W911RQ-27-S-C002 ACC-DTA.pdf

U.S. Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA)

Army Manufacturing Rodeo: sUAS Manufacturing Rodeo

Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) Solicitation Number: W911RQ-27-S-C002

1. General Information

1.1 Authority

The decisive military advantage of the United States over its adversaries and peer competitors is steadily eroding. Consequently, under Statutory and Regulatory Authority. (1) 10 U.S.C. § 3458 — Authority to acquire commercial products, commercial services, and non-developmental items through a Commercial Solutions Opening. (2) Class Deviation 2026-O0028, Revision 1 — Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul (RFO) Part 12, RFO Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS) Part 212, Attachment 1, Subpart 212.70., contracting officers may acquire commercial items, technologies, or services using a competitive procedure called a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO). Under a CSO, the Department of Defense may competitively select proposals received in response to a general solicitation, similar to a broad agency announcement, based on a review of proposals by scientific, technological, or other subject-matter expert peers. Use of a CSO is considered to be a competitive procedure for the purposes of 10 U.S.C. chapter 221 and FAR 6.102. Finally, Contracting Officers shall treat items, technologies, and services acquired using a CSO as commercial items. Contracts or agreements under this authority shall be fixed-price, including fixed-price incentive fee contracts.

1.2 Background

This CSO will utilize a solicitation process authorized by DFARS Subpart 212.70. Under this CSO, the DoW is allowed to competitively procure commercial items, technologies, and services. CSO procedures provide a streamlined acquisition process and simplified contract terms resulting in FAR-based contracts awarded under Part 12 Commercial Item Procedures. Both traditional and non-traditional defense contractors may be awarded contracts under this CSO. Under a CSO DoW contracting officers may competitively select proposals received in response to a general competitive solicitation, similar to a broad agency announcement, based on a review of proposals by scientific, technological, or other subject matter experts.

1.3 CSO Procedure

This CSO is a competitive solicitation posted on a Government Point of Entry (GPE) www.sam.gov.

The government reserves the right to extend this CSO beyond the open until date by amendment if the authority is extended. Under this CSO the DoW may seek solution briefs, presentations/pitches and/or proposals from traditional and non-traditional business entities. This CSO is intended to seek proposals for commercial products, commercial technologies and services or adaptations/modifications of existing commercial product technologies and services to enable the seamless integration of manufacturing resources from across the enterprise to meet

The CSO solicitation process may include a multi-phased solicitation and evaluation approach that is dependent upon specific AoIs. The AoIs are focused topic(s)/categories that will be published separately via the GPE at www.sam.gov. The following phases may be used:

Phase 1 – Submission of written solution brief, Phase 2 – Presentation/Pitch (if applicable), and http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/

Phase 3 – Request for Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP).

A CSO is considered a competitive process, intended to ensure that competitive procedures are used to the maximum extent practicable. All solution briefs, presentations/pitches and/or proposals submitted in response to any AoI will be in response to and governed by this CSO.

The CSO outlines the procedures that are available for utilization by the government for AoIs to ensure a competitive process is followed. The competitive process under this CSO may result in a two or three phase approach (solution brief, presentation/pitch (if applicable), and a full written proposal):

Phase 1 Solution Briefs: A solution brief must be submitted as specified in Sections 3.2 of this CSO. The government will evaluate solution briefs against the criteria stated in this CSO. The government will not pay companies for the costs associated with solution brief submissions.

Phase 2 Presentations/Pitches (if applicable): Companies whose solution briefs are evaluated to be of merit, may be invited to provide a pitch following the instructions provided in Sections 3.3 of this CSO. In the event that the government requires a demonstration, additional information will be provided in the specific AoI highlighting those procedures, otherwise Phase 2 will be comprised solely of the presentation/pitch. The government reserves the right to request additional technical information to determine if a company has a viable solution for the government’s specific AoI. The government will not pay companies for costs associated with pitches, unless otherwise stipulated.

Phase 3 Request for Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP): Those companies that are evaluated to be of merit through Phase 1 or Phase 2 or a combination of these avenues, may be invited to submit a full written proposal following the instructions provided in Section 3.4 of this CSO. Request for CSP’s under this CSO are subject to the availability of government funds. The government will not pay companies for costs associated with developing submissions in regard to this CSO or resulting AoI, unless otherwise stipulated within the AoI.

NOTE: The government reserves the right to forgo Phase 2 by directly requesting CSPs from “all or some” of the proposed solutions based on the individual merits. The government also reserves the right to move expeditiously through the phases based on the merit of submissions if urgent requirements arise.

The government may add AoIs against this CSO at any time throughout its duration. Interested companies are encouraged to frequently check the GPE website for new AoI postings.

Benefits of the CSO process and the potential for award include:

1. A streamlined application process requiring only minimal corporate and technical information for fast-track evaluation timelines for Solutions Briefs.

2. Negotiable payment terms for non-dilutive capital.

3. Negotiable intellectual property (IP) rights.

4. Secure and direct feedback from end users, mission partners and users within the DoW to help product teams develop and hone product design and functionality.

5. Each proposal is evaluated on its individual merits rather than on a comparative basis.

NOTE: During any step of the CSO, the government may send questions or comments for the offerors to address via email.

2. Definitions

1. “Area of Interest” (AoI) means an announcement posted on the GPE website, which may result in the award of various types of contracts that will be dependent on the specific AoI requirement.

2. “Commercial Solutions Opening” (CSO) is a competitive procedure contracting officers may use to acquire commercial items, technologies, or services.

3. Commercial Solution Proposal (CSP): is a commercial proposal that is submitted in response to the AoI that is governed by a CSO. CSPs may be requested as a result of solution briefs and/or presentations/pitches.

4. “Nontraditional Defense Contractor” is defined in 10 U.S.C. § 2302(9) as an entity that is not currently performing and has not performed, for a least the one-year period preceding the solicitation of sources by the DoW for the procurement or transaction, any contract or subcontract for the DoW that is subject to full coverage under the cost accounting standards prescribed pursuant to 41 U.S.C. § 1502 and the regulations implementing such section. This includes all small business concerns under the criteria and size standards in 13 C.F.R. § 121.

5. “Nonprofit Research Institution” means a nonprofit institution, as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 3703 as an organization owned and operated exclusively for scientific or educational purposes, no part of the net earnings of which ensures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.

6. “Small Business Concerns” is defined in the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C 632).

3. Guidelines for Solution Briefs, Pitches, and Proposals

3.1 General Guidelines

Unnecessarily elaborate brochures or proposals are not desired.

When applicable, use of a diagram(s) or figure(s) to depict to the essence of the proposed solution is strongly encouraged.

Companies may submit multiple solution briefs in response to any single AoI if each submission represents a separate and distinct concept. Individual solution briefs may only address one concept based on the stated AoI.

The period of performance for any solution brief or CSP submitted under this CSO should generally be no greater than 12 months.

Technical data with military application may require approval, authorization, or license for lawful exportation.

All solution briefs, presentations/pitches, and proposals must be unclassified. Do NOT mark any documents as “CONFIDENTIAL”. Solution briefs, presentations/pitches, and proposals containing data that is not to be disclosed to the public for any purpose or use by the government except for evaluation purposes shall include the following general disclaimer on the cover page:

“This [select one: solution brief, Presentation/Pitch, or Proposal] includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the government, except to non-government personnel for evaluation purposes, and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed - in whole or in part - for any purpose other than to evaluate this submission. If, however, an agreement is awarded to this company as a result of - or in connection with - the submission of this data, the government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent agreed upon by both parties in the resulting agreement. This restriction does not limit the government's right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction. The data subject to this restriction are contained in sheets [insert numbers or other identification of sheets]”

Recommended marking (header or footer) for portions of business plans and/or technical information that are to be protected for a period of five years from FOIA disclosure. Codified at 5 U.S.C. §552, FOIA provides that disclosure of certain types of information (i.e. trade secrets and commercial or financial information) is not required, and may not be compelled, for five years after the date on which the information is received by the Department of Defense.

NOTE: Foreign-Owned businesses may independently submit a solution or do so as part of a teaming arrangement with one or more United States-Owned businesses. However, the ability to obtain an agreement based upon a submission may depend upon the ability of the Foreign-Owned business to obtain necessary clearances and approvals to obtain proscribed information.

Questions regarding the objectives or preparation of the solution brief should be addressed to the POCs listed in this CSO.

Submissions must be submitted electronically to usarmy.rrad.acc.mbx.cso@army.mil as prescribed in this

CSO.

Submission sent through other channels or after the prescribed AoI open period has ended will not be considered, reviewed nor evaluated.

Entities submitting solution briefs that are not chosen for the presentation/pitch phase, or the CSP phase will be notified in writing as soon as practicable. Further verbal feedback may be provided, upon request, at the Contracting/Agreements Officer’s discretion.

3.2 Phase 1 Solution Brief:

3.2.1 Phase 1 Solution Brief Content:

Solution briefs should not exceed five (5) single-sided written pages using 12-point font or, alternatively, solution briefs may take the form of briefing slides which should not exceed fifteen

(15) slides unless otherwise stated on the subject AoI.

Solution briefs must include the following:

1. Company Name, Title, Date, Point of Contact Name, E-Mail Address, Phone, and Address.

Specifically identify the AoI for which the solution brief is submitted.

2. Executive Summary: Provide an executive summary of the technology or service. (This is included in the 5 written pages limit).

3. Technology Concept: Show and/or describe how your proposed solution or potential new capabilities represent an application of commercial products, commercial technologies and services or adaptations/modifications of existing commercial product technologies and services to the AoI.

Describe the unique aspects of your technology and the proposed work as it relates to the AoI. Identify mailto:usarmy.rrad.acc.mbx.cso@army.mil whether the effort includes the pilot or demonstration of existing commercial technology (identified as commercially ready and viable technology), or the development of technology for potential defense applications. If development or adaptation is proposed, identify a suggested path to mature the technology. Identify aspects of your proposal, to include date and software, which may be considered proprietary.

Price: Provide a rough order of magnitude price for the proposed solution and include desired payment terms. Submitters must include a completed Bill of Materials (BOM) utilizing Attachment A (DCMA BOM Template) as part of their submission to substantiate the proposed price and establish component-level supply chain visibility.

NOTE: The title page does not count against page limit, however, the executive summary does.

3.2.2 Phase 1 Solution Brief Basis of Evaluation:

Solution brief evaluation criteria are listed in order of importance from top to bottom. Individual solution briefs will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria described below:

1. Responsiveness of the solution brief in addressing the AoI with a commercially available product and/or process readily available to meet the immediate needs;

2. The technical merit of the proposed solution, including the extent to which the proposed solution is unique to government application.; and

3. The extent to which funding is available is available for the proposed effort.

Solution briefs will be evaluated on the evaluation criteria listed above, not against other solution briefs submitted in response to the same AoI. The government may elect to use external market research in the evaluation of a company’s viability. The government reserves the right to select “all, some, or none” of the solution briefs submitted in response to the AoI. The government will endeavor to complete the Phase 1 evaluation of solution briefs within 30 calendar days of the closing of the submittal period and will attempt to notify the company of the results of the evaluation as soon as practicable.

Additional technical evaluation criteria specific to a particular project may be used. In these instances, the additional criteria will be posted within or as an attachment to the AoI on the GPE website.

Upon review of a solution brief, the government may elect to invite “all, some or none” of the proposed solutions into Phase 2, the presentation/pitch or directly request CSPs based on the merits of the solution brief. In Phase 2, companies are invited to pitch and further discuss their proposed concept/technology/solution in person or virtually. During Phase 2, the government may request and/or provide additional information to the company.

3.3 Phase 2 Presentation/Pitch (if applicable):

3.3.1 Phase 2 Presentation/Pitch Content:

In Phase 2, if applicable, companies must provide a presentation/pitch to demonstrate and provide further details on the technical and business viability of their proposed solution. The government reserves the right to request an in-person, virtual or paper presentation depending on the specific requirement. Specific requirements of the pitch will be covered in the AoI. In the event that the government requires a demonstration, additional information will be provided in the specific AoI highlighting those procedures, otherwise Phase 2 will be comprised solely of the presentation/pitch. In addition to the presentation/pitch, the government, at its discretion, may request an additional written submission to supplement/clarify the information provided in the Phase 1 solution brief. During the Phase 2 presentation/pitch, the company must detail/address the following:

A description or demonstration of how the proposed solution represents an application of commercial technology to the AoI.

1. A rough order of magnitude (ROM) +/- 15% of price and notional schedule. Submissions must include an updated and verified Bill of Materials (BOM) using the provided template (Attachment A), detailing supply chain traceability, component origins, and manufacturing feasibility.

2. Any Intellectual Property (IP) involved in the effort and associated restrictions on the government’s use of that IP.

3. Additional information/detail from the company’s Phase 1 solution brief, as specified in the government’s invitation to Phase 2.

3.3.2 Phase 2 Presentation/Pitch Basis of Evaluation:

Individual presentations/pitches will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria below and not against any other presentations/pitches held under the same AoI. Presentation/pitch submissions will be valid for 90 days after pitch evaluation. The government will aim to complete evaluation of presentation/pitches within 30 calendar days of the presentation/pitch. Individual Review Panels (IRP) will be determined for each AoI posted under this CSO. After completing the evaluation of presentation/pitch submissions, the government will notify the company that: they may submit a CSP for evaluation in Phase 3; their proposed concept/technology/solution is not of continued interest to the government and they will not be required to submit a CSP Phase 3 CSP for evaluation; or their proposed concept/technology/solution is of continued interest to the government, but is not currently eligible for an invitation to Phase 3 CSP submission due to the current lack of government resources and/or funding.

NOTE: 120 days after presentation/pitch evaluation, if government funding or resources are not assigned to a Phase 3 CSP, the government will provide a notification of non-eligibility and officially close the AoI selection process.

Presentation/Pitch evaluation criteria are listed in order of importance from top to bottom.

Presentation/pitches shall be evaluated/scored on the following factors:

1. Level of relevancy of the solution in addressing the AoI with a commercially available product and/or process;

2. The technical merit of the proposed solution adequately addressed the AoI need(s) and demonstrated feasibility for the government to pursue the proposed solution;

3. Level of uniqueness or approach to solve the government’s need;

4. Level of technical risk/maturity;

5. Level of risk placed with the proposed ROM of +/- 15%;

6. Level of risk in the proposed milestone schedule and its ability to meet the AoI need within a relevant time period;

7. Level of risk in the company’s viability and business solution; and

8. Level of potential risk in anticipated IP and data rights assertions

3.4 Phase 3 Proposal:

The third and final Phase of the CSO process is the CSP. Through AoIs, offeror(s) will be invited to submit a CSP based on the defined CSO phased approach that will be utilized. Offerors must ensure that the CSP is valid for at least 120 days from the submission date. If necessary, offerors invited to submit a CSP may be advised to schedule a teleconference with technical and contracting staff to address any feedback contained in the request for CSP. The CSP must be prepared in two separate Volumes as follows: Volume I Technical and Volume II Price. Each volume will have its separate related attachments. Additional applicable forms will be provided in the AoI.

3.4.1 Phase 3 Proposal Content

Based upon the results of market research, Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 evaluation(s) above, the government may request a CSP. If that occurs, a company, or companies will be invited to develop and submit a written proposal as well as negotiate appropriate terms and conditions, as applicable, governing the requirement. At this stage, the selected companies may discuss proposal development details during the proposal writing process with their assigned government expert(s) or government teaming partner(s).

Additionally, companies are invited to provide their own internal terms and conditions that may be consolidated with those of the government. This includes, but is not limited to, Service License Agreements (SLA) and/or User License Agreements (ULA).

Companies should note that there are certain terms and conditions the government may be unable to accept.

However, projects awarded through the CSO may provide flexibility to adopt customary industry standards where it is otherwise legal and meets the government’s general public responsibility.

3.4.1.1 Section 1 Technical Proposal Volume:

Offerors must not include any cost information in the Technical Proposal Volume.

The technical volume must include a detailed work plan indicating how each aspect of the objectives is to be accomplished. The technical volume should be in as much detail as the offeror considers necessary to fully explain its proposed technical approach or method, including all assumptions utilized to develop its proposed solution and associated costs. The technical volume should reflect a clear understanding of the nature of the work being undertaken. The technical volume must include information on how the project will be organized, staffed, and managed. Information should be provided that demonstrates your understanding and management of important events or tasks. The technical volume must include a list of suggested deliverables and deliverable dates.

NOTE: The government reserves the right to further define the required technical proposal content based upon the specific AoI requirements.

3.4.1.2 Section 2 Price Proposal Volume:

The price volume must contain sufficient information to allow the government to perform a basic analysis of the proposed cost or price of the work. If the proposal includes a time and materials contract line item, the proposal must include labor categories and corresponding number of direct labor hours; fixed hourly rates that include wages, overhead, general and administrative expenses, and profit; and costs for materials, supported by vendor quotes, supplier agreements or other bases of estimate. The government reserves the right to request any other price data or supporting cost information the government deems necessary to determine whether the total overall price is fair and reasonable. This can include but is not limited to commercial price catalog(s), previous commercial sales receipts, and/or other proprietary information to help the government determine reasonableness and future budgetary cost estimates.

Offerors are required to submit a comprehensive, fully populated Bill of Materials (BOM) using Attachment A (DCMA BOM Template), accounting for all hardware assemblies, microelectronics, firmware/software provenance, and supply chain origin data.

NOTE: The cost of preparing proposals in response to this CSO is NOT considered a direct charge to any resulting AoI award or any other contract. Proposal preparation costs are not recoverable.

NOTE: The government reserves the right to further define the required price proposal content based upon the specific AoI requirements.

3.4.2 Proposal Basis of Evaluation:

Proposals will be reviewed as received by a government subject matter expert(s). In all cases, proprietary information shall be protected from competitors. The CSO evaluation criteria is listed in order of importance from top to bottom. The government subject matter expert(s) will first review the proposal for adequacy and eligibility to determine the extent to which the following requirements are met:

1. The merit and risk elements of the proposed technical approach are acceptable and address the priorities outlined in the AoIs;

2. The proposal performance schedule is realistic and/or adequate; and,

3. The proposed price is fair and reasonable.

NOTE: The government reserves the right to further define the basis for evaluation based upon the specific AoI requirements.

3.4.3 Proposal Evaluation Rating:

1. The Technical Proposal Volume will be evaluated and categorized as follows:

a. Acceptable: The proposal has been evaluated and deemed appropriate for additional consideration and discussion. The proposal is generally considered well-conceived, scientifically or technically sound, and important to program goals and objectives. Proposal submissions given this designation may proceed into negotiations or directly to the award process.

Note: An acceptable rating does not guarantee contract award. The following will be taken into consideration: program priorities, negotiations, and availability of funds.

b. Unacceptable: The proposal has been evaluated and deemed inappropriate for additional consideration and discussion at this time. Proposals given this designation are not technically sound or do not meet program priorities and will be rejected.

2. The Price Proposal Volume will be evaluated and categorized as follows:

a. Fair and Reasonable: The price proposal has been evaluated and deemed fair and reasonable.

Proposal submissions given this designation may proceed to the award process

Note: A fair and reasonable price determination does not guarantee contract award. The following will be taken into consideration: program priorities, negotiations, and availability of funds.

b. Not Fair and Reasonable: The price proposal has been evaluated and deemed to not be fair and reasonable. Proposal submissions given this designation may not proceed to the award process without negotiations that result in a fair and reasonable determination.

4. Awards

4.1 General Guidelines

Upon favorable review and funds availability, the government may choose to make a fixed price award using FAR Part 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items or other authority. The Contracting Officer reserves the right to negotiate directly with the company on the terms and conditions prior to execution of the resulting contract, including payment terms, and will execute the contract/agreement on behalf of the government. Be advised, in accordance with FAR 1.602, only a Contracting Officer has the authority to enter into, or modify, a binding contract on behalf of the United States Government.

In order to receive either a fixed price award using FAR 12 Acquisition of Commercial Items or other authority:

1. A company must have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and must register in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to receiving an award or agreement. Companies are advised to commence SAM registration upon perusing an AoI announcement. A company must also register in the prescribed government invoicing system (ex. Wide Area Work Flow).

2. A company must be determined to be responsible by the Contracting Officer and must not be suspended or debarred from award by the Federal Government nor be prohibited by Presidential Executive Order and/or law from receiving an award.

Receipt of a request for CSP does not guarantee that a company will receive an award and the government reserves the right, at any point prior to award of a contract/agreement, to cancel the request for CSP. The government reserves the right to make awards to all, some, or none of the selected solutions.

NOTE: The government reserves the right to amend this CSO solicitation as necessary amendments for emerging requirements and changes in authority occur. Amendments to this CSO will be posted through GPE.

4.2 Procurement Integrity Act (PIA)

The CSO solicitation process for FAR contracts is covered by the Procurement Integrity Act (PIA). PIA is implemented for FAR contracts through FAR part 3.104. Accordingly, the CSO competitive solicitation process and awards made thereby must adhere to the ethical standards required by the PIA.

5. Contact Information:

CSO General inbox; usarmy.rrad.acc.mbx.cso@army.mil CSO POC: Jake Horn; jacob.j.horn.civ@army.mil mailto:usarmy.rrad.acc.mbx.cso@army.mil mailto:jacob.j.horn.civ@army.mil

6. Area of Interest (AoI)

6.1. General Information

6.1.1 Introduction

This CSO seeks to solicit solutions that meet the objectives detailed in Sections 6.1.2,6.1.3 and 6.1.4.

The Government is not obligated to extend a request for proposal or make an award as a result of this CSO; all awards are subject to the availability of funds and successful negotiations. This CSO is not an authorization to begin performance, and in no way obligates the Government for any costs incurred by the Offeror associated with developing a Response. Prior to commencement of any activities associated with performance under this CSO, the Government will issue a written directive or contractual document signed by the Contracting Officer with appropriate consideration established.

The Government reserves the right to modify the requirements of this CSO.

The authority to issue this CSO is derived from Commercial Solutions Opening W911RQ-27-S-C002, dated 13 Nov 2026. The CSO authority is DoW Class Deviation 2026-O0028 Revision 1.

Timebox Target Dates

CSO Phase 1 Invites Nov 13, 2026 Virtual Industry Day (Microsoft Teams) Nov 16, 2026 (1000–1130 CST) CSO Phase 1 Closing Nov 18, 2026 (1300 CST) CSO Phase 2 Invites Nov 20, 2026 CSO Phase 2 Closing Nov 24, 2026 (1300 CST) CSO Phase 3 Invites Nov 30, 2026 CSO Phase 3 Closing Dec 07, 2026 (1300 CST)

Award Dec 18, 2026

Virtual Industry Day Event Description:

• Event: sUAS Manufacturing Rodeo Virtual Industry Day

• Date & Time: November 16, 2026, from 09:00 AM to 10:30 AM CST

• Platform: Microsoft Teams (Virtual Session)

• Link to Meeting: https://dod.teams.microsoft.us/meet/993950479053?p=bJZ8g2ZKtvHlFxPhvO

Description:

This virtual briefing is designed to provide traditional and non-traditional defense partners with a comprehensive overview of the hybrid manufacturing framework. Government subject-matter experts will cover the operational requirements for the Group 1 First Person View (FPV) One-Way Attack (OWA) and Loitering Strike platforms, detail the process for ingesting and integrating Government Furnished Equipment

(GFE)

(including battery packs, brushless DC motors, frame kits, and MK118 lethality kits), and discuss compliance with the Drone Dominance Supply Chain Framework.

The session will conclude with a live Q&A period to address technical questions regarding Phase 1 Solution Brief requirements and submission guidelines ahead of the November 18, 2026, closing deadline.

6.1.2 Background for Army Manufacturing Rodeo: Supply-Chain Testing

Contemporary peer and near-peer conflicts have fundamentally reshaped modern multi-dominant warfare.

Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (sUAS), autonomous systems, and loitering strike munitions are being consumed at consumption rates and volume comparable to conventional tube artillery. Prevailing operational environments necessitate deep operational magazines, high-velocity resupply cycles, and continuous tactical adaptation at the tactical edge.

https://dod.teams.microsoft.us/meet/993950479053?p=bJZ8g2ZKtvHlFxPhvO

However, traditional defense acquisition and defense industrial manufacturing architecture remain optimized for boutique, low-rate production of highly specialized, high-cost platforms. These legacy paradigms are characterized by:

• Rigid, proprietary tooling with limited multi-vendor cross-compatibility;

• Fragile, multi-tiered subcomponent supply chains with hidden foreign adversary dependencies;

• Single-point supplier vulnerabilities and prohibitive unit procurement costs; and

• Inflexible production lines incapable of dynamically scaling to wartime surge capacity during national mobilization.

To achieve strategic overmatch in prolonged combat operations, the Department of the Army requires a paradigm shift toward "Affordable Mass"—the deliberate capability to procure, field, and sustain expendable, lethal autonomous munitions at an industrial scale and velocity that overwhelms adversary defenses and replenishes combat losses faster than attrition occurs.

In response to rapid developments in uncrewed aerial combat, the Army launched foundational initiatives including Project Jailbreak and the Drone Dominance Program (DDP) to rapidly evaluate, iterate, and integrate commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) and modified commercial drone technology into tactical formations.

While these early initiatives demonstrated the decisive tactical utility of commercial FPV (First-Person View) systems and accelerated soldier touchpoints, they simultaneously illuminated critical industrial vulnerabilities:

commercial vendors often struggle with raw manufacturing surge capacity, supply chain assurance, and compliance with rigorous military safety and lethality standards.

To bridge this divide, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology (ASA(ALT)), in close coordination with Army Materiel Command (AMC) and Army Contracting Command – Detroit Arsenal (ACC-DTA), is launching the sUAS portion of Supply-Chain stress testing as the operational baseline for the Army’s inaugural Manufacturing Rodeo.

Rather than subsidizing the buildout of bespoke, isolated commercial factories that remain vulnerable to peacetime contraction and component scarcity, the goal is to operationalize a novel, cooperative hybrid manufacturing framework. This model pairs the massive capital infrastructure, machining capacity, and energetic handling capabilities of the Army’s Organic Industrial Base (OIB) with the design agility, software innovation, and rapid iteration speed of the commercial Defense Industrial Base (DIB).

6.1.3 sUAS Manufacturing

This Area of Interest solicits commercial solutions specifically focused on standardizing and mass-producing an attainable Group 1 FPV One-Way Attack (OWA) and Loitering Strike commodity line. Unit Cost Restriction: The cost of the Group 1 FPV One-Way Attack (OWA) platform is strictly restricted to a maximum of $3,000 per unit. To validate compliance with this unit cost cap and ensure supply chain integrity, submitters must include a complete Bill of Materials (BOM) using Attachment C (DCMA BOM Template) detailing all subcomponents, wafer fabrication, and manufacturing origins.

Participating systems must meet rigorous operational and interoperability thresholds, including:

Terminal Standoff & Precision Strike: Capability to locate, track, and kinetically engage moving and stationary target sets (personnel in defilade, armored fighting vehicles, command posts) across tactical distances ranging from close-combat environments out to extended standoff depths.

Electromagnetic Warfare & GNSS-Denied Resilience: Proven flight capability in severe electronic warfare (EW) environments, incorporating frequency-agile, multi-band command and control (C2) links, zero-RF-signature fiber-optic tethered options, and alternate navigation modalities such as visual odometry.

Control Ratio Architecture (1:20): Operational architecture capable of supporting a 1:20 ratio—where twenty

(20) expendable air vehicles are controlled, bound, and selectively launched via a single durable Ground Control Station (GCS) with minimal operator overhead.

Open Architecture & Modularity: Strict adoption of the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), utilizing standard defense protocols including MAVLink-M, Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK) Cursor-on-Target (CoT) messaging, and standardized payload attachment geometries (APEX or small Universal Payload Interface (sUPI)).

Munitions and Lethality Integration: Munition interfaces must accommodate GFE training weights, inert training payloads, live GFE lethality kits, DoW-compliant Electronic Safe and Arm Devices (ESADs), and commercial warheads.

Supply Chain Compliance: Drones and ground control equipment must conform to the Drone Dominance Supply Chain Framework which is more restrictive than the NDAA and will be verified by the Government.

This framework is published at DroneDominance.mil and includes minimum required standards for Gauntlet

III.

6.1.4 Proving Ground, Stress-Testing, and Scaled Execution

This is not a theoretical study; it is an execution-oriented prototype and industrial stress drill designed to vet both platform performance and domestic supply chain robustness under compressed timelines:

Delivery & Independent Teardown: Selected performers will ingest depot-manufactured battery packs (6S2P/6S4P), Brushless Direct Current (BLDC) motors (2807/3115), and frame kits (7” /10”) via Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) into their facilities to produce a competitive batch of 400 flight-ready OWA aircraft and 20 durable GCS units by 1 Mar 2027. Ten percent of the aircraft and GCS will be delivered early (15 Feb 2027) for testing and operator training. Rigorous physical plant audits and Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) teardown inspections will verify 100% Continental United States (CONUS) assembly and enforce complete exclusion of covered foreign-adversary hardware, silicon, and firmware. The GFE will also include MK118 lethality kits as a part of the effort.

Operational Benchmarking (Gauntlet III): Systems will compete in a dedicated OIB/DIB hybrid category at the Army’s Drone Dominance Gauntlet III event (scheduled for March 2027), operated directly by active-duty warfighters against complex obstacle courses, live target arrays, and heavy broad-spectrum electronic jamming. Details on Drone Dominance Gauntlet III are available at the following link:

https://www.dronedominance.mil/assets/S2MARTS%20Drone%20Dominance%20Phase%203%20- %20Rev3.pdf.

Scaled Co-Production & Surge Drills (Options): Successful performers will unlock priced contractual options for scaled production (up to 10,000 aircraft). In this follow-on phase, assembly will transition directly into shared co-production lines inside OIB depot facilities (e.g., RIA and TYAD) utilizing government Level 2

Technical Data Packages (TDP). The integrated production pipeline will undergo high-intensity industrial stress tests—including simulated feeder disruptions, raw material blockades, and multi-shift surge transitions—to definitively validate the United States' capacity to mass-produce lethal, affordable autonomous systems during sustained national security emergencies.

Supply Chain Analysis & Mitigation Plan: Submitters are required to provide a comprehensive analysis of the potential supply chain constraints associated with their proposed solution, along with a detailed, actionable plan to handle and mitigate these constraints to ensure uninterrupted manufacturing and delivery.

6.2. Constraints

Any selected company/companies will be required to be registered in the System for Award Maintenance (sam.gov).

6.3. Submission Requirements

A written solution must be sent via e-mail submission by 1:00 P.M. (CDT) on 18 NOV 2026, with subject line stating Army Manufacturing Rodeo: sUAS Manufacturing Rodeo SOLUTION to usarmy.rrad.acc.mbx.cso@army.mil

Solutions received after the specified due date and time will be discarded and not be evaluated by the Government.

CSO Phase 1 Open Period – This CSO Phase 1 shall close at 1:00 P.M (CDT); 18 NOV 2026.

Points of Contact:

CSO questions can be sent to:

jacob.j.horn.civ@army.mil usarmy.rrad.acc.mbx.cso@army.mil mailto:jacob.j.horn.civ@army.mil

Title Sheet & Instructions

Introduction BOM Naming Convention

The next sheet of this document is the minimum Bill of Materials (BOM) Information required to be considered a Blue List applicant. Each company or person submitting a drone or drone component must provide a Bill of Materials that provides sufficient details on the components of their system. This list is not comprehensive and may expand over time requiring applicants to be willing to resubmit this information as requested and to update the DCMA Office whenever a change is made to their system. DCMA expects to be able to see what parts the applicant is buying and from who, in order to determine the compliance of the drone or drone component. The Applicant should include all logic bearing components. CompanyName_ProductName_BOM_Date

Expectation for Each Column

Hierarchy Component Component Name Type Manufacturer (OEM) Part Number

Numerical hierarchy to show part association This section should indicate the Assembly the component is a part of is i.e. Frame, Flight Controller, Remote Controller, Radio. This section should name the component that is a part of the assembly. DCMA expects to see information for all microcontrollers, active ICs that manipulate data, and other complex/active components on each critical assembly, we need to know about resistors, capacitors, passive ICs. DCMA does not need to know about screws, nuts, bolts, or washers. This section should indicate if it is a component, sub-component, sub-component part, or PCBA Part This section should include the part numbers the OEM manufacture company uses for each part they include in the BOM

Manufacturer (OEM) Company Name Country of Domicile (HQ Location) Country of Manufacture (Where Produced) COTS or Proprietary (Assembly or Sub Assembly) Proprietary Assembly Available for Individual Sale?

This section will list the OEM company name that manufactures the part for the applicant, if the applicant manufactures the part then the applicant's company name will go in this section. This is required for all components. This section will show what country the headquarters of the manufacturing company/OEM is located in. This section will show what country the manufacturing work is completed in even if it is the same as the Country of Domicile. This is also known as Country of Origin. FOR ICs must list Wafer Manufacture and ATP Locations. Otherwise this is place of manufacture as defined in DFARS 52.225-18 This section is to help the DCMA team determine what may have been previously reviewed and approved on the Blue Framework to expeditated our review. No issues with either proprietary designs or COTS items being used. This section will indicate if the applicant company allows individual sale of a proprietary assembly/sub-assembly (major components IE airframe, motor, remote control, propellors, battery, etc.) for sustainment/repair, regular commercial sale, both, or neither/NA.

Instructions

Introduction BOM Naming Convention

The next sheet of this document is the minimum Bill of Materials (BOM) Information required to be considered a Blue List applicant. Each company or person submitting a drone or drone component must provide a Bill of Materials that provides sufficient details on the components of their system. This list is not comprehensive and may expand over time requiring applicants to be willing to resubmit this information as requested and to update the DCMA Office whenever a change is made to their system. DCMA expects to be able to see what parts the applicant is buying and from who, in order to determine the compliance of the drone or drone component. The Applicant should include all logic bearing components. CompanyName_ProductName_BOM_Date

Column Instructions

1. Supply Tier (System is Tier 1, Major Components Tier 2-n, Resources are final Tier) 11. Facility Type (Assembly / Refining / Extraction) 21. Manufacturing Readiness Level

Choices: Use the applicable approved Manufacturing-readiness scale 1-10. Reference the TRL and MRL Explanation Tab for detailed instructions on each level.

Instructions: Enter the hierarchy level for the row. Identify the complete UAV/UAS or final assembly as Tier 1. Identify major assemblies as Tier 2, Tier 3, and so on. Identify raw materials, parts, refined materials, or other lowest-level inputs as Tier and corresponding number. Use the same tier terminology consistently throughout the submission. Instructions: Select the activity most directly associated with the item in that row. Use Assembly for final or subassembly production, Refining for processing or purification of materials, and Extraction for removal or recovery of raw materials from a source. Instructions: Enter the current validated Manufacturing Readiness Level for the specific item and production process. Consider manufacturing repeatability, supplier capacity, quality controls, tooling, workforce, materials, and sustainment. Provide the assessment date and supporting evidence when available.

2. Component or Resource Name 12. Site Location (Address) 22. Unit Cost (Current Capacity)

Description and Choices: The commonly used name of the system, component, part, material, or resource. Description and Choices: The physical location of the assembly, refining, or extraction facility. Description and Choices: The current estimated or contracted cost to produce or procure one unit at the reported normal production capacity.

Instructions: Enter the manufacturer’s or supplier’s formal name for the item. Use one distinct item per row. Do not combine multiple parts or resources in one cell. Use the same name consistently wherever the item appears in the hierarchy. Instructions: Enter the complete physical address, including street address, city, state or province, country, and postal code when available. Do not enter a post-office box unless no physical address can be provided. If a facility has multiple relevant addresses, create a separate row for each site. Instructions: Enter the cost for one unit using the current production configuration and current capacity. Include the currency, such as USD 125.00/unit. State whether the value includes materials, labor, overhead, testing, packaging, transportation, or other charges. Do not enter a total program cost or a projected surge price.

3. Manufacturer Part Number 13. Site Owned By (entity name) 23. Component Picture

Description and Choices: The part number, model number, stock number, material number, or other unique identifier assigned by the manufacturer or supplier. Description and Choices: The legal entity that owns the reported facility or manufacturing property. Description and Choices: A visual image of the system, component, resource, facility output, or relevant material.

Instructions: Enter the exact identifier used in the manufacturer’s records. Preserve letters, numbers, hyphens, spaces, and revision indicators. If the item does not have a part number, enter N/A and provide another identifying reference in the Description field. Instructions: Enter the legal name of the facility owner. If the facility is leased, enter the property owner or lessor rather than the tenant. Enter Same as Manufacture / Refining Company when applicable. Instructions: Provide a clear, current image showing the item being reported. Use a file format such as JPG, PNG, or PDF. The image should be identifiable and should not contain classified, export-controlled, proprietary, or personally identifiable information unless specifically authorized. Name the file using the Manufacturer Part Number or Record ID. If an image is unavailable, enter Not Available and explain why in the Description field.

4. Category (Airframe, Propellers, Motors, Battery and Power, Electronic Speed Controllers, Flight Controller, Radio Transmitter / Reciever, Sensors, Navigation, Payload) 14. Site Operated By (entity name)

Instructions: Select the single category that best describes the item. Use Payload for mission equipment carried by the UAV/UAS. Use Sensors for sensing devices that do not more specifically belong to Navigation. If none of the listed categories applies, enter Other and explain the category in the Description field. Instructions: Enter the legal name of the organization that operates the site. This may differ from the manufacturer or property owner. Enter Same as Manufacture / Refining Company when applicable.

5. Description (Component or resource description) 15. Site Line Capacity (How many manufacturing or Refining lines are available)

Description and Choices: A concise explanation of the item’s purpose, function, composition, or use within the system. Description and Choices: The number of active or available manufacturing, assembly, refining, or extraction lines at the reported site.

Instructions: Describe what the item is and what it does. Include relevant specifications such as material type, processing function, operating role, capacity, or compatibility. Do not use marketing language. Do not repeat only the component name or part number. Instructions: Enter a whole number representing the lines that can produce the reported item or an equivalent item. Do not count inactive, retired, or unavailable lines.