Unmanned Common Controller (UCC) for the United States Marine Corps
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 Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), on behalf of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), has issued a Sources Sought Notice to identify industry capabilities for an Unmanned Common Controller (UCC). This market research aims to find portable, modular, open-architecture control systems capable of operating multiple types of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Responses are due by March 24, 2026.
Purpose
This is a Sources Sought Notice for informational purposes only and is not a Request for Proposal. NAVAIR's PMA-263 is seeking information from industry to evaluate the maturity of available technologies, identify potential partners, and assess the industrial base's ability to design, scale, and deliver UCC solutions. The UCC is envisioned to consolidate disparate ground control stations into a common device, supporting cross-platform interoperability, multi-aircraft control, mission planning, payload control, data dissemination, and integration with higher-echelon C2 networks.
Scope of Interest
The Marine Corps is particularly interested in UCC solutions that offer:
- Multi-Platform Control: Capable of controlling multiple UAS from different manufacturers with dissimilar architectures, datalinks, and control interfaces.
- Open Architecture: MOSA-compliant systems leveraging open standards (e.g., STANAG 4586, MAVLink, NATO interoperability profiles) with available APIs/SDKs for third-party integration and ATAK support.
- Resilience & Security: Secure, cyber-resilient controllers that can withstand electronic warfare and C-UAS environments, complying with DoD RMF/ATO cybersecurity requirements and FIPS 140-2/3 validation.
- Portability & Modularity: Ruggedized, portable systems suitable for dismounted Marines, allowing field maintenance and repair without OEM involvement.
- Scalability: Architectures capable of supporting AI/ML-enabled autonomy, future UAS, or cross-domain (air/ground) control.
- Compliance: Adherence to FY20 NDAA Section 848, FY23 NDAA Section 817, American Security Drone Act of 2023 (FY24 NDAA, Sec. 1821), and Trade Agreements Act (TAA) requirements.
Key Questions for Industry
The notice includes detailed questions across several categories: General System Specifications, Interoperability / Multi-Platform Control, MOSA / Open Architecture, User Interface / Human Factors, Communications and Datalinks, Cybersecurity / Resilience, AI/ML & Autonomy Integration, Maintainability / Modularity, Certifications / Compliance, Production / Delivery, and UCC Solution Architecture and Maturity. These questions are intended to frame the information sought within the capability white paper.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit a capability white paper not exceeding ten (10) single-sided pages. Appendices for supporting technical data, diagrams, certifications, or marketing materials are permitted and do not count towards the page limit. The white paper should include company details, point of contact, business size/classification, and address all applicable technologies identified. Submissions must be UNCLASSIFIED, marked "For Official Use Only, Releasable to Government Agencies for Evaluation Purposes Only," and sent via email to Ms. Mariah Williams (mariah.b.williams.civ@us.navy.mil) and Ms. Kristen Ferro (kristen.w.ferro.civ@us.navy.mil). The email subject line must be "[CONTRACTOR NAME] Sources Sought Response for sUAS (Notice 243-26-012, PMA-263)".
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research stage, small business participation encouraged)
- Response Due: March 24, 2026, at 03:59 AM EST
- Published: March 2, 2026
Additional Notes
This notice is for planning purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract. The government will not pay for information received. Government support contractors have NDAs; respondents can request a separate NDA form if desired.