Request for Information (RFI) for C-sUAS Kinetic Hard-Kill Solutions FA4659-RFI-CSUAS Kinetic

Quick Summary

The Department of the Air Force's Point Defense Battle Lab (PDBL) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking industry input on Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Kinetic Hard-Kill Solutions for Group 1-3 UAS. This RFI aims to enhance the USAF's understanding of market capabilities and identify qualified vendors for C-sUAS integration, development, training, and sustainment. Responses are due by April 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST.

Purpose & Background

The PDBL, established to push boundaries in C-sUAS capabilities, serves as a hub for collaboration focused on developing and evaluating advanced technologies to defend installations from sUAS threats. Its mission is to "develop and validate Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures necessary to advance C-sUAS detection, tracking, interception, and neutralization." This RFI supports the PDBL's priorities to shift installation defense to a proactive posture, integrate cutting-edge technology, and rapidly develop TTPs.

Key Requirements

The PDBL is interested in collaborating with businesses offering technologies or services that are:

• Ease of Use: Require minimal operator training.
• Rapidly Deployable: Transportable via palletized cargo and deployable by a small team (4 personnel or less) within 2 hours.
• Extreme Weather Capable: Operable in ambient temperatures of -40°F and 20-30 mph winds.
• Proprietary Technology: While non-proprietary and interoperable technology is prioritized, proprietary information will be accepted if clearly marked.

Technical Parameters for C-sUAS Kinetic Hard-Kill

Specific technologies of interest include:

• Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) mid-range precision vehicle and container launchers.
• Large caliber 30mm gun-based airburst/proximity close-in sustained fire.
• Small caliber automated weapon stations with C-UAS fire control.
• Drone-on-drone autonomous kinetic interceptors with AI-guided terminal capabilities (potentially 3-D printable).
• High-energy lasers (2-20kW power range) with precision engagement.
• High-power microwave systems (GaN solid-state, swarm-capable, weather resistant).

Cybersecurity

If selected for a prototyping phase, technologies or services must comply with DoD Instruction 8510.01 (Risk Management Framework for DoD Systems) to obtain an Authorization to Operate (ATO).

Submission Details

Interested businesses must submit a Capabilities Statement not exceeding fifteen (15) pages, plus a one (1) page cover letter (total 16 pages). The submission should include:

• Company Overview: Experience and expertise in C-sUAS Kinetic Hard-Kill.
• Technology or Services Overview: Detailed description, technical parameters, performance characteristics, and integration requirements.
• Technical Approach: Detailed description of the approach for C-sUAS Kinetic Hard-Kill technologies or services.
• Performance Data: Test results demonstrating the technology's ability to protect USAF assets. Proprietary information must be clearly marked.

Timeline & Contacts

• Response Due: April 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST.
• Submission Method: Electronic mail to the points of contact.
• Points of Contact: MSgt Jose Ortiz (jose.ortiz.18@us.af.mil), TSgt Trenton A. Cott (trenton.cott@us.af.mil), SSgt Jacob Goodwin (jacob.goodwin.5@us.af.mil), SrA Jackelyn Richardson (jackelyn.richardson.1@us.af.mil).

Important Note

This RFI is for informational and planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or an intent to award a contract. Responses will be treated as information only and not as proposals.