UAS BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT Solicitation Number: 697DCK-25-R-00278 Call 001-2026
ID: 697DCK-25-R-00278Type: Solicitation
Overview

Buyer

TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OFFEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION697DCK REGIONAL ACQUISITIONS SVCSFORT WORTH, TX, 76177, USA

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715)

PSC

TRANSPORTATION R&D SERVICES; SURFACE TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC TRANSIT, AND RAIL; APPLIED RESEARCH (AS12)

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/65fb410dbdf44241864f2f21fc05d11c/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Transportation, through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is seeking proposals for the UAS Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) under Solicitation Number 697DCK-25-R-00278, specifically for Call 001-2026. This opportunity invites white papers aimed at demonstrating and validating technologies for the safe integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System, with a focus on areas such as UAS Traffic Management and Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight operations. A total funding amount of $12 million is available, to be distributed among FAA-designated UAS test sites, with a requirement for a 1:1 cost-share match from respondents. Interested parties must submit their white papers by January 9, 2026, and can direct inquiries to Contracting Officers Scott E. Raber and Kristin T. Frantz via their provided emails.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Scott E. Raber, Contracting Officer
    Scott.E.Raber@faa.gov
    Kristin T. Frantz, Contracting Officer
    Kristin.T.Frantz@faa.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    697DCK-25-R-00278 BAA SIR Call 001-2026 Questions and Answers.pdf
    The FAA's Whitepaper Call 001-2026, 697DCK-25-R-00278, outlines funding and submission guidelines for UAS projects. The deadline for white papers has been extended to January 9, 2026. A total of $12 million is available, to be equally divided among FAA-designated UAS test sites, with an estimated maximum FAA cost share per test site ranging from $1,333,333 to $1,714,285, depending on the number of active test sites. Projects require a 1:1 cost share match from respondents, which can include various contributions like cash, property, or in-kind services, and can involve multiple partners. Respondents must partner with a designated FAA UAS Test Site, but test sites do not participate in proposal evaluation. Companies can submit multiple white papers with different test sites and scopes. The FAA encourages projects that involve the development, testing, and evaluation of UAS technologies, with a preference for systems demonstrating technological readiness in an operational environment. There are no 1:1 technical discussions, and foreign entities are permitted to submit as long as they are not on the Specially Designated Nationals List.
    UAS BAA 25-28 Solicitation 697DCK-25-R-00278 Final.pdf
    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued Solicitation# 697DCK-25-R-00278, a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). This BAA seeks Whitepapers from the UAS industry to advance the integration of UAS into the national airspace system (NAS), in line with the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The program, active until September 30, 2028, has a total funding cap of $24 million, subject to annual availability, and requires a 1:1 minimum cost-share. Key focus areas include UAS Traffic Management (UTM), Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) operations, Electronic Conspicuity (EC), Command and Control (C2) Link Technologies, Detect and Avoid (DAA) Technologies, and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Respondents must submit Whitepapers detailing their proposed projects, which will be evaluated based on operational readiness, mission importance, and funding availability. Selected Whitepapers may receive a Request for Proposal (RFP). All flight testing must partner with one of the seven FAA UAS Test Sites, requiring a Letter of Attestation from the chosen site.
    UAS BAA Call 001-2026 for Whitepapers Final.pdf
    The FAA has issued a Call for Whitepapers (697DCK-25-R-00278, Call 001-2026) under its UAS Broad Agency Announcement. This call seeks proposals for demonstrating and validating systems and technologies to safely integrate Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System. Respondents must adhere to the UAS BAA and this Whitepaper Call, submitting proposals linked to specific Focus Areas. Key requirements include a Letter of Attestation from a partnering FAA UAS Test Site, a Rough Order of Magnitude for the project, and adherence to a 1:1 minimum cost-share requirement, where the FAA will fund no more than 50% of the total cost. Submissions must follow specific naming and formatting conventions. Whitepapers will be evaluated based on their applicability to FAA's mission, operational readiness, and funding availability. Selected Whitepapers will advance to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. Technical questions are due by October 17, 2025, and Whitepapers by November 14, 2025. An anticipated $12,000,000 in funding is available, with awards expected by September 30, 2026.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    UAS BROAD AGENCY ANNOUNCEMENT Solicitation Number: 697DCK-25-R-00278
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