Group 2 or Group 3 UAS Support (Sept 2026)

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) makes the following changes to the original solicitation:

• Email Correction: Corrected a typo in the "Respond To" email address from justin.dejesus@us.af.mil to justin.de_jesus@us.af.mil.

• Response Due Date Extension: The deadline for proposal submissions has been extended from June 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST to June 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST.

• The "Response Due Date" has been updated.

• The "Solicitation Number" has been updated to FA483026Q00190001.

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended by two days.

• Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. Failure to do so may result in rejection of the offer.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, under the Service Contract Act. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations performing work on federal contracts in specific geographic areas.

• Geographic Area: Georgia Counties of Brooks, Echols, Lanier, and Lowndes.
• Occupational Listings: Provides a comprehensive list of job titles, corresponding occupation codes, and their minimum hourly wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: States that fringe benefits required follow the occupational listing and details specific Health & Welfare rates ($5.55/hour or $222.00/week) and paid sick leave provisions under EO 13706 ($5.09/hour or $203.60/week).
• Vacation and Holidays: Outlines provisions for paid vacation (2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 10 years) and a minimum of twelve paid holidays per year.
• Special Provisions: Includes notes on Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), as well as specific conditions for computer employees, night/Sunday pay for air traffic controllers and weather observers, hazardous pay differentials, and uniform allowances.
• Conformance Process: Details the procedure for requesting additional classifications and wage rates not listed in the determination using Standard Form 1444 (SF-1444).

This wage determination is critical for any bidder intending to perform services under the Service Contract Act within the specified Georgia counties. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages and fringe benefits meet or exceed these minimum requirements to be compliant. It directly impacts labor cost calculations for proposals and ensures fair wages for employees working on the contract.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for "23d FG Drone Support," seeking services to conduct fixed-wing, multi-drone operations in support of a 23d Fighter Group Training Exercise. The Product Service Code is U009.

• Operation and maintenance of two (2) Group 2-equivalent or Group 3-equivalent aircraft systems.

• Services to be provided for four (4) consecutive days, with two (2) hours of flight time per day, totaling sixteen (16) flying hours.

• Period of Performance (PoP): September 2026.

• Pricing Arrangement: Firm Fixed Price.

• The solicitation issue date is June 2, 2026.

• The offer due date is June 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM.

• Evaluation factors include Price, Technical, and Past Performance.

• This acquisition is set aside 100% for Small Business.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 611512, with a size standard of $34,000,000.00.

• The solicitation number is FA483026Q0019.

• Key points of contact for solicitation information are Justin De Jesus and Samuel Garfunkel.

• Inspection and acceptance will occur at the destination. Contact Lt Col Christopher Anthony for instructions.

• Payment will be made via Wide Area WorkFlow (WAWF).

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To provide drone services for military exercise operations, specifically supporting the 23d Fighter Group's training objective of low & slow fixed wing Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) threat detection and targeting.

• Provide two (2) Group 2 or Group 3 UASs and associated equipment for training operations.

• Aircraft must have a 7-15 ft wingspan and 9-15 ft length, or visually replicate a Shahed signature, and be capable of mimicking Shahed drone maneuvers.

• Conduct full-spectrum operations of up to 2 UASs during the exercise window.

• Coordinate launch and recovery operations.

• Participate in requested mission planning with affiliated Mission Generation Force Elements (MGFEs).

• Operate aircraft as red forces, with no live fire (DRY Non-Kinetic operations).

• Ensure UASs are safe to operate while being lased by a Litening Gen IV training laser (1.57 µm).

• Maintain continuous communication with a designated planning cell POC during exercise activities.

• Operations will be conducted over land in South Georgia, USA, within a designated Military Operating Area (MOA).

• Operating altitude: 1,000 to 18,000 feet.

• Operating speed: 80 to 160 knots.

• Visual Identification (VID) during Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) operations is an objective.

• Exercise duration: Four (4) consecutive days in mid-September 2026.

• Operating hours: During regular operating hours.

• Location: South Georgia, USA, over land in a designated MOA. Mission planning near the MOA in a secure military facility. Launch & recovery at the vendor's discretion.

• Contingency location: Grand Bay Range (Plan B).

• Contractor must secure all necessary 14 CFR Part 107 Waivers or 49 U.S.C. § 44807 exemptions and FAA approvals for primary MOAs (Moody 2 North and South MOAs, Hawg North and South MOAs) prior to contract award and exercise operations (expected before September 2026).

• Aircraft Systems must be owned by the contractor and not specifically procured for this contract.

• UASs may be unmanned or manned (pilot on board) as long as they fit size requirements.

• Contractor must have the ability to reach designated MOAs from their departure/landing location.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Attachment 4 - Insurance Compliance.pdf", is an attachment to the SAM.gov opportunity record. Its purpose is to outline the insurance requirements that potential bidders must comply with for this opportunity.

• Details specific types and levels of insurance required.
• May include information on coverage periods, policy limits, and endorsements.
• Outlines procedures for providing proof of insurance.

Bidders must carefully review this attachment to understand the insurance obligations associated with the contract. Failure to meet these requirements may impact proposal eligibility or contract award. This document is critical for accurately estimating costs and ensuring compliance.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions and clarifications regarding the solicitation.

• Submission Requirement for PPQ: The government confirmed that the submission requirement for the PPQ (Pre-Proposal Questionnaire) is "Yes/No".
• Reference for PPQ Submission: The PPQ submission is referenced under Attachment 8.
• Reference for PWS: The Performance Work Statement (PWS) is referenced under Attachment 1.
• Reference for SF 1449: Section B of the SF 1449 is referenced.

This document clarifies specific submission requirements and references other relevant documents, aiding bidders in accurately preparing their proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains the full text of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 107, concerning Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). It outlines the rules and regulations for the operation of small UAS in the United States.

• Subpart A - General: Covers applicability, certification procedures, definitions, and compliance.
• Subpart B - Operating Rules: Details requirements for remote pilot certificates, registration, safe operation, medical conditions, remote pilot responsibilities, in-flight emergencies, hazardous operations, and specific operational limitations (e.g., night operations, visual line of sight, operations over people, in certain airspace).
• Subpart C - Remote Pilot Certification: Outlines the eligibility, knowledge tests, training, and issuance of remote pilot certificates.
• Subpart D - Operations Over Human Beings: Specifies the requirements and categories (Category 1-4) for operating small UAS over people.
• Subpart E - Waivers: Describes the policy and process for obtaining waivers from certain regulations.

This document is crucial for any bidder intending to operate small unmanned aircraft systems. It details the legal and operational framework, including pilot certification, aircraft registration, operational restrictions, safety requirements, and specific rules for various types of operations. Understanding and complying with these regulations is essential for successful and lawful UAS operations.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a section of the U.S. Code (49 U.S.C. §44807) detailing the special authority granted to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding the operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the national airspace system. It outlines a risk-based approach for determining safe operations, requiring assessments of UAS characteristics and potential hazards. The Administrator is empowered to establish requirements or processes for safe operation, including expedited approvals for low-risk beyond visual line of sight operations and specific mitigation measures for operations within a Mode C Veil. The authority granted by this section is set to terminate on September 30, 2033, though rules and exemptions issued under this authority may continue in effect under certain conditions.

This document is highly relevant to bidders interested in opportunities involving unmanned aircraft systems. It establishes the regulatory framework and authority under which the FAA will assess and approve UAS operations. Understanding this section is crucial for bidders to comprehend the FAA's approach to UAS integration, potential requirements for safe operation, and the process for obtaining necessary approvals or waivers. It highlights the FAA's mandate to ensure safety while facilitating the efficient use of the national airspace system for UAS.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Price Schedule for the "23d FG Drone Support - One-Time Service" opportunity. It outlines the pricing structure for a specific CLIN (Contract Line Item Number).

• CLIN: 0001
• Work Description: Operation & Maintenance of two (2) Group 2-equivalent or Group 3-equivalent Aircraft Systems.
• Duration: Four (4) consecutive days, with two (2) hours of flight time each day, totaling sixteen (16) flying hours.
• Purpose of Operation: Support training exercises.
• Period of Performance (PoP): Mid-September 2026.
• Quantity: 1 EA
• Amount: Fields are provided for Unit and Total Amount, with a "Total – All CLINs" section.

Bidders must use this schedule to input their pricing for the specified drone support services. It details the scope of work for CLIN 0001, including the type and quantity of aircraft systems, operational duration, and the expected period of performance. This document is critical for preparing a compliant and competitive proposal.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To define the effort required by a contractor to supply service/training opportunities for military exercise operations and procedures, specifically focused on low & slow fixed wing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) threat detection and targeting.

• Conduct fixed wing, multi-drone operations in support of a training exercise.

• Aircraft will operate as red forces; no live fire (Kinetic) will be conducted.

• UAS must be safe to operate while being lased by a Litening Gen IV training laser (1.57 µm).

• Visual Identification (VID) during Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) operations is an objective.

• Activities will be conducted over dry land in South Georgia, USA.

• Exercise dates: Approximately May 26-29, 2026 (four consecutive days).

• Flying operations: 2 x 2 hour sorties each day.

• Exact dates and times to be provided upon award.

• Location: South Georgia, United States, over land in a designated Military Operating Area (MOA).

• Mission planning: Near the associated MOA in a secure military facility.

• Launch & recovery: At the discretion of the selected vendor.

• Contractor must provide two (2) Group 2 or Group 3 UASs and associated equipment.

• UASs must have a 7-15 ft wingspan and 9-15 ft length, or visually replicate a Shahed signature, and be capable of mimicking Shahed drone maneuvers.

• Contractor must coordinate launch & recovery operations.

• Contractor shall participate in requested mission planning with affiliated Mission Generation Force Elements (MGFEs).

• Operating altitude: 1,000 to 18,000 feet.

• Operating speed: 80 to 160 knots.

• Contractor must maintain continuous communication with a designated planning cell POC during exercise activities.

• Contractor must have the ability to reach designated MOAs from their departure/landing location.

• Contractor must acquire 14 CFR Part 107 Waivers or 49 U.S.C section 44807 exemptions and receive FAA approval (as required) prior to contract award, with expectation of mid-May 2026 approval.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To provide drone support services for military exercise operations, specifically for the 23d Fighter Group (FG) training exercise in mid-April.

• Conduct fixed-wing, multi-drone operations to support a training exercise.

• Focus on low and slow fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) threat detection and targeting.

• Operations will simulate "red force" but will be "DRY Non-Kinetic" (no live fire).

• Visual Identification (VID) during Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) operations is an objective.

• Activities will be conducted over dry land.

• Aircraft must be Group 3 Equivalent, Low Observable (LO), less than 20 feet in dimension, with minimized Radar Cross Section (RCS).

• Aircraft must be able to mimic Group 3 drone maneuvers.

• Aircraft must have paint that reduces radar signature.

• Operating altitude: 2,000 to 18,000 feet.

• Operating speed: 80 to 160 knots.

• Continuous communication with a designated planning cell POC is required.

• Must be able to reach designated Military Operating Areas (MOAs) from departure/landing location.

• FAA approval is required prior to exercise operations.

• Period: Four (4) consecutive days in May 2026, with 4 hours of flying each day. Exact dates and times to be provided upon award.

• Location: South Georgia, United States, over land in a designated Military Operating Area (MOA). Mission planning will occur in a secure military facility near the MOA.

• Contractor must provide up to 2 Group 3 manned aircraft (pilot onboard) and associated equipment.

• Aircraft systems must be owned by the contractor, not procured for this contract.

• Contractor will coordinate launch and recovery operations.

• Contractor shall participate in requested mission planning with affiliated MGFES.

• Contractor shall control manned Group 3 aircraft to emulate adversary unmanned aircraft systems.