Level III Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to assess vendor capabilities in providing Level III Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) weighing between 20-55 pounds to enhance CBP's border surveillance and tactical field operations. The RFI seeks information on advanced drone technologies with specific capabilities including FAA compliance, autonomous operation, artificial intelligence functionality, electro-optical and infrared sensor payloads, autonomous detection and tracking, GPS hardening with NDAA compliance, and a minimum 10-mile operational range with 1.5-3 hour flight endurance. Vendors are required to submit a comprehensive white paper not exceeding 15 pages addressing 11 capability areas, including TAK integration (with 90% tested solutions expected), predictive maintenance protocols, training simulators, and Ground Control Station security features, along with completed Attachment A vendor company data forms. Critical deadlines include November 21, 2025 for RFI questions submission and December 12, 2025 for vendor responses to be submitted to USBPPMODSUAS@cbp.dhs.gov by 5:00 PM EST. The government emphasizes this is market research only and does not constitute a commitment to award a contract, pay for response preparation costs, or guarantee that a future solicitation will be issued.

This RFI carries no set-aside designation and is issued as an open market research initiative with no identified incumbent contractors or current award values specified. CBP may select one or more vendors for no-cost technology demonstrations based on submitted information, though this RFI does not obligate the government to procure any systems or services. The opportunity represents part of CBP's ongoing sUAS program enhancement efforts that have included previous fiscal year 2022-2025 technology initiatives focused on advanced capabilities, high-performance systems, and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) platforms. Responding to this RFI is optional and will not affect participation eligibility in any future full and open competitive RFP process. All vendor submissions become government property and will not be returned; however, information gathered will inform CBP's future acquisition strategy and RFP development.