Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Munition Payload Interface Solution - Sources Sought
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 U.S. Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ), on behalf of the Office of the Project Manager, Close Combat Systems (PM CCS), is conducting a Sources Sought for an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) munition payload interface solution. The Army seeks industry partners capable of providing solutions compliant with, or adaptable to, the Picatinny Common Lethality Interface Kit (CLIK) Design Standard or its small UAS counterpart, the small Universal Payload Interface (sUPI). This market research aims to identify potential sources for a future solicitation under Title 10 USC 4022/4023 authorities, with multiple awards possible. Responses are due by March 2, 2026.
Purpose & Background
The U.S. Government prioritizes rapid deployment of low-cost, domestically produced UAS to achieve battlefield superiority by 2027. This initiative focuses on innovation and speed to provide lethal and protective capabilities to soldiers, particularly through small UAS delivering munition payloads. The Army needs integrated lethality on unmanned systems to maintain overmatch capability. The CLIK and sUPI standards establish common interfaces between UAS platforms and payloads, enabling rapid integration and a modular, "plug-and-play" ecosystem.
Required Capabilities
The Army seeks solutions that are CLIK or sUPI compliant, or can become compliant. This includes:
- CLIK: A design standard for a common interface between UAS platforms and payloads, allowing platform-agnostic and transferable payloads across various UAS sizes and types. It supports diverse lethal and protective capabilities (anti-personnel, anti-materiel, anti-armor, obscuration, neutralization, deception). The standard details physical interface (Picatinny rails), power/signal (28V DC, Ethernet, serial), and communication protocols.
- sUPI: A platform-to-payload interface tailored for smaller (Group 1 & 2) UAS platforms within the CLIK ecosystem. It specifies electrical (VBATT 13-25.2VDC, GPIO, USB, regulated voltages) and mechanical interfaces (3x M3x0.5mm screws, mounting pattern). The ROM pricing request is for 1,000 units of any CLIK-compliant module (e.g., weapons release system, munition, fireset box).
Submission Requirements
Interested companies should submit a capabilities statement (max 10 pages, 10pt font) demonstrating their ability to provide the required products/systems. Submissions must include:
- Company capabilities, facilities, personnel, technical, and manufacturing capacity.
- History/experience with CLIK-compliant items or alternatives.
- Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) prices for 1,000 units for FY26/FY27, including modifications needed for CLIK compliance.
- Feedback/comments on the CLIK design standard.
- Organization details: name, address, POCs, CAGE, UEI, business size, ownership type.
- Identification of supply chain risks (price volatility, scarcity) and mitigation strategies.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS: 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing), Small Business Size Standard: 1,500 employees.
- PSC: 1550 (Drones)
- Set-Aside: All small business set-aside categories will be considered for future solicitation.
- Response Due: March 2, 2026, 12:00 p.m. EST
- Published: February 24, 2026
- Future Plans: An industry day is planned for Summer 2026 to share a draft Request for Proposal (RFP). Monitor SAM.gov for updates.
Contact Information
Submit responses and questions via email to Contract Specialist Zachary Smith (zachary.m.smith112.civ@army.mil) and Contracting Officer Peter W. Gerhard (peter.w.gerhard.civ@army.mil). Include MAJ Jacob LaGue (jacob.a.lague.mil@army.mil) on all question submissions.