Request for Information - One Way Attack Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS)

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) for market research purposes to identify potential sources capable of providing an Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)-robust one-way attack (OWA) drone system. The system should leverage commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, include in-house custom components and an Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD), be National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)-compliant, and circumvent Chinese supply constraints. The goal is to address a capability gap for Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) and Special Tactics (ST) units, which currently lack a purpose-built First-Person View (FPV) unmanned capability for specialized mission sets.

• System Type: EMI-robust, one-way attack (OWA) drone with FPV capability.

• Components: COTS components, in-house custom components, Electronic Safe and Arm Device (ESAD).

• Compliance: NDAA-compliant, circumvent Chinese supply constraints.

• Connectivity: GPS, 4G/LTE/5G cellular connectivity, true frequency hopping between bands.

• Range: Optional repeater to extend operational range to over 20 kilometers (km).

• Integration: Integration into core mission sets including Global Access, Precision Strike, and Personnel Recovery.

• Target Range: Threshold 10km, Objective 20km.

• Launch: Ground Launched VTOL System.

• Configuration: Day and night capability.

• Flight Time (no payload): Threshold 30 min, Objective 45 min.

• Flight Time (with payload): Threshold 15 min, Objective 30 min.

• Kinetic Payload: Threshold 1.5Kg, Objective 3.0Kg.

• GPS: Threshold GPS in training, Objective Advanced GPS in denied operations.

• Reusability: Recoverable during training events.

• Payload Options: Threshold Frag/simulator, Objective Threshold and penetrator.

• Ground Station: Unique application and hand controller/Ground Station (Threshold), Control through ATAK UAS Plugin (Objective).

• Comms Extension: Threshold >20km, Objective >30km.

• Cybersecurity: AES-256 encryption (Threshold), AES-256 FIPS Compliant encryption module (Objective).

• Portability: Threshold 2 air vehicles +1 GCS <= 30 lbs. with payload, Objective 2 air vehicles +1 GCS <= 10 lb. with payload.

• Power: Rechargeable batteries (<90 min charge time Threshold, <60 min Objective), AC/vehicle charging (Threshold), portable charging with 2590 and twist lock (Objective).

• Environmental: Acceptable wind conditions (<25 knots Threshold, <30 knots Objective), IP54 rating (Threshold), >IP54 (Objective).

• System Integration: Video and metadata integrated into ATAK (Threshold), RF through manet/Silvus and TW waveforms (Objective).

• User Interface: Setup time (3 min Threshold, 1 min Objective), Training hours for proficiency (5 hours Threshold, 2 hours Objective), Battery swap down time (15 min Threshold, 5 min Objective).

• Networking: Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Capable (Threshold), Dynamic/programmable Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum Capable (Objective). Cellular/common COTS band (Threshold), Military specific band (Objective).

• Reliability: MTTR (30 min Threshold, 15 min Objective).

• Availability: 80% operational (Threshold), 90% operational (Objective).

• Responses are due electronically by 12:00 PM Eastern time on 17 April 2026.

• Email responses to Jamie.Sclafani@us.af.mil and robert.riojas.5.ctr@us.af.mil.

• Responses shall not exceed 15 pages (including cover page) and should include technical and descriptive text and photographs/illustrations.

• Include company/institute name, address, point of contact, CAGE Code, Web Page URL.

• State business size and ownership (Small Business, WOSB, EDWOSB, HUBZone, VOSB, SDVOSB, 8(a)).

• Indicate domestic or foreign ownership.

• State interest in being a prime or subcontractor.

• Describe product capability, information, and specifications, and how they meet performance requirements.

• Include pictures, training videos, architecture views, drawings, test results, and ability to deliver 2 units within 6 months.

• Provide a Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) cost estimate.

• Indicate if currently performing similar work and provide contract details.

• Indicate if the solution is a commercial item.

• Include product warranty terms and any spare parts.

• Provide details of NET, training, process, and cost.

• Describe possible product improvements and associated risks.

• Address compliance with FAR 52.219-14 and FAR 52.219-33.

• U.S. and non-U.S. firms are permitted to respond.

• Prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database.

• This RFI is for informational purposes and market research only; it does not constitute a solicitation.

• The Government will not reimburse any expenses associated with preparing or submitting information.

• Information provided may be used for acquisition strategy, SOW/SOO, and/or performance specifications.

• Proprietary or competition-sensitive information must be marked.

• Submitted documentation becomes U.S. Government property and will not be returned.

• Questions regarding this announcement should be submitted in writing via email to the Contracting Officer.