Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions submitted by industry regarding a Request for Information (RFI) related to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The RFI aims to support the Government's market research efforts, validate technical requirements in a draft Performance Work Statement (PWS), assess industry capability, identify potential sources, and inform acquisition planning.

• Primary Driver: The RFI is driven by FAR Part 10 market research to understand UAS market offerings and inform acquisition planning.
• Future Procurement Impact: Responses will refine acquisition planning, potentially influencing the PWS, evaluation criteria, competition levels, acquisition vehicles, and small business strategies for a future solicitation.
• Anticipated Strategy: A future procurement may utilize a multiple-award contracting approach (e.g., BPA), creating a pool of qualified vendors for task order competition.
• NDAA Compliance: Products and solutions in a future solicitation must comply with applicable statutory and regulatory restrictions, including NDAA provisions. A compliance plan alone may not suffice; documentation may be required.
• Product Description Information: This includes technical and descriptive materials like specification sheets, architecture descriptions, sensor/payload specs, performance characteristics, and cybersecurity/supply chain documentation.
• CUI/Classified Information: Respondents are requested not to submit classified or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI); responses should be suitable for public release.

This RFI is for market research only and participation will not be an evaluation factor in any future procurement. The Government will not provide individual feedback on responses. Future solicitations will detail specific requirements, compliance expectations, and handling of sensitive information. No product demonstrations are scheduled for this RFI process.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for market research and planning purposes regarding Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The ATF is seeking information on companies that provide similar commodities to understand the market and potential requirements for UAS.

• RFI Purpose: Market research and planning, not an offer for contract.
• Response Due Date: March 31st, 2026, 3:00 PM EST.
• Questions Due Date: March 6th, 2026, 3:00 PM EST.
• Answers Posted Date: March 13th, 2026, 3:00 PM EST.
• Submission Method: Electronic submission via email to james.huff@atf.gov.
• No Feedback: Respondents should not expect feedback on their submissions.
• Voluntary Response: Responding is voluntary and does not guarantee future business or provide a competitive advantage.
• No Reimbursement: The Government will not reimburse for any expenses incurred in responding to this RFI.

The ATF, a law enforcement agency, requires UAS information to understand companies in the UAS field. The document outlines the ATF's background and its need to gather information on UAS capabilities.

The document includes a tentative Performance Work Statement (PWS) outlining a potential contract to establish, operate, and sustain a standardized, modular, and category-based National Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) capability for federal departments and agencies. This aims to provide access to commercially available, secure, and mission-appropriate sUAS systems, supporting various uses like law enforcement, emergency response, and training, while maximizing interoperability and competition.

The 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 includes role definitions, operational employment characteristics, mandatory requirements (pass/fail), and value-added features (evaluated, non-mandatory). Technical requirements, including cybersecurity, are also detailed.

Respondents should include organization name, contact information, business size and socio-economic status, and information on available contract vehicles (e.g., GSA schedule).