Exercise Drone Support
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 Air Force, 23d Wing, is soliciting proposals for Exercise Drone Support to provide fixed-wing, multi-drone operations for a 300-level Wing Training Exercise. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity requires contractors to operate Group 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) as "red forces" for threat detection and targeting training. Services will be conducted off the coast of SE Georgia. Quotes are due March 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide full-spectrum operation of up to two (2) Group 3 UASs, which must be contractor-owned. Key tasks include:
- Conducting launch and recovery operations.
- Participating in mission planning with Mission Generation Force Elements (MGFEs).
- Operating in designated Military Operating Areas (MOAs) W-137 and W-138.
- Emulating adversary UASs for "low & slow fixed wing UAS threat detection and targeting" in a DRY (non-kinetic) scenario.
- Maintaining continuous communication with a designated planning cell POC.
- Ensuring UASs have anti-collision lights for night operations.
Period & Place of Performance
- Period: Mid-April 2026, with flying operations conducted for 4 hours each day.
- Location: Off the coast of SE Georgia, United States, over open water in designated MOAs. Mission planning will occur near the MOA in a secure military facility. The administrative location is Fort Moore, GA.
Contract Details
- Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (Firm Fixed Price)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS: 611430 (Professional and Management Development Training), Size Standard: $15,000,000.00
- Applicable Regulations: 14 CFR Part 107 (Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems) and 49 U.S.C. § 44807 (Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems). Contractors must obtain any necessary Part 107 Waivers or 44807 exemptions by March 15th.
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotes Due: Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Questions Due: Monday, March 16, 2026, at 08:00 AM EST.
- Submission: Email quotes to SSgt Justin De Jesus at justin.de_jesus@us.af.mil, referencing RFQ ID FA483026Q0015 in the subject line.
- Evaluation Factors: Item technical capability, lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA), and past performance.
- Requirements: Quotes must adhere to the Attachment 1. Solicitation CLIN structure (1 line item). Responses must include company name, address, CAGE Code, SAM UEI, main POC, and socio-economic status. Offerors must hold prices firm for 60 calendar days.
Additional Notes
Wage Determinations (Standard and Non-Standard for flying services) are included and must be considered for labor costs. A Q&A document clarifies submission requirements.