Industry Participation in the future Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Innovation Hub at Blue Grass Army Depot
ID: Sources_Sought_UAS_Innovation_Hub_BGADType: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

DEPT OF DEFENSEDEPT OF THE ARMYW6QK ACC-APG CONT CT TYAD OFCTOBYHANNA, PA, 18466-0000, USA

NAICS

Engineering Services (541330)

PSC

SUPPORT- PROFESSIONAL: ENGINEERING/TECHNICAL (R425)

Original Source

https://sam.gov/workspace/contract/opp/279055ed8ee44344933de3605eab6b34/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Defense, specifically the Department of the Army, is seeking industry participation for the establishment of a future Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Innovation Hub at the Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) in Richmond, Kentucky. This initiative aims to accelerate the development and fielding of UAS technologies for Army Soldiers through rapid prototyping and fostering a collaborative ecosystem, with a focus on advanced flight testing, AI and robotics development, and hardware-in-the-loop validation. The BGAD site offers extensive resources, including developed complexes, flight testing airspace, and Army garrison support services, making it a pivotal location for UAS innovation. Interested parties are invited to attend a site survey on January 21, 2026, and must submit their electronic responses by January 28, 2026, detailing their capabilities and experience. For further inquiries, contact Dean Berkovics at dean.m.berkovics.civ@army.mil or by phone at 570-615-6627.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Dean Berkovics
    (570) 615-6627
    dean.m.berkovics.civ@army.mil
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    BGAD Flyer OIB OPT_v2.7 wof.pdf
    The Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD) is establishing itself as the U.S. Army's Innovation Center for accelerating the development of cutting-edge Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) technologies. This initiative focuses on rapid prototyping, agile software development, and fostering a collaborative ecosystem. BGAD offers two developed complexes, over 600 acres for future expansion, a skilled workforce, and a 40,000 sq ft office space with controlled storage and SCIF capabilities. The site provides access to flight testing airspace, a helipad, upgraded infrastructure, and varied terrain for battlefield simulations. It also benefits from full Army garrison support services, secure access, and available Army investment. The U.S. Army SkyFoundry Team is the contact for more information.
    RFI_BGAD Innovation Hub.docx
    The Department of the Army is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) to identify industry, academic, and innovator partnerships for a future Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Innovation Hub at Blue Grass Army Depot (BGAD). This hub aims to accelerate UAS technology development and fielding for Army Soldiers via rapid prototyping and a collaborative ecosystem, informing Army Materiel Command’s SkyFoundry initiative. The Innovation Hub will facilitate advanced sUAS flight testing, realistic training, collaborative development of AI and robotics, and hardware-in-the-loop validation. Prospective partners must demonstrate a willingness to achieve drone dominance, a history of collaboration, support for Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA), and experience in rapid prototyping. Interested parties are invited to attend a site survey on January 21, 2026, and submit electronic responses by January 28, 2026, detailing business information, capabilities, experience, and interests.
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