Platoon Level Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (SUAS)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions submitted by potential bidders and the government's answers regarding the Platoon Level UAS C4S solicitation.

• IAP Submission: The Individual Acquisition Plan (IAP) is a separate action from the Whitepaper submission. While the Platoon Level CSO submission closes on May 15, 2026, the IAP does not have to be submitted on the same date and can be submitted continuously via the UAS Marketplace. The CSO should be sent to ACC POCs listed on SAM.gov, while IAPs and questions should be directed to uasmarketplace@army.mil.
• Core Operational Capabilities: These are defined as the minimum acceptable capabilities listed in the "Platoon lvl system characteristics" Excel sheet.
• Delivery Timelines: The earliest expected delivery for any quantity of the system is anticipated to be around August 2026.
• Budgetary Information: Anticipated cost per aircraft will not be made public; pricing in submissions will be evaluated.
• Cover Page Requirements: A separate cover page is required, listing Submission Identification (Solicitation/C4S Number, CAGE, UEI), Title of Submission, a descriptive title of the proposed solution, Submission Date, Offeror/Company Information, Points of Contact, Procurement/Program Information, and a Signature Block. This page does not count against the 10-page limit for the Whitepaper.
• Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI): The OCI analysis is a separate document and is only required if a company sets ground rules for a competition it later competes in, work requires self-assessment, or access to non-public, competitively useful information is involved. A standard affirming statement is provided for situations where no conflicts are identified.
• NDAA Compliance & Cyber Assessments: Reports and documentation related to NDAA compliance (2020 Sec 848, 2023 Sec 817) and cyber assessments are considered separate from the Whitepaper and do not count towards its page limit.
• DD Form 1494: Submission of DD Form 1494 is not required with the Whitepaper. However, Whitepapers must include specific spectrum-related information (Operating Frequencies, Bandwidth, Radio Supplier/Manufacturer, RF Equipment Details). The DD Form 1494 must be presented at the flight demonstration.
• Whitepaper Submission: The initial cut-off for Platoon Level SRR Whitepapers is May 15, 2026. Submissions received after this date will be considered for future UAS Marketplace efforts. Subsequent submissions will be evaluated on a continuous rolling basis.
• Demonstration Availability: Vendors should expect to be available for a system demonstration 10 or more calendar days after notification of selection.

This Q&A document clarifies submission requirements, deadlines, and specific content for the Whitepaper and related documents, impacting how bidders prepare and submit their proposals.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains questions submitted by potential bidders and the government's responses, clarifying aspects of the "Platoon Level UAS C4S" opportunity.

• Lockheed Martin Question: Regarding their Indago 4 sUAS and provisional status for their IAP, what is required to bid on the CSO?
  • USG Answer: Bidders must follow all instructions associated with the Platoon Level UAS C4S.
• Lockheed Martin Question: Should Core Operational Capabilities be understood as objective requirements?
  • USG Answer: Core Operational Capabilities are the minimum acceptable capabilities defined in the "Platoon lvl system characteristics" Excel sheet.
• Skycutter Question: What are the estimated timescales for delivery of the UAS under this solicitation?
  • USG Answer: The earliest delivery of any quantity of the system is anticipated around August 2026.
• Skycutter Question: Will budgetary information on the expected price per aircraft be made public?
  • USG Answer: The anticipated cost per system/aircraft will not be made public. Pricing in submissions will be evaluated.

This Q&A document provides specific clarifications on bidding requirements, the nature of Core Operational Capabilities, delivery timelines, and pricing disclosure. Bidders should incorporate these clarifications into their understanding of the solicitation requirements and proposal preparation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, an Excel spreadsheet named "Platoon lvl System(Attachment2) rev1.xlsx", outlines the minimum and desired characteristics for a system, likely a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), relevant to a SAM.gov opportunity. Bidders should use this document to understand the technical and performance requirements for the system.

Minimum Characteristics:

• Compliance with 2020 NDAA Sec 848, 2023 NDAA Sec 817, and American Security Drone Act of 2023.
• Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) capability.
• 30 minutes on-station endurance at 3km range with EO/IR payload, at 500 feet AGL (Day/Night).
• Operational range of at least 3-8 kilometers Line of Sight (LOS) without a relay.
• APNT solution (e.g., Visual Based Navigation).
• Capability in GPS-denied environments.
• Interoperability with Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) and Tactical Assault Kit (TAK)/Net Warrior Control.
• Obstacle avoidance.
• Operation in winds up to 15 knots.
• Total system weight (2 AV, GCS, batteries, charger) not exceeding 19 lbs.
• Assembly/disassembly time of 2 minutes or less.
• Availability of operator's manual and training material.
• Single operator capability.
• Operation for at least 48 hours without resupply (including Field Repair Kit).
• Rechargeable batteries for the UA.
• Field replaceable parts for common crash damage (sustaining system for 90 days).
• Minimal tools required for Field Repair Kit.
• All-weather capability (0.5 inch/hour rain for 8 hours).
• Digital Data Link (DDL) interface between controller and UA.
• Inaudible to human perception at 200 feet AGL with 55 dBA background noise.
• Encrypted digital data link (AES 256 or better).
• Specific frequency bands for data links (1625-1725, 1780-1850, 2025-2110, 2200-2290, 2310-2390, and 2400-2500 MHz).
• Automatic launch and land modes.

Desired Characteristics:

• Real-time EO/IR High Definition full motion video (H.264/MPEG2).
• Operator-defined loss of link timeout parameter with selectable return/loiter/land/continue mission modes.
• System fits within MOLLE Medium Rucksack (3000 cubic inches or less).
• DoD Form 1494 for RF equipment.
• Low battery warning for return to recovery point.
• Pairing UA to controller in under 10 seconds.
• Swapping batteries and relaunching within 30 seconds without losing mission data.
• Video latency of 250ms or less.
• Modular payload design for day/night swapping.
• EO/IR camera switching latency < 50ms.
• Operator selectable follow target/follow me flight modes.
• Seamless handoff/transfer of control between controllers.
• Comms relay payload for BLOS voice comms.
• Transfer of operator selected objects/target lock to other platforms (PBAS, ATAK).
• Laser illuminator for nighttime conditions.

This attachment is critical for bidders to assess their system's compliance and capabilities against the government's stated requirements. It details specific technical specifications, performance metrics, and operational constraints that must be met or addressed in a proposal. Bidders should carefully review both minimum and desired characteristics to determine their suitability for this opportunity.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This document outlines the Government's objectives for acquiring innovative, commercially available Group 1 Platoon Level Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (SUAS) VTOL UAS, including hardware, software, and lifecycle support services. The Government intends to acquire these solutions through the offeror's established commercial practices.

• Core Operational Capabilities:

  • Compliance with 2020 NDAA Sec 848, 2023 NDAA Sec 817, and American Security Drone Act of 2023.
  • Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL).
  • 30 minutes on-station endurance at 3km range with EO/IR payload (Day/Night).
  • Operational range of 3-8 kilometers Line of Sight (LOS).
  • APNT solution (e.g., Visual Based Navigation).
  • Capable of operating in a GPS-denied environment.
  • Interoperable with Integrated Tactical Network (ITN) and Tactical Assault Kit (TAK).
  • Obstacle avoidance.
  • Operates in winds up to 15 knots.
  • Maximum weight of 19 lbs (including 2 AVs, GCS, batteries, charger).
  • Assembly/disassembly in 2 minutes or less.
  • Includes operator's manual and training material.
  • Capable of operation by a single operator.
  • Minimum 48 hours of operation without resupply (including Field Repair Kit).
  • Rechargeable batteries and field-replaceable parts.
  • All-weather capable (0.5 inch/hour rain for 8 hours).
  • Inaudible to human perception at 200 feet AGL with 55 dB background noise.
  • Encrypted digital data link (AES 256 or better).
  • Operates within specified frequency bands (1625-1725, 1780-1850, 2025-2110, 2200-2290, 2310-2390, 2400-2500 MHz).
  • Automatic launch and land modes.

• Desired Characteristics:

  • Real-time EO/IR High-Definition video (H.264/MPEG2).
  • Operator-defined loss of link timeout parameter with selectable modes (Return to Home, Rally point, Loiter, Go to Land, Continue Current Mission).
  • Fits within a MOLLE Medium Rucksack (3000 cubic inches or less).
  • Includes DoD Form 1494 for RF equipment.
  • Warns operator of low battery for return to recovery point.
  • Pairs UA to controller in <= 10 seconds.
  • Capable of swapping batteries and relaunching within 30 seconds.
  • Video latency <= 250ms.
  • Modular payload design.
  • Switch between EO/IR cameras in <= 50ms.
  • Operator selectable follow target and follow me flight modes.
  • Controller can handoff UA to another controller without link loss.
  • Includes comms relay payload for BLOS voice comms.
  • Capable of transferring selected objects/target lock to other platforms (PBAS, ATAK).
  • Laser illuminator visible under nighttime conditions.

• Innovative Features: Advanced Autonomy (GPS-denied navigation, automated target handling, simplified mission planning), extended endurance, reduced acoustic signature, dash speeds, anti-jamming/anti-spoofing.

• Technology Refreshment: Continuous infusion of innovative technology, with a process for upgrades and end-of-life notifications.

• Required Supporting Deliverables and Services:

  • Data & Documentation: Technical Manuals, Interface & Integration Data (ICDs, FFF, OMIT), Commercial Price List (valid for >= 12 months), Supply & Inventory Data.
  • Services: Logistics & Sustainment Support (reachback), Training (materials and instructors).

• The document is a Statement of Objectives (SOO), not a prescriptive SOW. Specific quantities, configurations, and delivery schedules will be defined in individual orders under a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA).

• Offerors must propose solutions that are demonstrably innovative and commercially available.

• Offerors must fill in and complete Attachment 2 (System Characteristics). Alternate solutions for unmet criteria should be noted in vendor notes.

• Not specified in this document.

• The base effort is UNCLASSIFIED. Individual orders may require classified access.

• Requires robust cybersecurity posture per DFARS 252.204-7019 and NIST SP 800-171.

• Requires Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) process.

• Requires basic Operations Security (OPSEC) measures.

• Data Rights: Government Purpose Rights (GPR) for external interfaces; rights to use, reproduce, and distribute technical documentation for maintenance, repair, modification, and training.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This Call for Solutions (CSO) seeks to acquire and/or onboard innovative, commercially available Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) for Platoon Level Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (SUAS) missions. The objective is to accelerate the integration of cutting-edge SUAS technologies, enhance current field capabilities, and drive cost efficiencies, aligning with the Army's goal of achieving Drone Dominance. The Army aims to rapidly identify, assess, and procure UAS solutions that are ready to field.

• System Type: Platoon Level SUAS, rapidly deployable, VTOL.

• Mission Capabilities: Autonomous reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, including target identification and communications relay in dynamic radio spectrum environments.

• Weight: System configuration (including two modular mission-capable VTOL air vehicles, ground control station, and ancillary equipment) must weigh less than 19 lbs.

• Payload: Must include an Electro-Optical/Infrared camera and support modular mission payloads.

• Environmental: Capable of day, night, and adverse heavy precipitation weather conditions.

• Interoperability: Requires an adaptive, universal 110/220-volt battery charger and interoperability with the Integrated Tactical Network via Android Tactical Assault Kit.

• Battery Management: Intelligent battery management system (BMS) is highly encouraged.

• Network: System shall ensure network interoperability, share full-motion video and position location information with command and control (C2), and be interoperable with Tactical Assault Kit and Net Warrior Control systems.

• Compliance: Must comply with NDAA for FY2020 Section 848 and FY2023 Section 817, and cybersecurity requirements.

• Contract Type: Procurements will be initiated based on specific mission requirements and funding availability.

• Award: Multiple awards are possible; no minimum or maximum purchase quantities are guaranteed.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but implies ongoing procurement based on needs.

• Submission: Whitepaper submission required. Initial cut-off is May 15, 2026, with subsequent submissions evaluated on a continuous rolling basis.

• Evaluation Phases: Multi-phased evaluation including Whitepaper Assessment, Flight Demonstration, and Manufacturing Readiness Assessment (MRA).

• Evaluation Criteria: System Performance, Manufacturing Readiness, and System Pricing.

• Whitepaper Limit: 10 pages, 12pt Arial font. Total email file size limit of 10MB.

• Offerors must possess a Unique Entity ID, approved CAGE code, and a current NIST SP 800-171 DoD assessment.

• Must not procure or use UAS or critical flight components manufactured in covered foreign countries (e.g., People's Republic of China).

• Attachments include Statement of Objectives (Attachment 1) and System Characteristics (Attachment 2).

• Questions should be submitted via email to the Procurement Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides an information sheet and key specifications for the Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit (CLIK) Design Standard. It outlines the requirements for the form factor, design, interfaces, messages, and safety-critical functions for interoperable modular lethal and protective payloads on unmanned platforms. The CLIK is intended for integration with existing and developmental Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGV).

General Attributes:

• Common scalable interface for modular payloads.
• Electrical interface: MIL-STD connector with 19 conductors (power, ethernet, serial, safety signals).
• Data communication: Standardized message set (MIL-STD-6090) and potential use of protocol buffers.
• Incorporates the Universal Platform Interface (sUPI).

Mechanical Specifications:

• Physical Interface: MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny Rail).
• Length: Minimum 5" Rail.
• Distance between parallel rails: 5" Center to Center.
• Mechanical Strength: Capable of withstanding 5G acceleration.
• Human Factors: Toolless payload installation preferred.

Electrical Specifications:

• Voltage: 28±5%VDC.
• Current: 10A Max.
• Connector: 801 Series, Receptacle, In-Line, Square Flange Jam Nut.
• Material/Finishes: Aluminum/Cadmium w/ Olive Drab Chromate or Aluminum/Black Zinc Nickel over Electroless Nickel.
• Signal Interfaces: RS-232 Serial, 10/100 Ethernet, Discrete Safety Interlocks, Loopback (for Payload Detection).
• Protocol: UDP.

Government Reference Documents:

• MIL-STD-1913, MIL-HDBK-338B, MIL-STD-464D, MIL-STD-1472H, MIL-STD-882E, MOD Payload.

Points of Contact:

• Programmatic inquiries: PEO Armaments and Ammunition, PM Close Combat Systems.
• Technical inquiries: DEVCOM Armaments Center.

This document is crucial for bidders proposing solutions involving unmanned platforms and modular payloads. It details the standardized interface, mechanical, and electrical specifications that payloads must adhere to for compatibility with the CLIK system. Understanding these requirements is essential for designing or adapting payloads to meet the government's interoperability and integration needs. Bidders should pay close attention to the physical dimensions, electrical power and signal requirements, and communication protocols.