N0016426SCA005 AOI - Modular Kinetic Lethal Drones (MKLD)
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 United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), through NSWC Crane, has issued an Area of Interest (AOI) for Modular Kinetic Lethal Drones (MKLD). This initiative seeks to develop and assess emergent prototype Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) Aerial Loitering Munitions (ALM) that are safely recoverable, reusable, and feature a Modular Lethal Payload (MLP). The goal is to rapidly field low-cost, scalable, small-unit strike capabilities. Solution briefs are due June 1, 2026.
Scope of Work
USSOCOM is looking for low-cost, first-person-view (FPV) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capable of delivering precision kinetic effects. The MKLD solution must be NDAA-compliant, compatible with a ground control station (GCS), and Android Team Awareness Kit (ATAK/AI) compliant. Development should focus on:
- Autonomy and Development: To reduce operator workload and improve performance.
- High-Voltage (HV) Electronic Safe & Arm Device (ESAD) Integration: For improved safety and reliability.
- Fielding Test Systems: To deliver ready test articles for operational evaluation.
Primary attributes include specific Size/Range categories (Nano, Micro, Mega systems), Payload capacity (150g-3600g, 15 min flight), rapid Power swap, reliable Communication, Operating Temperature (-10°C to +40°C), Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or 7, and Precision (CEP <1.5m). Secondary attributes cover training, storage/packaging, Modular Open System Architecture (MOSA) form factor, and ancillary GCS kits.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Prototype Other Transactions (OT) agreement via Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) N0016425SC0001.
- Set-Aside: Not a traditional set-aside. Eligibility requires: (A) at least one nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution, OR (B) all significant participants are small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors, OR (C) at least one-third of total cost from non-Federal Government sources.
- Response Due: June 1, 2026, 05:00 PM EDT
- Published: May 18, 2026
Evaluation
Technical Merit and Relevance of solution briefs will be assessed based on meeting primary and secondary attributes. The government may facilitate teaming introductions.
Additional Notes
Any prototype OT agreement awarded may result in a follow-on production contract or transaction without further competitive procedures, potentially for up to 100 MKLD units across multiple awards. Vendors should not submit multiple substantively similar briefs.