Request for Information 26R5009 - One Way Attack sUAS.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE LIFE CYCLE MANAGEMENT CENTER

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE

18 March 2026

Tracking No. RFI FA8629-26-R-5009

MEMORANDUM FOR: All Qualified Vendors with SAM.gov Access

FROM: AFLCMC/WISK

Special Warfare Contracting Office

1895 Fifth Street Wright Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7200

SUBJECT: Request for Information (RFI) – One Way Attack Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)

1. NOTICE

This Sources Sought Synopsis (SSS)/Request for Information (RFI) is issued for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation. The Government will not reimburse any company or individual for any expenses associated with preparing/submitting information in response to this posting. The information provided may be used by the Government in developing its acquisition strategy, statement of work/statement of objectives, and/or performance specifications. Interested parties are responsible for adequately marking proprietary or competition sensitive information contained within their response as instructed later in this posting.

2. BACKGROUND AND SCOPE

The United States (US) Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance & Special Operations Forces (ISR & SOF) Directorate, Special Warfare (SW) Program Office (AFLCMC/WISN) is conducting market research to identify possible sources capable of providing an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)-robust one-way attack (OWA) drone leveraging commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, a completed solution with in-house custom components and Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD), that are National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-compliant and circumvent Chinese supply constraints. This system needs to integrate Global Positioning System (GPS), 4G/LTE/5G cellular connectivity, true frequency hopping between bands, and an optional repeater to extend operational range to over 20 kilometers (km).

Designed for specialized individuals within Special Tactics Teams (STTs), this capability will enable the integration of First-Person View One-Way Attack (FPV OWA) into core mission sets, including Global Access, Precision Strike, and Personnel Recovery.

3. CAPABILITY GAP

Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and Special Tactics (ST) units currently lack a purpose-built First-Person View (FPV) unmanned capability. This deficit restricts the force's ability to employ FPV systems in specialized mission sets and limits the development of standardized Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) essential for modern, high-intensity conflict.

System Requirements:

Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) & Key System Attributes

THRESHOLDS (T) / OBJECTIVES (O):

Key Performance Parameters

1. Target Range: (T) 10km (O) 20km

2. Ground Launched VTOL System:

(T) Yes (O)Yes

3. Provide Day and night configuration:

(T) Yes (O) Yes

4. Operating Flight Time without payload:

(T) 30 minutes (O) 45 minutes

5. Operating flight Time with payload:

(T) 15 minutes (O) 30 minutes

6. Kinetic Payload: (T) 1.5Kg (O) 3.0Kg

7. GPS: (T) GPS in training environment

(O) Advanced GPS in denied operations

Key System Attributes

1. Reusability - recoverable during training events: (T) Yes (O) Yes

2. Electronic Safety and Arming Device:

(T) Yes (O) Yes

3. Payload options: (T) Frag, simulator

(O) Threshold and penetrator

4. Ground Station Controller: (T) Unique application and hand controller/ Ground Station (O) Threshold AND – Control through ATAK UAS Plugin

5. Comms Extension Payload/relay:

(T) >20km (O) >30km

Cybersecurity

1. C2 Link encryption: (T) AES-256

(O) AES-256 FIPS Compliant encryption module

Size / Weight

1. System portability: (T) 2 air vehicles +1 GCS <= 30 lbs. with payload (O) 2 air vehicles +1 GCS <= 10 lb. with payload

2. Breakdown/ package: (T) Can be carried by one operator in wearable pack (O) can be carried by two operators in wearable packs

Power

1. Rechargeable batteries: (T) <90-minute charge time (O) <60-minute charge time

2. Charging Source: (T) AC and vehicle charging (O) Threshold and: portable charging with 2590 and twist lock batteries

Environmental Requirements

1. Acceptable wind conditions for safe flight:

(T) <25 knots (O) <30knots

2. IP Rating: (T) IP54 (O) >IP54

Information Exchange Requirements

1. Information Type: (T) Ownship, FMV, SPI, waypoint/routes, payload status, battery level, link quality, nav status, CoT message in ATAK (O) Threshold and:

BDA image prior to impact

System Integration

1. System video and meta data integrated into ATAK: (T) Native on Ground Station Controller (O) RF through manet/ Silvus and TW waveforms

Machine User Interface

1. System setup time (Launch and configure)

(T) 3 minutes (O) 1 minute

2. Ease of use -FPV qualified operator required training hours for proficiency: (T) 5 hours (O) 2 hours

3. Battery swap down time:

(T) 15 minutes (O) 5 minutes

Networking

1. Frequency Agility: (T) Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Capable (O) Dynamic / programmable Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Capable

2. Frequency Band: (T) Cellular, common COTS (O) Threshold and: military specific

Reliability 1. MTTR: Mean time to repair in field:

(T) 30 minute (O) 15 minutes

System Availability 1. Ao: Fielded systems operationally available: (T) 80% (O) 90%

4. INSTRUCTION TO POTENTIAL RESPONDENTS

Interested parties who desire to participate in this SSS/RFI are encouraged to submit responses that demonstrate they presently have the technology and qualifications to provide the system described above. Responses shall also include the following information:

a. Respondent Data:

Company/Institute Name

Address Point of Contact (to include phone number and email address) CAGE Code Web Page URL

Pursuant to NAICS Code 336411, Aircraft Manufacturing, state whether the company is:

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Women-Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Economically Disadvantaged Women- Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified HUBZone Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Veteran Owned Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned

Small Business (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified 8(a) Certified (Yes / No) Self-Certified or Third Party Certified SBA Certification Date: SBA Graduation Date:

State whether the company is domestically or foreign-owned (if foreign, indicate the country of ownership).

State whether the respondent is interested in being a prime or subcontractor for this requirement.

b. Describe the capability of your product or products and provide product information and specifications. Additionally, describe the capability of your product(s) to meet the desired performance requirements listed below. If you are proposing development to integrate existing or new subsystems, clearly describe your approach.

c. Responses may include but are not limited to:

1) Pictures

2) Training videos

3) Architecture views

4) Drawings

5) Associations or connectivity with other end items/systems

6) Test results to support meeting threshold and objective requirements

7) Ability to deliver 2 units within 6 months after receipt of order

d. Rough cost estimate (i.e., rough order of magnitude (ROM)) based on an optimum or varied pricing quantities (this is for Government budget planning purposes and will not be considered a bid or binding in any manner).

1) If development and/or integration is required to meet the system requirements, the Government also needs an estimate of the development cost based on complexity (for planning purposes only) to include packaging, handling, storage, and transportation, warranties, portable storage, special tooling required, and training.

e. Indicate whether the company is currently performing this type of work/whether the capability can be obtained under an existing Government contract. Provide the contract number(s) and Government points of contact accordingly.

f. Indicate whether the company currently provides this type of work as a commercial solution. In this instance, “commercial item” means an item that is of a type customarily used by the general public or non-Governmental entities for purposes other than Governmental purposes.

Please indicate if this item has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public; or has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public. Indicate whether all materials used are in compliance with the Buy American Act or Berry Amendment (10 U.S.C. 2533a), as applicable.

g. Please include product warranty terms as applicable, along with any warranty limitations. If product warranty terms are not applicable, please include N/A.

h. Include any spare parts that would potentially be included.

i. Provide the details of NET, training, including process and cost.

j. Describe any possible product improvements that could be made or are planned for the future for the solution.

k. Describe any risks associated with the fulfillment of this projected requirement. This can include technical or schedule risks associated with development, key performance parameters, etc.

l. Please provide specific details and rationale as to how compliance with FAR 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting, and FAR 52.219-33, Non-Manufacturer Rule, would be achieved in the event the Government sets this requirement aside for small business. Include specific details regarding teaming arrangements, etc. If subcontracts are to be used, provide the anticipated percentage of effort to be subcontracted and whether small or large businesses, including foreign, will be used. If this effort is not set-aside for small business, small business utilization will be considered. Large and small businesses should provide a reasonable expectation for small business utilization as a percent of total contract value as well as supporting rationale for the recommended percentage.

5. RESPONSES, COMMUNICATIONS, AND ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:

a. The Government may contact respondents to obtain additional information or clarification in order to fully understand a company's response. This may include discussions, site visits, demonstrations, etc. to further the Government's understanding of a proposed solution, as well as a company's understanding of the Government's requirements.

b. Responses shall not exceed 15 pages (including cover page). Include technical and descriptive text and photographs/illustrations to provide sufficient detail. The submitted documentation becomes the property of the United States Government and will not be returned.

c. Respondents shall clearly mark proprietary data with the appropriate markings. Any proprietary information received in response to this request will be properly protected from any unauthorized disclosure. Any material that is not marked will be considered publicly-releasable.

d. Government-contracted contractor support personnel may handle proprietary data submitted in response to this RFI. These support personnel will have signed the same Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) as Government personnel.

e. If you are currently providing your proposed capability on an existing government contract, please identify the contract and a government POC.

f. Broad industry participation for this RFI is encouraged. U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond.

g. Please note that prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management

(SAM) database to be awarded a DOD contract; the NAICS code for this requirement, if applicable to the company’s capabilities, should be included in the company’s NAICS code listing in SAM. To learn more about this SAM requirement and how to register, please visit the SAM website at: https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM

h. Responses are due electronically by 12:00PM Eastern time on 17 April 2026 via email to:

Jamie Sclafani

AFLCMC/WISK

Contracting Officer jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil

Robert Riojas

AFLCMC/WISN

Program Manager robert.riojas.5.ctr@us.af.mil

Joe Rojas

AFLCMC/WISN

joseph.rojas.3@us.af.mil

i. This notice may be updated as additional information becomes available. Questions regarding this announcement shall be submitted in writing by email to the Contracting Officer identified above, with the other individuals identified above copied as a courtesy.

This is a Request for Information (RFI) only to identify potential sources for the solution. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. The Government has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as creating such a commitment or as an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought.

https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM mailto:jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil mailto:robert.riojas.5.ctr@us.af.mil mailto:joseph.rojas.3@us.af.mil