ContractSources Sought

Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) Munition Payload Interface Solution - Sources Sought

DEPT OF DEFENSE• W15QKN-26-X-1B5A
Response Deadline
Mar 2, 2026
Deadline passed
Days Remaining
0
Closed
Set-Aside
Full & Open
Notice Type
Sources Sought

Contract Opportunity Analysis

The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army Contracting Command – New Jersey, is conducting market research through a sources sought notice to identify potential sources for an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) munition payload interface solution. The objective is to find solutions that comply with or enhance the Picatinny Common Lethality Interface Kit (CLIK) Design Standard or its small UAS counterpart, the small Universal Payload Interface (sUPI), to facilitate rapid integration of payloads onto UAS platforms. This initiative is crucial for enhancing combat capabilities by enabling the delivery of munition payloads through small UAS, thereby improving battlefield effectiveness and adaptability. Interested parties must submit their capabilities statements by 12:00 p.m. EST on March 2, 2026, to the designated contacts, Peter W. Gerhard and Zachary Smith, via email, and are encouraged to monitor SAM.gov for further updates, including an upcoming industry day in Summer 2026.

Classification Codes

NAICS Code
336411
Aircraft Manufacturing
PSC Code
1550
UNMANNED AIRCRAFT

Solicitation Documents

3 Files
sUPI_Platform_Brief_Distro A.pdf
PDF•408 KB•Jan 29, 2026
AI Summary
The Small Universal Payload Interface (sUPI) provides an interchangeable connection for payloads to unmanned systems (UxS) platforms like drones. This interface, a subset of the Picatinny Common Lethality Interface Kit (CLIK) Design Standard, enables payload detection and supplies power, USB, and GPIO connectivity through a physical/electrical interface. The sUPI platform-side electronics board requires specific wiring for power (13-25.2 vDC) and signals (PWM ±5 vDC, USB 0-3.3vDC). Mechanically, the sUPI Platform Side is mounted using three M3x0.5 thread, 8mm long screws. Platforms must either be drilled and tapped or fitted with a custom adapter to accommodate the sUPI interface. This document describes a standardized interface designed to enhance modularity and interoperability for drone payloads within government and defense applications.
sUPI_Payload_Brief_Distro A.pdf
PDF•455 KB•Jan 29, 2026
AI Summary
The Small Universal Payload Interface (sUPI) provides an interchangeable interface for connecting payloads to uncrewed systems (UxS) platforms like drones. This interface, a subset of the Picatinny Common Lethality Interface Kit (CLIK) Design Standard, enables payloads to be controlled by the drone's interface board, which also supplies power and USB/GPIO connectivity. The sUPI payload side electronics board requires specific wire gauges for power (18-22AWG for 13-25.2 vDC) and signals (24-30AWG for GPIO ±5 vDC and USB 0-3.3vDC), offering regulated power options (3.3, 5, 7.4, or 12 vDC) via solder bridge. Mechanically, the sUPI Payload Side mounts to a payload using three M3x0.5mm screws, requiring either direct drilling and tapping of holes into the payload or the creation of a custom adapter. This standardized interface aims to streamline payload integration and enhance interoperability for UxS platforms.
Picatinny_CLIK_1760580463_Distro A.pdf
PDF•2418 KB•Jan 29, 2026
AI Summary
The Picatinny Common Lethality Integration Kit (CLIK) Design Standard outlines requirements for integrating lethal and non-lethal payloads with unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Developed by DEVCOM Armaments Center, this standard aims to standardize physical and electronic interfaces, enabling modular and interchangeable payloads across various platforms without requiring separate certifications. It covers mechanical, electrical, and communication protocol requirements for both payloads and platforms, including mounting to MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails, power delivery, Ethernet and serial interfaces, and safety critical commands for arming and firing. The standard introduces a tiered integration approach (Levels 1-3 currently defined) and defines a "CLIK Unit" for payload sizing and power consumption. The objective is to achieve seamless interoperability and reduce integration burdens, enhancing warfighter capabilities.

Related Contract Opportunities

Project Timeline

postedOriginal Solicitation PostedJan 29, 2026
deadlineResponse DeadlineMar 2, 2026
expiryArchive DateApr 10, 2026

Agency Information

Department
DEPT OF DEFENSE
Sub-Tier
DEPT OF THE ARMY
Office
W6QK ACC-PICA

Point of Contact

Name
Peter W. Gerhard

Official Sources

View on SAM.gov