Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the Department of Justice, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This RFI is solely for market research and planning purposes to gather information on companies providing UAS commodities. It is not a solicitation for bids or proposals. Responses are due March 31, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
Purpose & Scope
The ATF, a law enforcement agency, seeks to understand the market and potential requirements for UAS capabilities. The RFI includes a tentative Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlining a potential future contract. This contract would aim to establish, operate, and sustain a standardized, modular, and category-based National Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) capability for various federal departments and agencies. The objective is to provide access to commercially available, secure, and mission-appropriate sUAS systems for uses such as law enforcement, emergency response, and training, while maximizing interoperability and competition.
Key PWS Categories
The tentative PWS details various sUAS capability categories, including:
- Training platforms
- Interior platforms
- Short-Medium Range platforms
- Long Range platforms
- Fixed Wing platforms
- Tethered platforms
- Lift platforms (<50 pounds)
- Heavy Lift platforms (>=50 pounds) Each category specifies roles, operational characteristics, mandatory requirements, and value-added features, alongside technical and cybersecurity requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Opportunity Type: Sources Sought / Request for Information (RFI)
- Agency: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Department of Justice
- Product/Service Code: 1550 (Drones)
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 31, 2026, 3:00 PM EST
- Questions Due: March 6, 2026, 3:00 PM EST
- Answers Posted: March 13, 2026, 3:00 PM EST
- Published Date: February 17, 2026
Submission Requirements & Notes
Responses must be submitted electronically via email to james.huff@atf.gov. Respondents should include their organization name, contact information, business size and socio-economic status, and details on available contract vehicles (e.g., GSA schedule). This RFI is voluntary; the Government will not reimburse for response expenses, provide feedback, or guarantee future business.