Reuseable, Unmanned Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) Platform
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 Warfare Center Weapons Division (NAWCWD) is conducting a Sources Sought market survey to identify industry capabilities for a reusable, unmanned Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) platform. This initiative aims to accelerate the development of air-launched munitions by addressing a critical shortfall in current DT&E capabilities. Responses are due by April 3, 2026.
Purpose & Background
This notice is for informational purposes only and is not a solicitation for proposals. NAWCWD seeks to gather information on interest, capabilities, and qualifications from all businesses, including Small Businesses (8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB), to help define and explore solutions for a DT&E platform. The goal is to establish a test environment supporting continuous, iterative testing cycles while maintaining safety and operational relevance.
Scope of Requirement
The desired platform should be unmanned, reusable, and capable of carrying and releasing 500-1000 lb class munitions. Key attributes include affordability, scalability, flexible integration of new technologies, and the ability to replicate naval aviation flight conditions. The scope covers:
- Concept & Architecture: System architecture, integration approach for munitions, and safety framework.
- Prototype Development: Design, build, and test a representative prototype with modular interfaces.
- Test & Evaluation Plan: Iterative test plans, acceptance criteria, and data collection/analysis.
- Operations & Sustainment Approach: Concepts for reusable operations, rapid turnaround, and cost models.
- Demonstration & Reporting: Execution of prototype demonstrations and delivery of technical reports.
Response Instructions
Interested parties are invited to submit responses addressing:
- Company Information: Name, address, CAGE code, POC, and business size.
- Capability Statement: Experience with unmanned aerial systems, flight test services, and payload integration.
- Conceptual Approach: Proposed solution addressing key attributes.
- Technology Readiness Level (TRL): Current TRL of proposed platform and subsystems.
- Past Performance: Relevant projects with government or commercial customers.
- Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM): Non-binding cost for a basic flight hour and prototype development.
Responses must be submitted via email to Contract Specialist Ciera Wood (ciera.l.wood.civ@us.navy.mil) and Contracting Officer Caitlan Johnson (caitlan.e.johnson.civ@us.navy.mil) as a Microsoft Word .doc or Acrobat Adobe .pdf file.
Key Information
- Contract Opportunity Type: Sources Sought
- Response Due Date: April 3, 2026, 22:00 UTC
- Published Date: March 19, 2026, 14:04 UTC
- Department/Agency: Dept Of Defense / DEPT OF THE NAVY / NAVAL AIR WARFARE CENTER
- Product Service Code: AC12 - National Defense R&D Services; Applied Research
This notice is for market research only and does not obligate the Government to issue a solicitation or award a contract. Responses are voluntary and will not be reimbursed.