator.

o Specify system capability in terms of Human-in-the-Loop (HITL), Human-on-the-Loop (HOTL), Human-off-the-Loop (HOfTL) and provide rationale

System can avoid collision with other LEs within a defined group.

System utilizes a digital training product (at the controlled unclassified information

(CUI) level) that operators can utilize with the user interface software to plan and execute missions without operation of actual LE at home station. The training solution includes a simulation software solution with LE models to accurately replicate entire missions managing LE.

Secondary Capabilities:

System performs the following modular sensor and effects capabilities:

o Live Lethal - The System can operate live lethal payloads to engage designated targets.

o Radio Frequency (RF) DILR – The system can operate RF DILR payloads to collect, process, and transmit intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition.

o Electronic Warfare/Electronic Attack (EW/EA) - The System can conduct EW/EA operations to disrupt, degrade, or deny adversary comms, radar, or navigation systems.

o Decoy - The system can mislead, distract, or saturate enemy detection or targeting systems.

o Comms Relay - The system can function as a communications relay node to extend or bridge line-of-site communication between nodes.

System is capable of onboard Aided Target Recognition (AiTR) during operation with growth path to Automatic Target Recognition (ATR)

System can coordinate between multiple autonomous assets to synchronize effects without direct control of an operator. The collaborative behavior shall allow for missions to be conducted utilizing multiple LEs to overwhelm and neutralize a threat(s). LE groups conduct planned and automated missions by coordinating timing and sequencing of sensors and effects. The system provides ability to maintain operations as a group in continuously denied communications environment.

System can conduct missions in Global Positioning System (GPS) and/or communications degraded and denied environments, and Electronic Warfare (EW) contested environments

System can achieve interoperability on existing Army networks System can achieve appropriate cybersecurity and anti-tamper requirements System can support existing Army Command and Control (C2) solutions System can rapidly launch LEs to support swarm operations System modularity supports rapid incremental development and improvement System has enhanced survivability, including features such as reduced radar cross section and low observability (e.g., visual, thermal, or acoustic signatures) System dash speed is greater than 120 knots.

Provide time on station at 40km, 100km, and 200km

Funding and Award

This requirement will be awarded leveraging the One Nation Innovation Other Transactional Agreement vehicle. One Nation Innovation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit intermediary for rapid government acquisition and innovation. The initial award may be augmented with additional awards pending successful testing, mission fit, and future integration needs. To incorporate the rapid technology insertions for LE systems, PM UAS intends to reopen this challenge with additional capabilities at least every 6 months for the purpose of meeting identified operational threats.

Proposal Instructions and Evaluation

Vendors possessing solutions that meet the above Priority Key criteria and support the PM UAS’ eƯects objectives should submit a proposal outlining the technical approach, relevant past performance, and delivery readiness. Proposals should not exceed 10 pages (12pt Arial font). Include a cover page (not included in the 10-page limit) listing your lead POC and organization address. Information regarding the secondary criteria should be discussed in an appendix, up to 5 pages, and not included in the 10-page limit.

Please include:

A rough order of magnitude (ROM) cost estimate for manufacturing and issuing LE systems candidates, providing testing support, integration of payloads (as required), and delivery of systems to Army divisions as specified at a later date.

Provide LE system cost, including both consumable components and reusable system components

Relevant past performance or case studies involving UAS, payloads, launchers, or tactical systems integration.

A description of current manufacturing capabilities to include monthly production rate and associated lead times.

A proposed schedule for system delivery and confirmation of your ability to support the initial issuance.

One or more awards may be made based on mission alignment, delivery readiness, and technical merit. Thank you for your interest and consideration.

This acquisition is being conducted through the One Nation Innovation (ONI) Marketplace (GoColosseum). Please direct all questions to https://marketplace.gocolosseum.org/ under the Challenge titled ‘Army PM UAS – Launched EƯects’.