Group 3 UAS Support for Training Exercise (April 2026)
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 23d Wing, Department of the Air Force, is conducting a Sources Sought for Group 3 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) contractor support for a 300-level Wing Training Exercise in mid-April 2026 in SE Georgia, USA. This market research aims to identify capable and qualified small business vendors. Responses are due March 3, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide full-spectrum operation of two (2) Group 3 UASs to emulate adversary unmanned aircraft systems as 'red forces' for threat detection and targeting training. Activities will be conducted off the coast over water, focusing on low & slow fixed-wing UAS. Specific tasks include:
- Launch & Recovery operations of 2x Group 3 UASs.
- Participation in mission planning with affiliated Mission Generation Force Elements (MGFEs).
- Operation in designated airspaces (W-137 and W-138 MOAs).
- Maintaining continuous communication with a designated planning cell POC.
Requirements
- Contractor must supply 2x Group 3 UASs and associated equipment, ensuring UASs are already owned and not specifically procured for this contract.
- Flying operations will occur over a three-day period in mid-April 2026, for 4 hours each day.
- Ability to take-off and land at Beaufort Executive Airport and reach W-137 and W-138 MOAs.
- Must have Anti-Collision lights for night operations.
- Crucially, the contractor must obtain any necessary Part 107 Waivers by March 15th for operations that exceed standard Part 107 requirements, including night operations, visual line of sight, operation near aircraft, operation over human beings, groundspeed, and altitude limitations.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Product Service Code: U009 (Education Services)
- Set-Aside: None specified, but seeking small business vendors.
- Response Due: March 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Published: February 26, 2026.
Evaluation
This notice is solely for market research to determine potential sources and identify capable small business vendors. It does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or guarantee a future solicitation.
Submission Instructions
Responses must include company name, address, CAGE Code, SAM UEI, main point of contact, and a capability statement demonstrating the ability to meet requirements. Specify all socio-economic categories. Email responses to SSgt Justin De Jesus at justin.de_jesus@us.af.mil, identifying the Sources Sought ID FA483026Q0015 in the subject line.