Industry Participation in the future Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Innovation Hub at Blue Grass Army Depot
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 Army is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential industry, academia, and innovator partners for the future Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Innovation Hub at Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) in Richmond, KY. This initiative, part of the Army Materiel Command's (AMC) SkyFoundry program, aims to accelerate the development and fielding of cutting-edge UAS technologies through rapid prototyping and a collaborative ecosystem. Responses will inform future planning and potential Public-Private Partnerships (P3s). Responses are due January 28, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI seeks to understand industry capabilities and interest in collaborating with the Army to establish and utilize the UAS Innovation Hub. The hub will leverage expertise in AI, robotics, and advanced manufacturing to enable:
- Advanced sUAS flight testing in real-world environments.
- Realistic training environments and New Equipment Training (NET).
- Collaboration on autonomous navigation, AI-enabled target recognition, and electronic warfare countermeasures.
- A "hardware-in-the-loop" environment for software validation.
BGAD offers significant resources, including two developed complexes (10+ acres each), over 600 acres for future development, a skilled workforce, and the SkyFoundry Complex with 40,000 sq ft of office space, SCIF availability, flight testing airspace, and full Army garrison support.
Partner Requirements
Prospective partners should demonstrate:
- Willingness to support Army drone dominance.
- A history of collaboration with government, industry, and academia.
- Support for Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA).
- Ability to foster a collaborative and innovative atmosphere.
- Experience in rapid prototyping and system delivery.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit a Contractor Capability Survey, not exceeding 15 pages (excluding brochures/appendices), covering:
- Part I – Business Information: Company details, CAGE Code, UEI, POC, website, business size, and socioeconomic status.
- Part II – Capabilities, Experience, and Interests: Description of UAS systems, support experience, collaboration history, research studies, MOSA experience, teaming arrangements, AI specialization, interest in the hub, prototyping/fielding ability, and innovation assessment.
Key Dates & Contacts
- Site Survey: January 21, 2026, at Blue Grass Army Depot, Richmond, KY. RSVP by January 16, 2026, to Mr. Thomas Viney (Thomas.m.viney.civ@army.mil) and Mr. Russell Wand (Russell.l.wand.civ@army.mil).
- Response Deadline: January 28, 2026, 3:00 PM ET.
- Submission Email: ArmySkyFoundry@army.mil.
- Email Subject: "RFI Response_UAS Innovation Hub_Your Organization Name".
- Primary Contact: Dean Berkovics (dean.m.berkovics.civ@army.mil, 570-615-6627).
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI) for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to a contract. The government will not reimburse costs incurred in responding. No set-aside is specified for this RFI. The Product Service Code is R425 (Engineering And Technical Services).