Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the Department of Justice, is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for market research purposes regarding Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) capabilities and vendors. This RFI, designated DJA-26-AHDQ-N-0001, seeks information from industry on available UAS products, related technologies, and vendor capabilities to inform acquisition planning and validate technical requirements outlined in a draft Performance Work Statement. The government intends to assess industry capability and maturity, identify potential sources, and evaluate whether requirements can be met through commercial solutions. Responses will be used solely for market research and acquisition planning, and participation in this RFI will not be an evaluation factor in any future procurement. The deadline for submitting questions is March 6, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST, with answers to be posted by March 13, 2026, and all RFI responses must be submitted electronically to Mr. Jim Huff at james.huff@atf.gov by March 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST.

This opportunity has no set-aside designation, though the government has not yet determined whether any future procurement will utilize a small business set-aside or unrestricted competition. No incumbent contractors are identified in this pre-solicitation notice. The future procurement is anticipated to utilize a multiple-award contracting approach such as a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA), establishing a pool of qualified vendors for task order or call-level competition rather than selecting a single provider. The acquisition framework encompasses eight small UAS categories with varying specifications, including Training Platforms with a maximum unit cost of $2,000, Interior Platforms limited to 10.5 inches, Short-Medium Range Platforms with a 5-mile radius and 30-minute endurance minimum, Long Range/Endurance Platforms with 90-minute endurance capability, Fixed Wing Platforms, and Tethered and Lift Platforms. All products and solutions proposed in any future solicitation must comply with applicable statutory and regulatory restrictions, including National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) provisions and federal supply chain security requirements.