USCG Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program Executive Office – Medium Range UAS

Request for Information (RFI) / Sources Sought

This RFI is a market research tool used by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Robotics and Autonomous Systems Program Executive Office (CG-RAS PEO) to identify potential and eligible businesses capable of providing airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) services. The services will utilize Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) Groups 2 and 3 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) aboard various USCG cutters and shore-based sites. The USCG intends to establish a Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) for these services, with potential orders issued over a ten-year period (one five-year base ordering period plus one five-year option period).

• Production of Sensor Data.

• Trained personnel.

• Non-developmental UAS equipment.

• UAS certifications.

• Operation and maintenance of UAS.

• Spare UAS assets.

• Deployed mission support.

• Services must support ISR missions requiring persistent imagery with various sensor types.

• Capability to provide ISR services on a normal and surge basis, 24/7/365.

• Support includes pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment activities, such as equipment transportation, export control licensing, insurance, personnel travel, visa coordination, and regulatory compliance.

• A Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA) is anticipated.

• Orders will be issued against the BOA.

• Period of performance: One five-year base ordering period plus one five-year option period (total of ten years).

• Interested vendors must submit a capability statement package (max 15 pages).

• The response should demonstrate the ability to perform services based on Attachments J-1, J-2, and J-3.

• Key submission components include:

  • Company information (Size, Status, UEI, interest in BOA participation).
  • Feedback on the USCG's intended contract vehicle and suggested alternatives.
  • Feedback on aircraft performance specifications and additional beneficial capabilities.
  • Feedback on commercial service delivery.

• Responses are due May 7, 2026, by 4:00 PM EST.

• Submissions must be electronic via email to cgras-info@uscg.mil.

• Subject line for email: "RFI Response to USCG PEO RAS MRUAS ISR Services".

• File size limit of 10MB recommended.

• Not specified in this document; however, the BOA will be competed on a Limited Sources basis.

• Vendors meeting requirements may be selected for the BOA.

• Competitive selection for orders will occur from the pool of BOA participants.

• This RFI is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation or commitment to award a contract.

• No funds are available to pay for response preparation.

• Information provided is subject to change.

• Vendors are encouraged to review Attachment J-1 (Statement of Objectives), Attachment J-2 (System Performance Specification), and Attachment J-3 (Requirements Verification Traceability Matrix).

• Anticipated NAICS Code: 541370.

• Platforms include National Security Cutters, Medium Endurance Cutters, Ice Breakers, Polar Security Cutters, Offshore Patrol Cutters, and shore regions (Atlantic, Pacific, Alaskan/Arctic).

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, an Excel file named 'J 02 and J 03_08APR2026.xlsx', contains detailed specifications and performance characteristics for various cutter classes (WMSL, MEC-270, MEC-210, OPC, ICE BREAKERS) and outlines specific requirements for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) intended for integration with these platforms. It serves as a technical reference for potential bidders.

• Cutter Specifications: Provides dimensions, performance, crew capacity, and mission profiles for different Coast Guard cutter classes.
• UAS Performance Specifications: Details requirements for UAS including airspeed, service ceiling, operational tempo, flight deck operations, detectability, fuel, battery, airworthiness, and flight clearance.
• System Requirements: Outlines specifications for payloads, communications (datalinks, spectrum, encryption, RVT), navigation (GPS), identification (transponders), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), ISR data products (FMV, still imagery, metadata), and information assurance.
• Platform-Specific Requirements: Differentiates requirements based on the host cutter (e.g., WMSL, MEC-270, MEC-210, OPC, ICE BREAKERS, FRC).

This document is crucial for bidders as it defines the technical capabilities and performance standards for a UAS that must operate from various Coast Guard cutters. It details critical aspects such as sensor capabilities, communication ranges, operational endurance, environmental tolerances, and integration requirements. Bidders must carefully review these specifications to ensure their proposed UAS solution meets all stated requirements, including those related to platform compatibility, operational tempo, and data product quality.

Statement of Objectives (SOO)

This document outlines the U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG) intent to assess industry's capability to provide Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) services using Contractor-Owned, Contractor-Operated (COCO) Group 2 and 3 Medium Range Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MR UAS).

• Maritime ISR Operations: Conduct Surveillance, Detection, Classification, and Identification (SDCI) of maritime targets, deliver real-time imagery and data, and provide target illumination/communications relay.

• Operational Tempo: Services required include persistent 24-hour continuous coverage for shipboard and shore-based operations, with specific weekly/monthly hour requirements.

• Operational Environments: Services are needed for USCG cutters (National Security, Offshore Patrol, Ice Breaker, Medium Endurance) and shore-based regions (up to 35 sites), including Atlantic and Pacific areas, and Alaskan/Arctic areas.

• UAS Classification: Must be Group 2 or Group 3 UAS.

• Maturity and Readiness: System must be fully assembled, tested, operational, TRL 8, and possess necessary certifications (ATO, Frequency Spectrum, laser, Blue UAS list).

• Interoperability: Must integrate with the Coast Guard domain, transmit data to compatible USCG assets, and comply with FAA, FCC, and ICAO standards.

• Shipboard Integration: Equipment must fit existing space without structural changes. Laser systems require FDA certification, and Lithium batteries require NAVSEA certification with specific energy limits and safety container requirements.

• Provide and maintain UAS and personnel, logistics, life support, and equipment.

• Support annual Program Management Reviews and post-deployment reviews.

• Manage installation and de-installation, including on-site technical assistance.

• Provide comprehensive logistics and maintenance, including spare parts and battery disposal.

• Adhere to shipboard safety policies and maintain electromagnetic compatibility.

• Possess a SECRET Facility Security Clearance and ensure personnel have appropriate clearances.

• Comply with statutes regarding foreign-made UAS and USCG/DoD cybersecurity requirements.

• Issue orders with advance notice and guarantee minimum deployment length.

• Provide JP-5 fuel, berthing, meals, and 120-volt electrical power for cutter-based operations.

• Provide crane services for equipment handling.

• Serve as lead integrator for technical installation drawings and provide an Alteration Installation Team (AIT).

• Sponsor government testing.

• Operational Testing and Evaluation (OT&E): Occurs on the first outfitted ship/region.

• System Operational Verification and Test (SOVT): Contractor conducts pier-side and underway tests post-installation.

• Operational Test (OT): USCG conducts independent OT on each cutter class and shore-based site. A 30-day window is provided to rectify deficiencies if threshold requirements are not met.

• Threshold requirements are mandatory; systems not meeting them will not be considered. Objective requirements are desired but not required. Requirements are prioritized and indicated in plain text (minimum), italics (prioritized), and bold text (highest priority).

• Additional performance characteristics exceeding SPS are acceptable as optional capabilities.