FY27 Unmanned Flight Test Instrumentation Systems and Services
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's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) is conducting market research through a Sources Sought Notice (SSN) for FY27 Unmanned Flight Test Instrumentation Systems and Services. This SSN aims to identify capable firms to provide follow-on engineering services for the Portable Impact Location System (PILS), supporting U.S. Navy Trident II and U.S. Air Force Sentinel flight tests. White Paper capability statements are due by February 10, 2026, 4:30 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The requirement includes comprehensive support for PILS, encompassing maintenance, operation, sustainment, logistics support, and life cycle management to ensure maximum data collection during flight tests. Additionally, it covers program management, engineering, and operational support for design, development, documentation, logistics, field engineering, hardware, and software deliveries. The Statement of Work (SOW) outlines specific Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) across FY27-FY29, including:
- PILS In-Service Engineering and Maintenance
- PILS Spares Procurement and Repairs
- FTI Capability Studies (Research & Development)
- PILS U.S. Flight Test Mission Support
- PILS Mid-Cycle Refresh
- USAF Sentinel Flight Test Mission Support
Key Requirements & Qualifications
Respondents must demonstrate specific and evidenced possession of minimum qualifications, including:
- Detailed knowledge of PILS engineering principles and acoustic scoring of FBM flight tests.
- In-depth experience in PILS development, production, and deployment in Broad Ocean Areas.
- Knowledge and experience with post-test processing of GPS and acoustic data for FBM re-entry body scores.
- Familiarity with Strategic Systems Programs Operational Directives (ODs), SSP Instructions (SSPINST), and the SSP Technical Program management processes (T9001-C CH1).
- Thorough understanding of and experience with the Navy Mobile Instrumentation System (NMIS).
- Expertise in acoustic scoring and alternative Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) for FBM requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought Notice (Market Research)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Cost Plus Fixed Fee (for future contract)
- Anticipated Duration: Final delivery 54 months after contract award (estimated October 1, 2026)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage); however, small businesses are encouraged to respond, and the Government reserves the right to consider a set-aside.
- Response Due: February 10, 2026, 4:30 PM EST
- Published: January 26, 2026
- Place of Performance: Cape Canaveral, Florida, and various other locations.
- Personnel: Greater than 25 Full Time Equivalent (FTE) personnel anticipated.
Submission Requirements
White Paper capability statements, not exceeding 5 pages (12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins), must be submitted in Microsoft Word or PDF format to SPN208@ssp.navy.mil. Submissions must detail minimum qualifications (paragraph 7.0) and relevant/recent experience (paragraph 9.0) as a Prime or Subcontractor, performing efforts of similar scope, size, and complexity with annual incurred costs of at least $20M within the last 5 years. Company administrative data (e.g., UEI, CAGE Code, ownership, security clearance) is required but excluded from the page limit.
Government Assessment
Responses will be reviewed based on demonstrated qualifications, ability to manage requirements, technical capability, and capacity. Incomplete or generalized submissions may negatively impact the assessment.
Additional Notes
This is solely for market research and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a commitment to award a contract. All costs associated with responding are at the interested party's expense.