Group 2 or Group 3 UAS Support (Sept 2026)
Closed Solicitation Posted
- Solicitation number
- FA483026Q0019
- Agency
-
Air Combat Command
Air Force, Department of Defense
- Responses due
- Set-aside
- Total Small Business
Opportunity facts
- NAICS code
- 611512 Flight Training
- PSC
- U009 Education/Training- General
- Place of performance
- Moody AFB, Georgia 31699, United States
Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .
About this opportunity
Air Combat Command seeks operation and maintenance of two Group 2 or Group 3 unmanned aircraft systems for a four-day training exercise in mid-September 2026, with quotations due June 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM EST. This is a Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS 611512 (Flight Training), evaluated on lowest priced technically acceptable (LPTA) criteria.
Place of performance is Moody Air Force Base, Georgia (Bemiss Rd, Moody AFB, GA 31699). The contractor must provide 16 total flying hours across four consecutive days with two flying-hour windows daily, aligned with 23rd Fighter Group Mission Generation Force Element operations. Aircraft specifications require 7–15 foot wingspan and 9–15 foot length, or visual replication of a Shahed drone signature with capability to mimic Shahed maneuvers; aircraft may be unmanned or manned. Operating parameters are altitudes 1,000 to 18,000 feet and speeds 80 to 160 knots. The UAS must be safe to operate while being lased by a Litening Gen IV training laser (1.57 mm).
The contractor must secure all necessary FAA approvals (14 CFR Part 107 Waivers or 49 U.S.C. § 44807 exemptions) for operations in Moody 2 North and South MOAs and Hawg North and South MOAs prior to award and before September 2026; Grand Bay Range is a contingency location requiring no FAA exemption. The contractor must own the aircraft prior to award and provide all equipment necessary for operation and maintenance, including launch and recovery coordination. Evaluation factors are price, technical acceptability, and past performance. Service contract labor standards and wage determinations for Georgia counties (Brooks, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes) apply. Amendment 0001, effective June 3, 2026, corrected the "Respond To" email address to justin.de_jesus@us.af.mil and extended the due date from June 2 to June 4.
Notice text
2 versions
Update #2 · Latest ·
Amendment 0001 - The purpose of this amendment is to:
1. Correct typo on original solicitation to update "Respond To" email address from justin.dejesus@us.af.mil to justin.de_jesus@us.af.mil.
2. Change the response due date from 02 June 2026 @ 2pm EST to 04 June 2026 @ 2pm EST
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This is a combined synopsis and solicitation for commercial service prepared in accordance with (IAW) the format in Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) part 12, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.
All Offerors must be registered on the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) database to be eligible for a Department of Defense contract award. All responsible sources that submit a timely quotation shall be considered by the agency. Registration requires applicants to have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov. Registration may take up to several weeks to process. Recommend registering immediately to be eligible for timely award. All prospective Offerors must go to http://www.sam.gov/ to add or update their Representations and Certifications record.
This acquisition is for a competitive set aside 100% for Small Business concerns. All quotations will be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria stated in the solicitation and award will be made to the lowest priced technically acceptable (LPTA) offeror. Evaluation factors are price, technical acceptability, and past performance.
The Government intends to evaluate quotes and award a contract without negotiations with Offerors. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial quote should contain the Offeror’s best terms. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct negotiations, if necessary.
All References to "offer" or "offeror" in the clauses and provisions incorporated below are deemed to have the meaning of "quotation" and "quoter" respectively. Any quotation received in response to this RFQ is not binding until the contractor either signs the purchase order issued at the time of award or starts performance. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through:
Federal Acquisition Circular Effective 2025-06
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Public Notice Effective 11/10/2025
Department of the Air Force Federal Acquisition Circular Effective 10/16/2024
IAW RFO 52.219-1, the North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) and the small business size standard for this procurement is 611430 with a small business size standard of $15 million. The Federal Supply Classification code for this requirement is U009
DESCRIPTION: Contractor to supply service/training opportunities for exercise operations and procedures outlined below…
The 23d FG will be responsible for activities during an exercise located in South Georgia, USA during September 2026, and seeks sources for Group 2 or Group 3 UAS low observable (LO) Aircraft Systems contractor support. The purpose of this Solicitation Notice is to identify capable and qualified vendors that can provide drone operations and training support for a Training Exercise. Services will be conducted in South Georgia, USA. Launch & recover operations will be conducted at the discretion of the selected vendor. Requesting an agency to conduct fixed wing, multi-drone operations in support of a Training Exercise. The 23d FG requests these UAS operations to complete the following training objective: Low & slow fixed wing UAS threat detection and targeting. Aircraft will operate as red forces, but no live fire will be conducted on the aircraft (DRY operations). The UASs should be safe to operate while being lased by a Litening Gen IV training laser (1.57 m). Activities will be conducted over land. Visual Identification (VID) conducted during Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) operations is an objective.
23d FG is requesting a commercial service contractor to conduct fixed wing, multi-drone operations in support of Moody UAS EX. The 23d FG is requesting agency support to procure and operate 2ea Group 2 or Group 3 drones, which can weigh up to 1319 lbs, operate between 1,000 to 18,000 ft from Mean Sea Level
(MSL), and speeds as low as 80 knots up to 160 knots. The 23d FG requests these drone operations to complete the following training objective: Low & slow fixed wing UAS threat detection and targeting. Drones will operates as red forces, but no live fire will be conducted on the drones. The UASs should be safe to operate while being lased by a Litening Gen IV training laser (1.57 m).
This is a new commercial service requirement and is considered a non-personal service.
The 23d FG does not have the ability to produce the required Group 2 or Group 3 drones technically capable of accomplishing the intended exercise objectives. Place of performance (exercise support) will be completed in Moody, GA near mid-September 2026, with take off and landing conducted within the local area.
If this drone support service is not acquired before exercise start date, the 23d FG will fail to complete a variety of C2FE and MGFE training objectives.
Any critical and long-lead schedule items which may impact contract performance and timely services hinges mainly on the contractor's ability to obtain proper FM exemptions and compliance with such. These potential delays are not identified at this time. It is anticipated the vendor will identify any potential long lead times when quotes are received.
1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES.
1.1. SCOPE. This Statement of Work (SOW) defines the effort required by the Contractor to supply service/training opportunities for military exercise operations and procedures outlined below. The 23d FG will be responsible for activities during an exercise in mid-September 2026 during regular operating hours.
1.2. LOCATION. Services will be conducted in South Georgia, United States over land in a designated Military Operating Area (MOA). Mission planning will be conducted near the associated MOA in a secure military facility. Launch & recovery operations will be conducted at the discretion of the selected vendor.
1.3. BACKGROUND. 23d FG is requesting an agency to conduct fixed wing, multidrone operations in support of a Training Exercise. The 23d FG requests these aircraft operations to complete the following training objective: Low & slow fixed wing UAS threat detection and targeting. Aircraft will operate as red forces, but no live fire (Kinetic) will be conducted on the drones (DRY Non-Kinetic operations). The UAS should be safe to operate while being lased by a Litening Gen IV training laser (1.57 m). Visual Identification (VID) conducted during Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) operations is an objective. Activities will be conducted over dry land in South Georgia, USA.
2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
2.1. DRONE SERVICE. This contract specifically entails the service of operating drone-like aircraft. The contractor will ensure that any Aircraft Systems are not specifically procured for this contract and are already owned by the working contractor.
2.2. OPERATING HOURS. All flying operations shall be accomplished approximately September 2026 for four (4) consecutive days. Flying will be conducted for 2 x 2 hours each day in alignment with Mission Generation Force Element (MGFE) flying operations. Exact dates and times will be provided to contractor upon award.
2.3. EQUIPMENT. The contractor will provide two (2) ea Group 2 or 3 UASs and equipment to effectively maintain and operate for training operations. UASs may be unmanned or manned (pilot on board) as long as they fit size requirements listed.
2.3.1 UASs will need to be aircraft with a 7-15 ft wingspan and 9-lSft length or something that visually replicates a Shahed signature. Aircraft must be able to mimic Shahed drone maneuvers.
3. SPECIFIC TASKS. The contractor must provide the following:
3.1. The contractor's duties shall conduct full-spectrum operation of up to 2ea Group 2 or Group 3 aircraft during the exercise window.
3.1.1. Launch & Recovery operations of two (2) ea Group 2 or Group 3 aircraft will be coordinated by the contractor.
3.2. The contractor shall participate in any requested mission planning with the affiliated MGFEs.
3.3. The contractor shall operate in the designated air spaces: Moody 2 North and South MOAs and Hawg North and South MOAs.
3.4. Operating altitude is required between 1,000 to 18,000 feet.
3.5. Operating speed shall be as low as 80 knots, and as high as 160 knots
3.6. The UAS should be safe to operate while being lased by a Litening Gen IV training laser (1.57 m)
3.7. The contractor shall maintain continuous communication with a designated planning cell POC during exercise activities.
3.8. The contractor must have the ability to reach designated MOAs from their departure/landing location.
Contractor must have the ability to acquire 14 CFR Part 107 Waivers or 49 U.S.C section 44807 exemptions and receive FAA approval (as required) prior to contract award and exercise operations, with the expectation being before September 2026.
RESPONSES MUST ADDRESS AND REPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING:
- Name, address, CAGE Code, SAM UEI, and main point of contact of your company.
- Provide a capability statement to show the ability to meet the requirement. Specify any and all socio-economic to which your business belongs (large business, small business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Section 8(a) etc.) Must also acknowledge the understanding that FAA Exemptions will be obtained before September 2026.
- Provide a quote on company letterhead that shows a single line item (CLIN 0001) with pricing.
- Provide proof of insurance via Insurance Requirement Document (attached)
- Questions and Answers document (attached), with any questions as applicable
- Price Schedule document (attached) completed
All questions shall be received by Tuesday, 26 May 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time
All quotes shall be received by Thursday, 4 June 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Send responses via e-mail to SSgt Justin De Jesus, justin.de_jesus@us.af.mil by the response date. Please identify the RFQ ID number FA483026Q0019 in the email subject line. Any questions regarding this Request For Quote can be directed to justin.de_jesus@us.af.mil or at (229) 257-2084.
Attachments:
- Attachment 1 - Solicitation 1449
- Attachment 2 - Statement of Work
- Attachment 3 - Wage Determination Std
- Attachment 4 - Insurance Compliance
- Attachment 5 - Question and Answers
- Attachment 6 - 14 CFR Part 107
- Attachment 7 - 49 U.S.C. 44807
- Attachment 8 – Price Schedule
- Attachment 9 - Solicitation Amendment 0001
Update #1 ·
This is a combined synopsis and solicitation for commercial service prepared in accordance with (IAW) the format in Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) part 12, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotations are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.
All Offerors must be registered on the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) database to be eligible for a Department of Defense contract award. All responsible sources that submit a timely quotation shall be considered by the agency. Registration requires applicants to have a Unique Entity ID (UEI) from SAM.gov. Registration may take up to several weeks to process. Recommend registering immediately to be eligible for timely award. All prospective Offerors must go to http://www.sam.gov/ to add or update their Representations and Certifications record.
This acquisition is for a competitive set aside 100% for Small Business concerns. All quotations will be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria stated in the solicitation and award will be made to the lowest priced technically acceptable (LPTA) offeror. Evaluation factors are price, technical acceptability, and past performance.
The Government intends to evaluate quotes and award a contract without negotiations with Offerors. Therefore, the Offeror’s initial quote should contain the Offeror’s best terms. However, the Government reserves the right to conduct negotiations, if necessary.
All References to "offer" or "offeror" in the clauses and provisions incorporated below are deemed to have the meaning of "quotation" and "quoter" respectively. Any quotation received in response to this RFQ is not binding until the contractor either signs the purchase order issued at the time of award or starts performance. This solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through:
Federal Acquisition Circular Effective 2025-06
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Public Notice Effective 11/10/2025
Department of the Air Force Federal Acquisition Circular Effective 10/16/2024
IAW RFO 52.219-1, the North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) and the small business size standard for this procurement is 611430 with a small business size standard of $15 million. The Federal Supply Classification code for this requirement is U009
DESCRIPTION: Contractor to supply service/training opportunities for exercise operations and procedures outlined below…
The 23d FG will be responsible for activities during an exercise located in South Georgia, USA during September 2026, and seeks sources for Group 2 or Group 3 UAS low observable (LO) Aircraft Systems contractor support. The purpose of this Solicitation Notice is to identify capable and qualified vendors that can provide drone operations and training support for a Training Exercise. Services will be conducted in South Georgia, USA. Launch & recover operations will be conducted at the discretion of the selected vendor. Requesting an agency to conduct fixed wing, multi-drone operations in support of a Training Exercise. The 23d FG requests these UAS operations to complete the following training objective: Low & slow fixed wing UAS threat detection and targeting. Aircraft will operate as red forces, but no live fire will be conducted on the aircraft (DRY operations). The UASs should be safe to operate while being lased by a Litening Gen IV training laser (1.57 m). Activities will be conducted over land. Visual Identification (VID) conducted during Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) operations is an objective.
23d FG is requesting a commercial service contractor to conduct fixed wing, multi-drone operations in support of Moody UAS EX. The 23d FG is requesting agency support to procure and operate 2ea Group 2 or Group 3 drones, which can weigh up to 1319 lbs, operate between 1,000 to 18,000 ft from Mean Sea Level
(MSL), and speeds as low as 80 knots up to 160 knots. The 23d FG requests these drone operations to complete the following training objective: Low & slow fixed wing UAS threat detection and targeting. Drones will operates as red forces, but no live fire will be conducted on the drones. The UASs should be safe to operate while being lased by a Litening Gen IV training laser (1.57 m).
This is a new commercial service requirement and is considered a non-personal service.
The 23d FG does not have the ability to produce the required Group 2 or Group 3 drones technically capable of accomplishing the intended exercise objectives. Place of performance (exercise support) will be completed in Moody, GA near mid-September 2026, with take off and landing conducted within the local area.
If this drone support service is not acquired before exercise start date, the 23d FG will fail to complete a variety of C2FE and MGFE training objectives.
Any critical and long-lead schedule items which may impact contract performance and timely services hinges mainly on the contractor's ability to obtain proper FM exemptions and compliance with such. These potential delays are not identified at this time. It is anticipated the vendor will identify any potential long lead times when quotes are received.
1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES.
1.1. SCOPE. This Statement of Work (SOW) defines the effort required by the Contractor to supply service/training opportunities for military exercise operations and procedures outlined below. The 23d FG will be responsible for activities during an exercise in mid-September 2026 during regular operating hours.
1.2. LOCATION. Services will be conducted in South Georgia, United States over land in a designated Military Operating Area (MOA). Mission planning will be conducted near the associated MOA in a secure military facility. Launch & recovery operations will be conducted at the discretion of the selected vendor.
1.3. BACKGROUND. 23d FG is requesting an agency to conduct fixed wing, multidrone operations in support of a Training Exercise. The 23d FG requests these aircraft operations to complete the following training objective: Low & slow fixed wing UAS threat detection and targeting. Aircraft will operate as red forces, but no live fire (Kinetic) will be conducted on the drones (DRY Non-Kinetic operations). The UAS should be safe to operate while being lased by a Litening Gen IV training laser (1.57 m). Visual Identification (VID) conducted during Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) operations is an objective. Activities will be conducted over dry land in South Georgia, USA.
2. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.
2.1. DRONE SERVICE. This contract specifically entails the service of operating drone-like aircraft. The contractor will ensure that any Aircraft Systems are not specifically procured for this contract and are already owned by the working contractor.
2.2. OPERATING HOURS. All flying operations shall be accomplished approximately September 2026 for four (4) consecutive days. Flying will be conducted for 2 x 2 hours each day in alignment with Mission Generation Force Element (MGFE) flying operations. Exact dates and times will be provided to contractor upon award.
2.3. EQUIPMENT. The contractor will provide two (2) ea Group 2 or 3 UASs and equipment to effectively maintain and operate for training operations. UASs may be unmanned or manned (pilot on board) as long as they fit size requirements listed.
2.3.1 UASs will need to be aircraft with a 7-15 ft wingspan and 9-lSft length or something that visually replicates a Shahed signature. Aircraft must be able to mimic Shahed drone maneuvers.
3. SPECIFIC TASKS. The contractor must provide the following:
3.1. The contractor's duties shall conduct full-spectrum operation of up to 2ea Group 2 or Group 3 aircraft during the exercise window.
3.1.1. Launch & Recovery operations of two (2) ea Group 2 or Group 3 aircraft will be coordinated by the contractor.
3.2. The contractor shall participate in any requested mission planning with the affiliated MGFEs.
3.3. The contractor shall operate in the designated air spaces: Moody 2 North and South MOAs and Hawg North and South MOAs.
3.4. Operating altitude is required between 1,000 to 18,000 feet.
3.5. Operating speed shall be as low as 80 knots, and as high as 160 knots
3.6. The UAS should be safe to operate while being lased by a Litening Gen IV training laser (1.57 m)
3.7. The contractor shall maintain continuous communication with a designated planning cell POC during exercise activities.
3.8. The contractor must have the ability to reach designated MOAs from their departure/landing location.
Contractor must have the ability to acquire 14 CFR Part 107 Waivers or 49 U.S.C section 44807 exemptions and receive FAA approval (as required) prior to contract award and exercise operations, with the expectation being before September 2026.
RESPONSES MUST ADDRESS AND REPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING:
- Name, address, CAGE Code, SAM UEI, and main point of contact of your company.
- Provide a capability statement to show the ability to meet the requirement. Specify any and all socio-economic to which your business belongs (large business, small business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Section 8(a) etc.) Must also acknowledge the understanding that FAA Exemptions will be obtained before September 2026.
- Provide a quote on company letterhead that shows a single line item (CLIN 0001) with pricing.
- Provide proof of insurance via Insurance Requirement Document (attached)
- Questions and Answers document (attached), with any questions as applicable
- Price Schedule document (attached) completed
All questions shall be received by Tuesday, 26 May 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time
All quotes shall be received by Tuesday, 2 June 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Send responses via e-mail to SSgt Justin De Jesus, justin.dejesus@us.af.mil by the response date. Please identify the RFQ ID number FA483026Q0019 in the email subject line. Any questions regarding this Request For Quote can be directed to justin.dejesus@us.af.mil or at (229) 257-2084.
Attachments:
- Attachment 1 - Solicitation 1449
- Attachment 2 - Statement of Work
- Attachment 3 - Wage Determination Std
- Attachment 4 - Insurance Compliance
- Attachment 5 - Question and Answers
- Attachment 6 - 14 CFR Part 107
- Attachment 7 - 49 U.S.C. 44807
- Attachment 8 – Price Schedule
Files
Notice history
| Notice | Type | Posted |
|---|---|---|
| This notice | Solicitation | |
| Group 2 or Group 3 UAS Support (May 2026) | Pre-Solicitation |
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