United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) Long Range/Long Endurance (LR|LE) Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Event – 2027-1 (sLE27-1)
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 United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), specifically the Program Executive Office-Tactical Information Systems (PEO-TIS), Program Management Office-Remote Capabilities (PMO-RC), and small Uncrewed Multidomain Systems-Air (sUMS-Air), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Long Range/Long Endurance (LR|LE) Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). This RFI, designated sLE27-1, seeks to identify potential methodologies and available capabilities for a 2027 event. Responses are due by June 5, 2026.
Purpose & Scope
This RFI is for planning purposes only, aiming to gain knowledge of qualified sources and explore industry capabilities. USSOCOM is interested in Group 2 UAS with specific traits:
- Basic Traits: Capable of 20km+ range, 6+ hours endurance, carrying 2+ payloads (5+ lbs combined), launch/recovery from 100m x 100m land in various weather, operate in 20-knot sustained winds (30-knot gusts), operate in RF congested/GNSS contested environments. Must be modular, electric/hybrid, 25 KIAS cruise (35 KIAS dash), follow a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) with specific GPU requirements, and comply with the American Security Drone Act of 2023.
- Desired Traits: 12+ hours endurance, 100km+ operational range, 15+ lbs payload capacity, launch/recovery from diverse environments (including 5m diameter area, CRRC/16ft boat, and water), operate in 39-knot sustained winds (47-knot gusts), 60 KIAS cruise (80 KIAS dash), integration into SOF Tactical Android Kit, and reduced signatures.
Hardware submitted for evaluation must be production models capable of performing SOF mission sets. Evaluation may include a Technical Evaluation (TE) and an Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E).
Timeline & Submission
- NLT June 5, 2026: RFI Response due. Submit a detailed 3-5 page UNCLASSIFIED capability paper via the USSOCOM Vulcan platform (link provided in the original notice). Include POC information. Files accepted: .docx, .pdf, .xlsx, .pptx.
- July 15-16, 2026: Vendor Presentations in Tampa, FL.
- July 30, 2026: Technical Evaluation Invitations sent to selected vendors.
- August 6, 2026: Deadline for vendors to accept TE invitations and return Vendor Loan Agreements (VLA).
- August 31, 2026: Device Delivery (on-loan) for technical assessment.
- September 7-11, 2026: TE Training for USSOCOM SMEs and evaluators.
- September 12 - October 16, 2026: Technical Evaluation (TE).
- January 11 - February 1, 2027: Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E).
- NLT February 15, 2027: Device Return.
All dates are subject to change based on agency need. The place of performance for the event is the greater Tampa, Florida area.
Disclaimers
This is not a solicitation and does not constitute a request for proposals. The Government assumes no financial responsibility for costs incurred by respondents and will not provide responses to questions. Information provided may be used by USSOCOM and other DoD entities for acquisition strategy development.
Agency & Contact
Department: DEPT OF DEFENSE Sub-Tier: US SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND (USSOCOM) Office: HQ USSOCOM Primary Contact: SOF AT&L TIS (SOCOM.SOFATL.TIS.RC.SUMS.DL@socom.mil)