Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Netting Installation for Aircraft Sunshade Structures

Market Research Only – Not a Request for Proposal

Title: Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Netting Installation for Aircraft Sunshade Structures

Notice Type: Sources Sought
NAICS Code: 238990 – All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
Response Due Date: 13 November 2026, 4:00 PM Local Time
Submit Responses To: matthew.lahr.3@us.af.mil

1. Purpose

The United States Air Force is conducting market research to identify qualified sources capable of providing all design, materials, labor, and equipment necessary to furnish and install counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) netting on existing aircraft sunshade structures.

A primary purpose of this notice is to determine whether this requirement can be set aside for small businesses under the SBA guidelines for NAICS 238990. The Government is seeking to determine the availability and capability of small business concerns (including 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB) to perform this work.

This notice is issued solely for market research and small business set-aside determination purposes in accordance with FAR Part 10. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Invitation for Bid, or any other form of solicitation. The Government does not guarantee that a contract will result from this notice, and the Government will not reimburse any costs incurred by interested parties in preparing or submitting a response.

The Government is also interested in unique and innovative solutions, including any proof-of-concept or operational C-UAS netting installations already fielded or under evaluation at other Department of Defense installations.

2. Requirement Overview

The contractor shall design, furnish, and install counter-UAV netting on all four sides of six (6) existing aircraft sunshade structures.

Each structure is approximately:

• Length: 630 feet
• Width: 65 feet
• Height: 30 feet
• Configuration: 6 bays per structure

A drawing of the aircraft sunshade structures is attached to this notice.

Primary Objective: Prevent Group 1 (“small”) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles from penetrating the interior of the sunshade structures to protect aircraft and personnel.

3. Technical Requirements (Minimum)

The proposed netting system must meet or exceed the following:

• Material: UV-resistant, moisture-resistant, capable of withstanding temperatures up to 400°F. Polyester or Nylon are preferred.
• Tensile strength: 200 lbs or greater.
• Mesh opening: Netting squares no larger than 3 inches across.
• Performance: Capable of stopping Group 1 small UAVs from penetrating the structure without compromising the netting.
• Wind Load: Must meet Miami-Dade County Wind Load rating requirements.
• Retractability: Netting installed on the north- and south-facing sides shall be quickly and easily retractable to allow normal aircraft entry and exit.
• Engineering Support: The contractor shall utilize licensed professional engineers (as applicable). Structural engineers may be required to evaluate the load capacity of the existing metal sunshade structures and design appropriate attachment methods.

The contractor is responsible for all design, material procurement, fabrication, installation, testing, and any structural modifications required for a complete and functional system.

4. Capabilities Package Requirements

All interested parties (large and small businesses) are encouraged to submit a capabilities package limited to 10 pages total. The package must include, at a minimum:

a. Company name, CAGE code, UEI number, business size status (including small business size standard under NAICS 238990), and socioeconomic category (if applicable).
b. Relevant past performance on similar projects (large-scale netting, screening, protective systems, or specialized fabric installations on metal structures, preferably aviation-related).
c. Technical approach or conceptual design solution addressing the material, performance, wind-load, retractability, and engineering requirements.
d. Experience with structural engineering analysis and load calculations on existing metal structures.
e. Description of any innovative or unique C-UAS netting solutions your company has developed or installed.
f. Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) pricing and estimated period of performance (optional but highly desired).
g. Any other information demonstrating your company’s ability to successfully perform this requirement.

Small businesses are especially encouraged to respond and clearly identify their business size status.

5. Submission Instructions

Email your capabilities package to:
matthew.lahr.3@us.af.mil

Subject Line: “C-UAS Sunshade Netting Sources Sought – [Company Name]”

Deadline: No later than 13 November 2026, 4:00 PM Local Time

6. Disclaimer

This Sources Sought notice is for information and planning purposes only. Responses will be used to assess industry interest and capability, and specifically to determine whether a small business set-aside is feasible. The Government is under no obligation to issue a solicitation or award a contract as a result of this notice. The Government will not pay for any information submitted in response to this notice.