Request for Information (RFI) for Medium Range Tactical (MRT) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), PMA-263
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 Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), PMA-263, is issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential solutions for a Medium Range Tactical (MRT) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for the United States Marine Corps Expeditionary Forces. This RFI is for market research only and is not a request for proposal. Responses are due by April 13, 2026.
Scope of Work
The desired MRT UAS should provide Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition (RSTA) capabilities day and night across diverse operational environments. Key characteristics include ruggedness, rapid deployability, minimal logistics, and support for mission planning and real-time intelligence. The system must operate independently or within secure networks, including in degraded, denied, intermittent, and limited (DDIL) radio-frequency environments.
Solutions should support modular payloads, various sensors (EO/IR with FMV), and operate from stationary/mobile platforms, including amphibious ships and expeditionary advanced bases. Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) solutions are of interest. The system should be NDAA compliant (FY2020 Section 848, FY2023 Section 817, FY2019 Section 889, American Security Drone Act of 2023), or have a clear path to compliance. The Navy's Small UAS Reusable Architecture (SRA) framework is available for documenting compliance.
Key Performance Parameters (TRL 8 or higher):
- AV MGTOW: < 20 lbs
- Total System Weight: < 75 lbs
- Payload Capacity: > 3.75 lbs (Baseline: Dual-mode gimbaled EO/IR)
- Endurance: ≥ 2.5 hours
- LOS Range: ≥ 40 kilometers
- Propulsion: Electric or hybrid-electric (non-petroleum-based)
- Control: Operator-in-the-loop (OITL) with semi-autonomous operation
- Navigation: Capable in GNSS-denied environments (M-Code GPS, INU, computer vision)
- Personnel: Max two (2) operator/maintainer for deployment
- Environmental: Operation in winds up to 25 KIAS, rain up to 0.75 inches/hour
- Interoperability: Tactical Assault Kit (TAK) compatible
Requested Information
Respondents must submit a technical white paper (max 30 pages) addressing system characteristics and performance attributes (Section 3A) and a detailed narrative on technical approach, implementation, and operational considerations (Section 3B). This includes details on system size, launch/recovery, propulsion, payload, sensors, command/control, navigation, communications, GCS, data handling, performance envelope, environmental limits, maintenance, manpower, software, growth, company experience, production, sustainment, cost, and compliance.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice (Request for Information)
- Set-Aside: None specified (Market Research)
- Response Due: April 13, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Published: February 11, 2026
Submission Details
Responses must be emailed to Ms. Karleigh Hall (karleigh.m.hall2.civ@us.navy.mil) and Ms. Kristen Ferro (kristen.w.ferro.civ@us.navy.mil). The subject line must be: [CONTRACTOR NAME] RFI Response for MRT UAS (Notice 243-26-024, PMA-263). File sizes should not exceed 5MB. Submissions must be marked "For Official Use Only, Releasable to Government Agencies for Evaluation Purposes Only" and be UNCLASSIFIED. Proprietary information should be clearly marked.
Additional Notes
This RFI is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. The Government will not pay for information received. Failure to respond will not prevent participation in future competitions. No telephone responses will be accepted.