Air Force - Small UAS & Asymmetric Capabilities - Commercial Solutions Opening

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), Special Operations and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Directorate, issued a Commercial Solutions Opening on September 3, 2026, to solicit innovative technologies and solutions for small unmanned aircraft systems and asymmetric capabilities, with a closing date of September 3, 2027. This CSO operates as an open call without set-aside restrictions; the Government will announce specific requirements through individual Problem Statement Calls rather than requesting proposals at this time, and no funding is currently available.

Awards may be issued under FAR Part 12, Other Transaction authority, or other Department of the Air Force authorities. Eligible vendors must hold a DUNS number and maintain active SAM registration; foreign-owned businesses may participate individually or as part of U.S. teaming arrangements, subject to necessary clearances. All submissions must be unclassified unless otherwise specified.

The CSO employs a three-phase competitive process. Phase 1 requires Solution Briefs not exceeding five pages or ten slides, addressing technology concept, company viability, and estimated pricing. The Government will invite selected companies to Phase 2 pitch sessions, with discretion to limit the number of pitches. Phase 3 invites full written proposals with technical and price sections. Response deadlines and submission procedures will be detailed in individual Problem Statement Calls.

Areas of interest include science and technology, research and development, prototyping, artificial intelligence and machine learning, unmanned aircraft systems, cloud architecture, software development, sensor systems, mission planning, and strike, ISR, and special operations capabilities. Upon successful prototype completion, the Government may negotiate follow-on production agreements with preference for iterative development, modular systems, and open architectures. The CSO remains open for 12 months and will be reviewed annually for renewal.