UGV_RFW_21AUG26.docx

DoW DRONE OTA CONSORTIUM

REQUEST FOR WHITEPAPERS/SOLUTIONS

Project Manager (PM): Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Capability Program Executive for Mission Autonomy (CPE MA) Project Manager (PM): Autonomous Robotic Capabilities (ARC)

Subsequent submissions will be evaluated on a continuous rolling basis.

I. OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW

To accelerate the expansion of the Ground Domain on drones.mil, the Department of War (DoW) will host a Joint Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) demonstration exercise “GroundBreaker 1” at Camp Grafton, North Dakota, in mid-October 2026. Supported by Government teams across the Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) and all military services, this event is open to all UGV vendors.

Competition Pool: This solicitation is open to Pool 1 (Unrestricted / Full & Open), Pool 2 (Small Business), and Pool 3 (Non-Traditional Defense Contractors (NDC)).

II. TECHNICAL OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE

This effort seeks complete UGV systems to enable employment by Warfighters in both tactical and non-tactical environments.

Selected vendors will support physical operational assessments, iterative technology enhancements, and direct integration with DoW systems. The Government is specifically seeking UGVs which can perform one or more of the following core mission profiles:

· Reconnaissance and Surveillance (RSTA)

· Transport of Supplies and Equipment (Tactical Logistics)

· Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) & Route Clearance

· Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations

· Force Protection & Perimeter Security

· Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)

· Other Support / Multi-Domain Operations: Other capabilities are welcome with the provision that a concept of employment is included in the submission packet that describes the operational gap the demonstrated capability will fill for the DoW.

III. TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES & DESIRED ATTRIBUTES

Systems must have these capabilities, at a minimum:

· Navigation & Autonomy: The ability for manual or autonomous obstacle avoidance.

· Range, Endurance & Mobility: All-terrain mobility.

· Interoperability: Open-system, hardware-agnostic software architectures (e.g., Robot Operating System-Military (ROS-M) compatible) that seamlessly integrate with DoW networks and Command and Control (C2) systems.

IV. SUBMISSION & PHASED EVALUATION PROCESS

Submission & Phased Evaluation Process

In accordance with Section 4.2 of the DoW Drone OTA Consortium Agreement, this competitive evaluation will be executed in a phased format:

· Phase I: White Paper (max 5 pages)

· Phase II: Demonstration/Live Pitch (GroundBreaker 1)

· Phase III: Full Proposal (by invitation only, technical and cost)

Phase I: White Paper / Solution Brief Submission Requirements

· Page Limit: White papers must not exceed 5 pages (12 pt Arial, single-spaced). The Cover Page does not count toward this limit.

· Required Content:

1. Technical Concept: Detailed description of the UGV system. Offerors MUST explicitly identify which of the Section II mission profiles (e.g., RSTA, Tactical Logistics, CASEVAC) their solution addresses and describe the system's modularity or specialized payload integration. Identify all integrated radios, software-defined radios (SDRs), and data links utilized, including their specific operating frequency ranges. Identify the system’s Technical Readiness Levels (TRL) and Manufacturing Readiness Levels (MRL).

2. Delivery Schedule, Production Readiness, & Scalability: Provide a month-by-month breakdown of production capacity over the next 12 months, specifying how soon delivery of first systems can occur. This must include a clear description of baseline capabilities as they exist today, alongside an organic ramp-up timeline that explicitly details any projected production increases achievable with no additional funding.

3. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) Cost Estimate: Vendors are required to submit a high-level cost estimate for the entire lifecycle of the proposed solution. This estimate should clearly itemize costs for:

· Manufacturing: All costs related to the production of hardware and software components. Specifically, unit cost for each item, as well as the major subcomponents included in the unit cost.

· Delivery: All logistical and shipping costs to the specified final destination.

· Personnel Support: Costs for any on-site or remote personnel, such as Field Service Representatives (FSRs), required for testing, integration, or other support activities. Please specify roles and responsibilities.

· Sustainment: Cost for software sustainment, patch cadence, licensing, spares, repairability, and refresh timelines.

RFW submissions shall be submitted to the email address listed below and shall include the associated solicitation number in the subject line. If the respondent does not include the solicitation number, the submission will NOT be reviewed. In the event where the paper is proprietary or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), a DoD Safelink drop site will be provided. Send request for a DoD SAFE drop link to email below. Any requests for more information or clarification shall be submitted to the email NLT 5 days after receipt of the RFW. Replies will be made within 48 hours.

Submission Format: [Solicitation Number in Subject Line] [DMConsortium@army.mil]

Phase II: Demonstration Participation: GroundBreaker 1

Upon successful evaluation of Phase I, selected vendors will receive a Camp Grafton Demonstration Information Pack and an invitation to schedule a Technical Interchange Meeting (TIM). This pack includes Range & Site Access protocols, the specific GroundBreaker 1 Demonstration Cards, Spectrum Management requirements, and Attendance Limitations.

At the Camp Grafton event, all participating systems will be run through GroundBreaker 1. Rather than sterile lab tests, systems will be operated in realistic field conditions .

· Standard Demonstration Cards: Vendors will execute a standard safety evaluation.

· Warfighter Feedback: Operational military personnel (Warfighters) will operate and observe the systems, capturing real-time qualitative and quantitative feedback regarding usability and overall mission effectiveness.

Phase III: Full Proposal

Offerors whose systems demonstrate high tactical value and technical maturity during Phase II may be invited to submit a full technical and cost proposal for a prototype OTA award.

V. GOVERNMENT RIGHTS AND DISCLAIMERS

· The Government reserves the right to make multiple awards, a single award, or no award as a result of this RFW.

· Binding Authority: Only an Agreements Officer has the authority to enter, modify, or execute a binding instrument on behalf of the United States Government.

· Cancellation: The Government reserves the right to cancel this RFW, either before or after the closing date. If the RFW is canceled, the Government has no obligation to reimburse an offeror for any proposal preparation costs.

· Cost Burden: The Government will not pay or reimburse any costs associated with the preparation, submission, transmission, or presentation of any response, proposal, or marketing materials in connection with this RFW. All costs associated with responding to this RFW, including but not limited to labor, travel, lodging, materials, and facility preparation, shall be borne solely by the participating organization.

· No Liability for Events: Any workshops, demonstrations, or presentation events coordinated under this RFW are conducted at zero cost to the Government. The Government assumes no liability for expenses, administrative overhead, or technological requirements incurred by participants during the planning or execution of virtual, hybrid, or in-person workshop events.

VI. SUBMISSION MAINTENANCE POLICY

Offerors are responsible for maintaining a current, complete, and accurate submission package.

Throughout the open period of this RFW, offerors may submit revised documentation to correct inadvertent errors, update system specifications, or address feedback from the Government.

The formal acceptance of any updates into the official evaluation package, however, remains at the sole discretion of the Government. All evaluations will be based on the latest submission officially accepted by the Government at the time of review.

V. MANDATORY REGISTRATION & ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for an award under the DoW Drone OTA Consortium, vendors must meet the following criteria:

1. Active Registration: Must have an active Unique Entity ID and be registered in the System for Award Management (https://sam.gov).

2. Export Control Compliance: Must strictly comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations and Export Administration Regulations.

3. Joint Certification Program: Must have an approved DD Form 2345

4. Security Standards: Must comply with NIST SP 800-171 for the protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

5. Billing Preparedness: Must be registered or prepared to register in the Wide Area Work Flow invoice portal (https://wawf.eb.mil/).

6. Non-Traditional Participation: If proposing as a traditional defense contractor, the offeror must identify their cost-sharing approach (per Section 5.3 of the Consortium agreement) or partner with a Non-Traditional Defense Contractor to fulfill statutory 10 U.S.C. § 4022 requirements.

VI. ADMINISTRATIVE & REGULATORY POLICIES

1. Data Rights and Intellectual Property Per Section VI of the Consortium Agreement, the Government intends to negotiate data rights on a project-by-project basis.

2. The Electronic "Solution Basket" Whitepapers evaluated during Phase I that are deemed highly qualified but not selected for immediate funding (if available) may be placed in the Consortium's Electronic Solution Basket for up to three (3) years from the evaluation date. The Government reserves the right to pull these solutions from the basket and initiate a Phase III award if funding and requirements align.

If your proposal is selected for placement in the "Solution Basket" (held for future matching with Department of War funding opportunities), you should proactively submit updated or revised documentation. Keeping your package current ensures that your technical capabilities, pricing, and production readiness remain accurate and competitive when reviewed by the Government.

3. Advisory Role Disclosure Offerors are notified that the Government Steering Committee utilizes Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance and Federally Funded Research and Development Center contractors as non-voting technical advisors. Submission of a Phase I white paper constitutes consent to share proprietary submission details with these authorized advisors under strict Non-Disclosure Agreements.