Autonomous Drone Training
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Navy (NSWC Crane) is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) for Autonomous Drone Training to support its Drone Dominance Initiative. This RFI seeks vendors capable of providing multiple technical training courses for NSWC Crane employees. Interested vendors must be CMMC Level 1 Self at the time of any potential award. Responses are due April 16, 2026.
Scope of Work
NSWC Crane requires a catalog of at least 10 technical training classes, ranging from beginner to expert levels, covering drone warfare and autonomous defense systems. These courses must integrate the full lifecycle of drone warfare, including concept, design, deployment, maintenance, and cybersecurity.
The initial award will include a single 2-day "Drone Warfare & Autonomous Defense Systems Fundamentals" course for up to 60 students in FY26. This foundational course will cover basic principles of unmanned systems, AI-driven defense strategies, autonomous targeting, counter-drone tactics, ethical considerations, and emerging technologies. Additional courses may be added as options throughout the contract period. Vendors must provide an updated list of training course offerings annually by April 30th.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information
- Period of Performance: Date of award – September 30, 2031 (for potential future contract)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: April 16, 2026, 05:00 PM EDT
- Published: April 2, 2026
- Place of Performance: NSWC Crane, IN (Government will provide training facilities)
Performance Standards
Each class must have a minimum of 10 students; courses not meeting this minimum may be rescheduled or cancelled. Vendors must invoice within 5 business days upon completion of each course.
Special Requirements
Vendors are responsible for providing all training materials, including schedules, handouts, textbooks, and presentations, and must provide classroom material expectations at the time of award for each course. Training courses must be conducted within normal working hours (0800 – 1700). The government will provide a roster of registered students.
Additional Notes
This is a Request for Information for planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation or guarantee a future award.