Amended Request for Information (RFI) – Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) for Ground/Maritime Search and Rescue
ID: FA862925R6004Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE AIR FORCEFA8629 AFLCMC WISK SOF/PRWRIGHT PATTERSON AFB, OH, 45433, USA

Set Aside

No Set aside used (NONE)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/88ed613be1404b6999bcbc1dba4bc21e/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), is seeking information on small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) for ground and maritime search and rescue operations. The objective is to identify systems that can provide organic Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to enhance communication, threat detection, and personnel location in contested environments. These systems are crucial for Air Force Rescue Forces, particularly in scenarios where traditional aircraft may be denied access, such as in dense foliage or maritime conditions. Interested parties should submit their responses to the Request for Information (RFI) FA8629-25-R-6004 by July 25, 2025, and can contact Marissa Greenleaf at marissa.greenleaf@us.af.mil or Bradford Kenney at bradford.kenney.1.ctr@us.af.mil for further details.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Marissa Greenleaf
    marissa.greenleaf@us.af.mil
    Bradford Kenney
    bradford.kenney.1.ctr@us.af.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    GA RFI Amendment Document.docx
    This document outlines significant changes and additions to Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) and Key System Attributes (KSAs) for an sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft System) system, likely in response to an RFP or grant. The updates focus on enhancing the system's capabilities, including reducing the sUAS weight to 50 lbs (threshold) and 40 lbs (objective), increasing flight time to 40-59 minutes with a 2 kg payload, and requiring a contractor-provided backpack. Autonomous operation in GNSS-denied environments is now mandatory, along with a single electro-optical (EO) and thermal (IR) viewing payload with specified human detection ranges. Communication capabilities now include carrying and powering a PRC-163 radio, and obstacle avoidance has been expanded to omnidirectional. New KSAs require carrying specific communication equipment (Silvus SC4400E, Trellisware 950, L/S band high-gain directional antenna), integrating a NIR laser pointer for the EO/IR payload, and incorporating M-Code GPS. The document also poses detailed questions to potential contractors regarding how their proposed sUAS system meets these revised requirements, including specific technical details, measurements, and calculations for sensors and performance.
    RFI GA Small UAS FA8629-25-R-6004 18 July 25.pdf
    The Department of the Air Force, through AFLCMC/WISS, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) FA8629-25-R-6004 to identify small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) solutions for ground/maritime search and rescue operations. This RFI seeks to address a capability gap in Air Force Guardian Angel units, which currently lack the ability to locate and communicate with isolated personnel from a distance in contested environments, including those with ocean swells or dense foliage. The desired sUAS will provide organic Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) to extend communications, enhance threat detection, and locate personnel via a standoff effect. Key requirements include autonomous navigation with manual override, open architecture for multiple payloads, AES-256 FIPS compliant control and video/data links, Windows or Android control stations, a maximum weight of 55 lbs, minimum 40 minutes flight time, and resistance to maritime environmental effects. The sUAS should also have a minimum 7 lbs payload capacity, operate with and without GPS, and feature day and thermal sensors for detecting isolated personnel at specified distances. Communication payloads must support various tactical networking relays. The RFI also details sustainment concepts, requesting information on 3D printable components. Responses are due by July 25, 2025.
    RFI GA Small UAS FA8629-25-R-6004 18 July 25.pdf
    The Department of the Air Force, through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC), has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) intended for ground and maritime search and rescue operations. This RFI aims to gather information from qualified vendors regarding capabilities currently available in the market to enhance Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) for personnel recovery missions under contested environments. The primary capability gap identified involves the inability to locate isolated personnel from a distance, particularly in challenging maritime and land environments. The document outlines several key performance parameters for the sUAS, including autonomous navigation, payload integration, sensor capabilities, and resilience to environmental conditions. Notably, there has been a revision eliminating the requirement for tethered capabilities. Interested vendors are invited to submit responses including their technological qualifications, company information, and any relevant supporting materials by July 25, 2025. The responses will assist the government in shaping its acquisition strategies. The RFI emphasizes broad industry participation and encourages both U.S. and non-U.S. firms to respond while complying with specific government contracting guidelines.
    RFI GA Small UAS FA8629-25-R-6004 24 Jun 25.pdf
    The Department of the Air Force is seeking information from qualified vendors regarding small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) for ground and maritime search and rescue operations. This Request for Information (RFI) is for market research purposes only and aims to gather data on systems capable of enhancing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities for personnel recovery missions. Key requirements for the systems include autonomous navigation, payload capacity, and adherence to specific operational parameters such as a flight time of at least 40 minutes. The Air Force aims to address existing capability gaps that limit remote locating and communication with isolated personnel in challenging environments. Interested respondents must describe their technological capabilities, provide company information, and detail how their solutions meet the enumerated Key Performance Parameters (KPPs). Submissions are expected to include possible cost estimates and compliance with relevant regulations. This RFI invites broad industry participation from both U.S. and international companies and is due by July 22, 2025. The information collected will aid in developing acquisition strategies for the Air Force's operational needs.
    Similar Opportunities
    Level III Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems
    Homeland Security, Department Of
    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for Level III Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) to enhance the U.S. Border Patrol's (USBP) operational capabilities. The RFI seeks to identify vendors capable of providing sUAS that meet specific technical requirements, including FAA compliance, autonomy, AI integration, and interoperability with existing systems, while focusing on Group 1 and/or 2 weight classes (≤ 20 – 55 lbs.). This initiative is crucial for improving tactical field operations and ensuring effective border security measures. Interested vendors must submit their responses, including a white paper detailing their capabilities, by December 12, 2025, and can direct inquiries to USBP PMOD SUAS at USBPPMODSUAS@cbp.dhs.gov or Nicole Hubby at nicole.hubby@cbp.dhs.gov.
    15--RFI for Easy Aerial Tethered UAS
    Interior, Department Of The
    The Department of the Interior (DOI) is seeking vendors capable of providing Easy Aerial Tethered Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to support its operational needs. The procurement aims to acquire 2-6 units annually, with specific requirements including a tether length of at least 300 feet, a total weight under 55 lbs, and compatibility with designated payloads, while ensuring operation in adverse weather conditions. This initiative is crucial for enhancing DOI's operational capabilities, particularly in real-time surveillance and data collection. Interested vendors must submit their information by December 19, 2025, to the designated contacts, with questions due by December 5, 2025.
    Q&A Responses for Software - Small Uncrewed Aerial System (sUAS) Capabilities
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, is seeking industry feedback through a Q&A session related to the development of software for Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS) capabilities. This initiative aims to integrate a software stack via a Software Development Kit (SDK) into sUAS platforms, with a focus on establishing a standard interface protocol for autopilot and autonomy integrations while adhering to domestic sourcing requirements aligned with the DoD's "Buy American" initiatives. The Air Force will provide Concepts of Operation (CONOPS) and Interface Control Documents (ICDs) in future solicitations, which will allow for innovation within American sourcing constraints, and emphasizes the importance of anti-tamper measures. Interested parties can reach out to Marissa Greenleaf at marissa.greenleaf@us.af.mil or Jesse Cooley at jesse.cooley.1@us.af.mil for further information.
    Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Request for Information (RFI)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the United States Air Force (USAF), is seeking information on Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) technologies to enhance its capabilities in countering small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) across Groups 1, 2, and 3. The USAF aims to evaluate systems that can utilize track data from sensors to laze targets and launch guided Hydra 70 APKWS rockets, with a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6; however, native target detection/sensing and command and control (C2) capabilities are not required. This Request for Information (RFI) is intended for planning purposes only and will not lead to an award, with responses due by December 31, 2025. Interested vendors should submit detailed information regarding their systems, including company information, product specifications, and pricing, to the primary contacts Robert Gill and Ciabha Kelleher at the provided email addresses.
    Request for Information – Small Form Factor Component Technologies for a C-sUAS Interceptor
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army, is seeking information from qualified companies regarding small form factor component technologies for a Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft System (C-sUAS) interceptor. The objective is to gather data on existing missile component technologies, including seekers, Control Actuation Systems (CAS), batteries, Guidance Navigation Units/Inertial Measurement Units (GNU/IMU), and mission computers, that meet specific performance and production criteria. This initiative is crucial in addressing the evolving threats posed by small unmanned aircraft systems in modern warfare, aiming to develop interceptors that are smaller, more cost-effective, and capable of high-volume production. Interested parties must submit their responses, including a technical white paper and an Excel data sheet, by 11:00 AM CST on December 19, 2025, to the primary contact, Tammy J. Benson, at tammy.j.benson.civ@army.mil.
    Request for Information (RFI) for Passive Defense Solutions
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Air Force, has issued a Request for Information (RFI) for passive defense solutions aimed at countering threats posed by Group 1-3 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to USAF assets. The Air Force is seeking industry input on solutions that utilize Camouflage, Concealment, Deception, and Hardening (CC&D+H) measures, with an emphasis on low-cost, user-friendly, and rapidly deployable options that can integrate with existing systems. These solutions are critical for enhancing the protection of Air Force assets by reducing spectral and visual signatures while ensuring operational continuity. Interested vendors are required to submit a five-page response detailing their company overview, proposed solutions, technical approaches, performance data, and cost/schedule by December 22, 2025, at 1600 EST. For further inquiries, vendors may contact Timothy Overby at timothy.overby.1@us.af.mil or Jennifer Judkins at jennifer.judkins@us.af.mil.
    Request for Information - Man-Portable Direction Finding System - REVISED
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Department of the Air Force, is conducting market research to identify potential sources for a Man-Portable Direction Finding (DF) System intended for Special Warfare operations. This system is crucial for Guardian Angel teams to rapidly locate isolated personnel emitting radio frequency (RF) signals, enhancing their operational effectiveness in critical situations. Key requirements for the system include high direction finding accuracy, a broad frequency range of 500 KHz to 6 GHz, a lightweight and rugged design, and interoperability with existing equipment, among other capabilities. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their responses detailing product capabilities and associated costs by January 2, 2026, to Jamie Sclafani at jamie.sclafani@us.af.mil.
    Wave Gliders
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force Test Center, intends to award a sole source contract to Liquid Robotics, Inc. for the procurement of 20 unmanned surface vehicles, along with related control software, payloads, and launch and recovery equipment. These vehicles must meet stringent specifications, including capabilities for long-term operation at sea, advanced navigation and communication systems, and robust safety features to ensure operational integrity in challenging marine environments. This acquisition is critical for enhancing the Air Force's operational capabilities in maritime environments, with an anticipated contract award date of December 19, 2025. Interested parties may direct inquiries to Kristina B. Brannon at kristina.brannon.1@us.af.mil, and responses must be submitted by 12:00 pm CST on December 18, 2025.
    Air Force - Small UAS & Asymmetric Capabilities - Commercial Solutions Opening
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of the Air Force is initiating a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to seek innovative commercial technologies that support defense and asymmetric capabilities, specifically through the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Special Operations Forces & Personnel Recovery Division. This CSO aims to address future requirements through a structured three-phase competitive process, which includes Solution Briefs, Pitch Sessions, and full written Proposals, although no proposals are being accepted at this time. The CSO is significant for enhancing the capabilities of the Air Force in areas of special operations and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. Interested parties can find further guidance in the attached documents, with the CSO open for an initial period until September 3, 2026, and no funding currently available for this initiative. For inquiries, contact the USAF Asymmetric Capabilities CSO Group at USAFAsymmetricCapabilitiesCSO@groups.af.mil.
    PM UAS - Company Level Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (SUAS)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Army, is seeking submissions for the Company Level Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (SUAS) challenge, facilitated by One Nation Innovation (ONI). This initiative aims to assess viable SUAS candidates for flight demonstrations that support the United States Army Maneuver Elements, while also contributing to the establishment of an Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Marketplace. The challenge consists of multiple phases, with the first two phases focusing on White Paper responses from November 3 to December 17, 2024, to gather potential solutions for urgent operational requirements. Interested parties can submit their responses through the designated marketplace link and direct any inquiries to Adam Geneva at adam.m.geneva.civ@army.mil.