Group 1 Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) – Blue UAS Cleared

1.0 Introduction

This is a Sources Sought Notice / Request for Information (RFI) only. This notice is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a Request for Quote (RFQ), Request for Proposal (RFP), or a promise to issue a solicitation in the future. This RFI does not commit the Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever. The Department of War (DoW) is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals. Respondents are advised that the U.S. Government will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in response to this RFI.

2.0 Background and Objective

The 127th Mission Support Contracting is conducting market research to identify potential sources capable of providing a Group 1 Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) for tactical reconnaissance in contested, GPS-denied, and zero-light environments.

The Government anticipates a requirement for the Skydio X10D (Brand Name) or an equal platform that meets all the salient characteristics listed below.

3.0 Salient Characteristics / Minimum Requirements

To meet mission requirements, any proposed UAS must possess the following capabilities:

1. Blue UAS Certification: The platform must currently reside on the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) / DCMA Blue UAS Cleared List with an active Authority to Operate (ATO).
2. Zero-Light Autonomy: The system must be capable of fully autonomous flight and 360-degree obstacle avoidance in complete darkness (zero-light environments) utilizing active illumination and specialized sensors (without reliance on external ambient light).
3. GPS-Denied Navigation (VIO): The system must utilize Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO) or similar onboard optical compute to hold position, execute missions, and autonomously navigate/return to base in fully GPS-denied or heavily spoofed environments without drifting or requiring manual pilot intervention.
4. Thermal Sensitivity: The system must integrate a radiometric thermal sensor with a thermal sensitivity of <30mK to penetrate obscurants (smoke, fog, vegetation).
5. Dynamic Frequency Management: The system must possess a multiband radio capable of dynamic channel switching to maintain command and control (C2) in congested or contested Electronic Warfare (EW) environments.

4.0 Requested Information

Interested parties who believe they can meet these requirements are requested to submit a capability statement containing the following information:

1. Company Information: Company name, address, CAGE code, Unique Entity ID (UEI), and Point of Contact (Name, Email, Phone).
2. Business Size: State your business size status and any applicable socioeconomic categories (e.g., Small Business, SDVOSB, 8(a), HUBZone) under NAICS 336411.
3. Product Information:
   • If offering the Brand Name (Skydio X10D): Provide confirmation that you are an authorized reseller. Please include any applicable GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract numbers or Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Tailored Logistics Support (TLS) contract numbers.
   • If offering an "Equal" Product: Provide a detailed technical specification sheet and a capability narrative explicitly demonstrating how the proposed platform meets all the requirements listed in Section 3.0, including proof of current Blue UAS Cleared status.

5.0 Submission Instructions

Responses must be submitted via email to austin.parks.8@us.af.mil no later than 3:00PM EDT on 26 June 2026.

Please use the subject line: "Sources Sought Response: Group 1 UAS - [Your Company Name]".

Questions regarding this RFI will be accepted via email until 24 June 2026.