PM UAS - Short/Vertical Takeoff and Landing (S/VTOL)
ID: PMUAS-SVTOL1Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE ARMYW6QK ACC-RIROCK ISLAND, IL, 61299-0000, USA

NAICS

All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing (339999)

PSC

NATIONAL DEFENSE R&D SERVICES; DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE - MILITARY; EXPERIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT (AC13)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/09cea69fbbef4f9dbe747eda5ec9e0ed/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army, is seeking industry participation in the Group 4+ UAS | Short/Vertical Takeoff and Landing (S/VTOL) Challenge to address the obsolescence of legacy platforms in Multi-Domain Operations. The initiative aims to establish a collaborative engagement with industry partners to communicate the Army's desired characteristics for S/VTOL platforms while gathering feedback on their viability and the integration of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) components. This challenge is crucial for defining future priorities for S/VTOL unmanned aircraft and exploring potential modular component ecosystems, thereby fostering innovation in defense capabilities. Interested vendors are invited to submit white papers by January 8, 2026, detailing their S/VTOL solutions, and must demonstrate possession of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2 to obtain specific desired characteristics. For further inquiries, vendors can contact Mark Martinez at mark.martinez2.civ@army.mil or Jordan Myers at jordan.m.myers7.civ@army.mil.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Mark Martinez
    mark.martinez2.civ@army.mil
    Jordan Myers
    jordan.m.myers7.civ@army.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    Group 4 UAS_S-VTOL_Challenge_UNCLASS.pdf
    The U.S. Army is issuing a Request for Participation in the Group 4+ UAS | Short/Vertical Takeoff and Landing (S/VTOL) Challenge. This initiative aims to gather information and engage industry partners to define future priorities for S/VTOL unmanned aircraft and explore potential Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) ecosystems for modular components. The Army seeks to communicate its desired characteristics for these platforms while soliciting feedback from industry. Vendors are invited to submit white papers, due by January 8, 2026, detailing their S/VTOL air-vehicle solutions and weapon system components, addressing immediate, near-term, and long-term availability. This is solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation for proposals or a commitment to contract.
    Group 4_UAS_S-VTOL_Challenge_UNCLASSS 17 DEC 26.pdf
    The U.S. Army is issuing a Request for Participation in the Group 4+ UAS | Short/Vertical Takeoff and Landing (S/VTOL) Challenge to address the obsolescence of legacy platforms in Multi-Domain Operations. This initiative aims to establish dual engagement between the Army and industry partners to communicate desired characteristics for S/VTOL platforms and gather feedback on their viability and the integration of Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) components. The challenge seeks white papers by January 8, 2026, on S/VTOL platforms that meet specific desired characteristics, including air-vehicle, GFE, sensors, autonomy, onboard mission software architecture, and cybersecurity. This is solely for information and planning, not a commitment to contract, but aims to inform industry and encourage innovation for future Group 4+ UAS | S/VTOL efforts.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    PM UAS - Short/Vertical Takeoff and Landing (S/VTOL)
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
    Similar Opportunities
    Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) for the United States Marine Corps
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Naval Air Systems Command, is seeking information from vendors capable of providing Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) for the United States Marine Corps. The primary objective is to identify commercially available, low-cost, high-volume sUAS solutions that comply with recent legislative requirements, including the 2020 NDAA and the American Security Drone Act of 2023, with a focus on First Person View (FPV) capabilities. These systems are intended for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition missions, with the potential for rapid reconfigurability and modular payload capabilities, allowing for modifications and repairs by Marines without vendor involvement. Interested parties must submit their responses, including detailed technical specifications and cost breakdowns, to the designated contacts by the specified deadline, with an initial delivery timeline aimed for January 2026. For further inquiries, vendors can reach out to Hannah Cha at hannah.s.cha.civ@us.navy.mil or Kristen Ferro at kristen.w.ferro.civ@us.navy.mil.
    Industry Day FY25-30 Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) at Fort Drum, New York, is hosting an Industry Day to engage small business vendors regarding the procurement of Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) under a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for fiscal years 2025-2030. The primary requirements include providing sUAS compliant with the Blue UAS Cleared or Select Lists or NDAA compliant systems, along with repair parts, sustainment support, live demonstrations, and technical expertise for the BPA. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the operational capabilities of the Army through advanced unmanned aircraft technology. Interested vendors must respond with company information and authorization documentation to participate in the Industry Day, which is scheduled for February 2026, with further details to be communicated via email. For inquiries, vendors can contact Justin C. Gould at justin.c.gould5.mil@army.mil or Nataly Johnson at nataly.l.johnson.mil@army.mil.
    DARPA Lift Challenge
    Dept Of Defense
    The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is sponsoring the DARPA Lift Challenge, aimed at advancing vertical lift unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by achieving a significant improvement in payload-to-weight ratios to 4:1. This challenge invites participants to develop novel UAS designs capable of meeting this goal, with multiple prizes awarded for innovative solutions. The challenge is unclassified and open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and U.S. entities, with registration opening on January 5, 2026, and closing on May 1, 2026. Interested participants can reach out to the TTO BAA Coordinator at DARPALiftChallenge@darpa.mil for further information.
    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.
    Drone Dominance Program Phase I - Request for Solutions
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Navy through NSWC Crane, is initiating the Drone Dominance Program Phase I, a solicitation aimed at acquiring one-way attack small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) to enhance ground combat capabilities. This program seeks to provide low-cost, scalable drone solutions that are resilient and capable of meeting the evolving demands of modern warfare, addressing historical challenges in traditional acquisition timelines. The initiative represents a significant shift in procurement strategy, focusing on purchasing demonstrated capabilities through competitive Gauntlet test events, with a total funding of $1.1 billion allocated for prototype orders over four phases in the next two years. Interested vendors can reach out to primary contact Jordan Schnarr at jordan.m.schnarr.civ@us.navy.mil or secondary contact Alex Collier at alex.o.collier.civ@us.navy.mil for further details on participation and requirements.
    DevX Autonomy
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, through the Army Applications Laboratory (AAL) and the Transformation and Training Command (T2COM), is issuing an open call for innovative Autonomous Unmanned System (AUS) solutions under the initiative titled "DevX Autonomy." This solicitation aims to advance the research, development, testing, procurement, and sustainment of autonomy and unmanned systems-related hardware and software solutions, addressing capability gaps and enhancing the state of the art in this field. The initiative is significant for centralizing AUS solution assessments and streamlining procurement processes, allowing for rapid acquisition of award-ready solutions. Interested parties can submit their proposals monthly from December 30, 2025, to July 31, 2026, and should direct inquiries to DevX Autonomy at devx-help@aal.army.
    Aviation and Missile R&D BAA
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the U.S. Army Futures Command, is soliciting research proposals through a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) focused on Aviation and Missile Research and Development (AMRD). The BAA aims to advance critical technologies in areas such as rotorcraft engine systems, intelligent teaming, and missile seekers, with a two-step submission process for concept papers and full proposals that emphasizes scientific merit and alignment with Army modernization goals. This initiative is crucial for enhancing the Army's operational capabilities and addressing technology gaps, with funding contingent on availability and project relevance. Interested parties can contact Laurie Pierce at laurie.a.pierce2.civ@army.mil or Devon Wolfe at devon.k.wolfe2.civ@army.mil for further details, with the submission deadline extended to July 3, 2027.
    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.
    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.
    Commercial Solutions Opening for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2)
    Dept Of Defense
    The Department of Defense, specifically the Air Force's Architecture and Integration Directorate (AFLCMC/XA), is seeking innovative solutions through its Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) for Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2). The objective is to enhance capabilities related to aerial communications and networking systems, focusing on Software Programmable Open Mission Systems Compliant (SPOC) Multi-Function Processors (MFPs) that support the Department of the Air Force's Battle Management Network. This initiative is critical for developing scalable, resilient, and open-architecture solutions that can operate effectively in various operational environments. Interested vendors must submit White Papers by April 9, 2024, detailing their proposed solutions, with potential contract awards anticipated by August 2, 2024. For inquiries, contact Capt Alexandra Hutchinson or Mr. Chhunheng Phay.