Group 2 or Group 3 UAS Support (Sept 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 (23 CONS CC) is soliciting proposals for Group 2 or Group 3 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Support for a training exercise in South Georgia, USA, scheduled for mid-September 2026. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for commercial services, with proposals due by June 2, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide and operate two (2) Group 2 or Group 3 fixed-wing UASs to support a 23d Fighter Group (FG) training exercise. The primary objective is low & slow fixed-wing UAS threat detection and targeting. UASs will operate as "red forces" in "DRY Non-Kinetic operations" (no live fire) and must be safe to be lased by a Litening Gen IV training laser. Visual Identification (VID) during Defensive Counter-Air (DCA) operations is also an objective.
Key UAS specifications include:
- 7-15 ft wingspan and 9-15 ft length, or visually replicate a Shahed signature and mimic Shahed drone maneuvers.
- Operating altitude: 1,000 to 18,000 feet MSL.
- Operating speed: 80 to 160 knots.
- UASs may be unmanned or manned (pilot on board).
- Aircraft systems must be contractor-owned.
Services will be conducted over land in designated Military Operating Areas (MOAs) in South Georgia, USA. The contractor is responsible for launch and recovery operations and participating in mission planning.
Contract Details
- Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ), Firm Fixed Price, Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) award.
- Period of Performance: Four (4) consecutive days in mid-September 2026, with 2 x 2 hours of flying each day (totaling 16 flying hours).
- Place of Performance: Moody, GA (South Georgia, USA).
- Set-Aside: 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- NAICS: 611430 (Professional and Management Development Training) with a $15 million size standard.
- PSC: U009 (Education Services).
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated based on price, technical acceptability, and past performance. The Government intends to award without negotiations, so initial quotes should contain best terms.
Required submission items include:
- Company information (Name, address, CAGE Code, SAM UEI, POC).
- Capability statement, including socio-economic status and acknowledgment of FAA exemption requirement.
- Quote on company letterhead (single line item CLIN 0001).
- Proof of insurance.
- Completed Price Schedule document.
Key Dates
- Questions Due: Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.
- Quotes Due: Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET.
Special Requirements
All offerors must be registered in SAM.gov to be eligible for award. The contractor must acquire necessary 14 CFR Part 107 Waivers or 49 U.S.C. section 44807 exemptions and FAA approval prior to contract award and exercise operations (expected before September 2026).
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact SSgt Justin De Jesus at justin.de_jesus@us.af.mil or (229) 257-2084.