Special Notice (Request for Information RFI))/Industry Day Announcement for Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE)
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 Department of the Air Force, AFRL/RIKD, issued a Special Notice/Request for Information (RFI) for the Modern Unmanned-warfare Systems Environment (MUSE) program. This market research effort aims to inform a future acquisition strategy for developing and integrating advanced Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) solutions. An Industry Day was held on June 17, 2025, and the RFI response period closed on June 3, 2025. The government has since posted Industry Day slides, attendee lists, an interested parties list, and Q&A. A Sources Sought notice is anticipated in Q4 FY25, with a DRAFT RFP in Q1 2026 and final RFP in July 2026.
Scope of Work
The general scope involves performing multiple activities to achieve superiority in MUSE technology, focusing on rapid, agile development, prototyping, demonstration, evaluation, deployment, and transition of counter and offensive UAS solutions. Key areas include:
- Developing new C-UAS Science & Technology capabilities and prototypes.
- Maturing current technologies to mitigate multiple UAS threats.
- Research in Electromagnetic Spectrum (EMS) analysis, detection/location/identification, cyberspace ISR/countermeasures, interceptor integration, open architecture C2, automation, and autonomy.
- Technical requirements span Information Exchanges, Electronic Warfare (EW) and Cyberspace Operations (CO), UAS Combat Command and Control (C2), UAS Interceptors (UAS-I), Sensors, and Signature and Effects Library development.
Potential Contract Details
The government is considering a Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF) Level of Effort (LOE)/Term Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a performance period of 6-7 years. Anticipated funding types include Research Development Test & Evaluation (RDT&E), Procurement, and Operations & Maintenance (O&M). The contract is intended to be a single-award IDIQ.
Set-Aside
No set-aside was established for the RFI. A determination for a small business set-aside will be made based on submissions to the forthcoming Sources Sought notice. Small businesses are encouraged to respond to the Sources Sought.
Key Dates & Actions
- RFI Response Deadline: June 3, 2025 (Past)
- Industry Day: June 17, 2025 (Past)
- Sources Sought Release: Anticipated Q4 FY25
- DRAFT RFP Release: Anticipated Q1 2026
- RFP Release: Estimated July 2026
- Contract Award: Estimated August 2027
- To be added to the Interested Parties List, email Meghan Thomas (Meghan.Thomas.1@us.af.mil) and Pat Cerminaro (patrick.cerminaro@us.af.mil).
Security Requirements
Contractor employees will need Common Access Cards (CACs). Performance may require Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) Facility and collateral secret safeguarding clearance on a task order basis. Foreign participation is excluded at the prime contractor level.
Technical Library Access
A technical library with export-controlled data is available for review by appointment at AFRL/RIGD, Rome, NY. Access requires an approved DD Form 2345 and authorization letter. Appointments can be made by contacting Matthew Zawisza (matthew.zawisza@us.af.mil) and AFRL.CUAS.PMO@us.af.mil at least 48 hours in advance.
Points of Contact
- Primary: Matthew Zawisza, MUSE Acquisition Program Manager, (315) 330-4922, matthew.zawisza@us.af.mil
- Contracting Officer: Meghan Thomas, (315) 330-2177, meghan.thomas.1@us.af.mil