REQUEST FOR INFORMATION_UAS TESTING CAPABILITY.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

Explosive Testing Capability with Unmanned Aerial System (UAS)

Issuing Office: US Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security, Physical Security Programs

Date Issued: August 27, 2026

Response Due Date: October 12, 2026

1. Purpose

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued solely for market research and planning purposes. The Department of State (hereinafter "the Government") is seeking information from qualified vendors regarding their capability to perform blast testing services using an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to deliver an explosive charge to a target.

This is not a solicitation for proposals, quotations, or bids, and does not commit the Government to issue a future solicitation or award a contract. No entitlement to payment of direct or indirect costs, or charges by the respondent, will arise as a result of a company's submission of information in response to this RFI, or the Government's use of such information.

2. Background

The Government requests information and insight into current market capabilities for using a UAS to transport an explosive payload directly to a target and/or to release an explosive payload to impact a target. This capability may support future testing, evaluation, or research requirements involving protective systems intended to protect against such threats.

mailto:ackermanCR@state.gov

The Government recognizes that current Federal Aviation Administration regulations prohibit hazardous aircraft operations per Federal Aviation Regulation, 14 CRF 135.119/Part 91 and weaponizing an aircraft is a Federal Crime under U.S.C 46505. Therefore, the Office of Physical Security Programs understands that specific FAA approval is required to weaponize any UAS.

3. Scope of Information Requested

Interested parties should provide information addressing, at minimum, the following areas:

3.1 Technical Capability

• Description of UAS system(s) available, including make, model, and specifications (class (fixed wing or rotary), maximum payload capacity, range, altitude ceiling, precision delivery/release accuracy, and flight endurance).

• Description of blast testing methodologies, safety protocols, and data collection/instrumentation capabilities employed during testing (e.g., overpressure measurement, fragmentation analysis, high-speed imaging).

• Experience conducting blast testing operations involving UAS payload delivery, including relevant past performance examples (unclassified).

• Description of range/site capabilities, or the ability to operate at Government-designated test sites specific to the use of UAS systems to deliver an explosive payload. Additional range/site capabilities shall include explosive weight range limits, size and limits of existing test structures, etc.

3.2 Licensing and Regulatory Compliance

Respondents must hold, and provide evidence of, the following at the time of response:

• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) licensure/authorization appropriate to the operation of UAS(s) for the proposed activity (e.g., Part 107 Certificate, Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA), or other applicable FAA authorization to weaponize a UAS for the purpose of testing as described in this document).

• ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) license(s) or equivalent federal explosives licensure/permit applicable to the manufacture, storage, handling, transport, and use of explosive or blast-test materials. For example, FFLC License type 10 – Manufacturer of Destructive Devices.

• Any additional federal, state, or local licenses/permits required for the storage, handling, transport, and detonation of explosive or blast-test materials.

3.3 Safety, Security, and Compliance

• Description of safety management systems and risk mitigation procedures for aerial delivery of blast/explosive test payloads.

• Security clearance level(s) held by key personnel, if applicable.

• Compliance history with FAA, ATF, OSHA, and other relevant regulatory bodies (please disclose any violations within the past five years).

3.4 Company Information

• Company name, address, UEI, and point of contact.

• Business size classification (small business, woman-owned, veteran-owned, 8(a), etc.), if applicable, per applicable NAICS code.

• Relevant contract vehicles currently held (e.g., GSA Schedule, IDIQ).

4. Submission Instructions

Interested respondents should submit responses electronically to Amber Gray at GrayAL@state.gov and Maria Anguiano at anguianom@state.gov no later than October 12, 2026. Responses should not exceed 20 pages and should be submitted in PDF or Word format.

Please clearly label your submission: "RFI Response – Explosive Testing Capability with Unmanned Aerial System – [Company Name]."

5. Disclaimer

This RFI is issued for informational and planning purposes only. It does not constitute a commitment by the Government to issue a solicitation, award a contract, or otherwise procure the described capability. The Government will not reimburse respondents for any costs associated with preparing or submitting a response. All information submitted will be handled in accordance with applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions regarding confidentiality, to the extent permitted by law.