Request for Information - Non-Kinetic Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS)

The US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is conducting market research through this Request for Information to identify sources capable of providing a man-portable Non-Kinetic Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) capability. The system must detect, disrupt, and defeat hostile or unauthorized drones using a surface-based solution, with operators able to use the equipment while dismounted or mounted in vehicles during personnel recovery operations. Key performance requirements include detecting small UAS at omnidirectional ranges of 2-3 kilometers across standard and extended frequencies with a probability of detection between 70-85 percent, defeating or forcing sUAS to land at 1.2-2 kilometer range, and operating continuously in detect mode for 4-8 hours and defeat mode for 2-3 hours on battery power. The system must be deployable within 2-5 minutes by a two-person team and meet stringent environmental requirements including ruggedization, operation from -10°C to 45°C, and IP66 protection rating. Responses are due electronically by 12:00 PM Eastern time on August 25, 2025, with broad industry participation encouraged from both U.S. and non-U.S. firms.

This opportunity does not include any set-aside designations and is open to all qualified contractors. No incumbent contractors or current service providers are identified in the notice, as this appears to be an initial market research effort to establish the acquisition strategy. The government has not disclosed any budget ranges or potential award values for this capability, indicating that cost information may be gathered as part of the market research process. The RFI specifically seeks information about man-portable systems that can be operated by a two-person team, with deployment timelines ranging from 2-5 minutes and operational endurance specifications of 4-8 hours for detection mode and 2-3 hours for defeat mode. The solicitation falls under NAICS code 334511 for Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing, reflecting the specialized nature of the counter-drone technology being sought.