Group 3 UAS Support for Training Exercise (April 2026)

Closed Pre-Solicitation Posted

Not the latest version. See the latest solicitation from .

Solicitation number
FA483026Q0015
Agency
Responses due
Set-aside
No set-aside

Opportunity facts

Place of performance
Moody AFB, Georgia 31699, United States

Notice details come from SAM.gov. Updated .

About this opportunity

The Department of the Air Force Air Combat Command is conducting market research to identify qualified vendors capable of providing Group 3 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) operations and training support for a 300-level Wing Training Exercise. The 23d Wing seeks contractor support to conduct fixed-wing, multi-drone operations in southeastern Georgia during mid-April 2026, with the primary training objective of low and slow fixed-wing UAS threat detection and targeting. Key requirements include operating drones as red forces (simulating adversary systems) in Military Operating Areas W-137 and W-138 (surface to 30,000 feet), conducting 4-hour daily flying operations, coordinating launch and recovery at Beaufort Executive, and obtaining all necessary Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 waivers by March 15, 2026. Required waivers must cover night operations, beyond visual line of sight operations, operation near manned aircraft, operation over human beings, groundspeed limitations, and altitude limitations. This Sources Sought Notice was posted on February 26, 2026, with responses due by March 3, 2026, and serves solely for market research purposes without constituting a binding commitment from the government.

No set-aside designations are being applied to this procurement. The solicitation does not identify any incumbent contractors or current contractors in the available documentation, nor does it specify award values or budget ranges. The contractor must already own the Group 3 UAS equipment rather than procuring aircraft specifically for this contract, ensuring immediate availability for the April 2026 exercise window. The engagement requires coordinated participation in mission planning with Mission Generation Force Element operations and continuous communication with designated planning cell points of contact, including Captain Ryan Lowery (Primary, 23d WG A-Staff A36) and Captain Marcel Alves (Alternate, 23d WG A-Staff A5). All aircraft must be equipped with anti-collision lights for night operations, and dry operations (no live fire) will be conducted with drones operating over water off the coast.

Notice text

This Sources Sought (SS) is issued solely for market research purposes to
determine potential sources. This notice does not constitute a Request for Proposal
(RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or Invitation for Bid (IFB) and is not to be
construed as a commitment by the Government to issue an order otherwise pay for the
information solicited, nor is it a guarantee of a forthcoming solicitation or contract. No
reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing
information in response to this announcement. It is the responsibility of potential quoters
to monitor GSA.gov for additional information pertaining to this requirement.


DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES:
Contractor to supply service/training opportunities for exercise operations and procedures outlined below...
The 23d Wing will be responsible for activities during an exercise located in SE Georgia, USA during mid-April
2026, and seeks sources for Group 3 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) contractor support. The purpose
of this Sources Sought Notice is to identify capable and qualified small business vendors that can provide drone
operations and training support for this 300-level Wing Training Exercise.
Services will be conducted in SE Georgia, USA with drone flying operations in W-137 (SFC 30K), and W-138
(SFC 30K). 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 300-level Wing Training
Exercise. The 23d Wing requests these drone operations to complete the following training objective: Low & slow
fixed wing UAS threat detection and targeting. Drones will operate as red forces, but no live fire will be conducted
on the drones (DRY operations). Activities will be conducted off the coast over water.


REQUIREMENTS:


3.1. DRONE SERVICE. This contract specifically entails the service of operating drones. The contractor will
ensure that any manned or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) are not specifically procured for this contract and
are already owned by the working contractor.


3.2. OPERATING HOURS. All flying operations shall be accomplished in a three (3) day period in mid-April 2026.Flying will be conducted for 4 hours each day in alignment with Mission Generation Force Element (MGFE) flyingoperations.

3.3. EQUIPMENT. The contractor will provide 2x Group 3 UASs and equipment to effectively maintain andoperate for training operations.

SPECIFIC TASKS: The Contractor must provide the following:

4.1. The contractor's duties shall conduct full-spectrum operation of 2ea Group 3 drones during the exercisewindow.

4.1.1. Launch & Recovery operations of the 2ea Group 3 UASs will be coordinated by the contractor.4.2. The contractor shall participate in any requested mission planning with the affiliated MGFEs.4.3. The contractor shall operate in the designated air spaces.

4.4. The contractor shall control Group 3 drones in a manner emulating adversary unmanned aircraft systems.

4.5. The contractor shall maintain continuous communication with a designated planning cell POC during exerciseactivities.

4.6. The contractor must have the ability to take-off and land at Beaufort Executive Airport and Reach W-137 andW-138 MOAs.

4.7. Must have Anti-Collision lights to operate at night.

4.8. Must have the ability to obtain any Part 107 Waivers (NLT 15 March) due to inability to meet Part 107Requirements to include, but not limited to:

4.8.1. Operation at Night - Section 107.29

4.8.2. Visual Line of Sight Aircraft Operation - Section 107.31

4.8.3. Operation Near Aircraft; Right of Way Rules Section 107.3

4.8.4. Operation over Human Beings (due to operations beyond LOS) - Section 107.39

4.8.5. Operating limitations for sUA: Groundspeed - Section 107.51(a)

4.8.6. Operating Limitations for sUA: Altitude - Section 107.51(b)

RESPONSES MUST ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING:
Name, address, CAGE Code, SAM UEI, and main point of contact of yourcompany. 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.) All responses shall be received by Wednesday, 03 March 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 Sources Sought ID number FA483026Q0015 in the email subject line. Any question sregarding this Sources Sought can be directed to myself at justin.de_jesus@us.af.mil or at (229) 257-2084.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Statement of Work

Files

File Type Posted
SOW - EXERCISE Drone Support Redacted.pdf PDF

Notice history

Notice Type Posted
Exercise Drone Support Latest solicitation Solicitation
This notice Original Pre-Solicitation

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