Group 3 UAS Support (May 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 Department of the Air Force, specifically the 23d FG, is conducting a Sources Sought for market research to identify capable vendors for Group 3 UAS Support for a training exercise in South Georgia, USA, during May 2026. This notice seeks to identify sources for manned (pilot onboard) low observable (LO) aircraft systems contractor support to emulate adversary unmanned aircraft systems. Responses are due by March 25, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide drone operations and training support for a four-day exercise in May 2026. Services include:
- Operating up to two Group 3 manned (pilot onboard) LO aircraft.
- Conducting fixed-wing, multi-drone operations to support low & slow fixed-wing UAS threat detection and targeting.
- Emulating adversary unmanned aircraft systems as "red forces" (DRY operations, no live fire).
- Coordinating launch and recovery operations.
- Participating in mission planning with affiliated MGFEs.
- Operating in designated airspaces at altitudes between 2,000 to 18,000 feet and speeds from 80 to 160 knots.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research (not a solicitation or commitment to award).
- Duration: Four (4) consecutive days in May 2026, with 4 hours of flying each day. Exact dates will be provided upon award.
- Set-Aside: None specified.
- Response Due: March 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Published: March 20, 2026.
Requirements
- Contractor must provide up to 2 Group 3 manned aircraft (pilot onboard) and equipment. Aircraft must be contractor-owned, not procured for this contract.
- Aircraft must be Low Observable (LO) Group 3 Equivalent (less than 20 feet, minimized Radar Cross Section, radar-reducing paint) and capable of mimicking Group 3 drone maneuvers.
- Continuous communication with a designated planning cell POC is required.
- Ability to reach designated Military Operating Areas (MOAs) from departure/landing location.
- FAA approval is required prior to exercise operations.
Submission Details
Interested parties must submit a capability statement addressing their ability to meet the requirements. Responses must include:
- Company Name, Address, CAGE Code, SAM UEI.
- Main point of contact.
- Socio-economic status (e.g., large business, small business, SDB, 8(a)). Responses should be emailed to SSgt Justin De Jesus at justin.de_jesus@us.af.mil by the deadline, with the Sources Sought ID FA483026Q0019 in the subject line.
Additional Notes
This is for market research only and does not guarantee a future solicitation or contract. No reimbursement will be made for response costs.