Vertical Take Off and Landing Drone
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 Department of the Air Force, specifically FA4913 AFCENT PMO, is conducting a Sources Sought for Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) Drones to support operations in Doha, Qatar. This market research aims to identify qualified businesses capable of providing commercially available Group 2 Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) with VTOL capabilities from unimproved locations. Capability statements are due by March 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Standard Time.
Purpose & Background
This notice is for market research only and is not a solicitation. The Air Force's Task Force 99 currently uses fixed-wing sUAS that require a 200-meter runway, limiting operational flexibility. The government seeks VTOL-capable aircraft with similar performance characteristics to overcome this limitation, desiring modularity for payload integration, telemetry, radio control, and network connectivity.
Key Requirements
- System: Group 2 sUAS with ground control station and RC transmitter.
- Capability: Vertical takeoff and landing from unimproved surfaces.
- Protocol: Utilization of MAVLINK for data exchange.
- Cost: Unit cost not to exceed $65K (objective ~$50K).
- Performance Characteristics (Minimum / Objective):
- Endurance: 6.5 hours / 20 hours
- Range: 1,100 km / 1,800 km
- Payload Capacity: 5 kg / 11 kg
- Payload Electrical Power: 24V @ 180A / 48V @ 180A
- Service Ceiling: 3,000 meters / 4,000 meters
- Cruise Speed: 80 km/h / 110 km/h
- Transportability: 72" x 44" / 60" x 44"
- Assembly Time: 30 minutes / 15 minutes
- Starlink Mini Integration: Two (2) inches clearance above fuselage.
Submission & Evaluation
Interested parties must submit a capability statement, not exceeding 10 pages, in Microsoft Word or PDF format. The submission should be emailed to jesse.bridge@spaceforce.mil with the subject line: "VERTICAL TAKE OFF AND LANDING SUAS - [Company Name] - Sources Sought Response." The capability statement should include company information (Name, Address, POC, CAGE Code, UEI), business size, socioeconomic status, experience, available products meeting requirements, production lead time, technical support, instruction manuals, and performance specifications of VTOL systems. This is for market research only; no contract will be awarded from this notice, and the government will not pay for submission costs.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Response Due: March 12, 2026, 10:00 AM EST
- Published: March 5, 2026
Contact
For questions, contact MSgt Jesse Bridge at jesse.bridge@spaceforce.mil.