The United States Air Force (USAF) is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to enhance its understanding of market capabilities and identify qualified vendors for Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) services. These services include integration, development, purchasing, fielding, training, and sustaining C-sUAS systems capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and defeating sUAS globally. Responses to this RFI will inform the USAF’s acquisition strategy and identify businesses capable of providing effective C-sUAS support.
The USAF’s C-sUAS mission focuses on defending critical assets from various threats, including personnel, bases, flight lines, storage areas, and equipment in transit. Given the widespread use of UAS technologies for recreational and military purposes, the USAF is responsible for safeguarding these assets from diverse threats.
These threats are classified into Groups 1-3 UAS, which vary significantly in capability. The characteristics for Group 1-3 UAS are as follows:
Size: Less than 1,320 lbs
Speed: Less than 250 knots
Operating Altitude: Below Flight Line 180 or below 3,500 ft AGL
The threats posed by these UAS range from commercial or hobbyist drones to military-grade systems, creating a constantly evolving challenge. The operators and their intentions can also vary widely, from commercial hobbyists interested in DoD activities to malicious actors aiming to harm personnel, gather intelligence, or destroy military assets.
The USAF is tasked with protecting a broad spectrum of assets from a wide and ever-evolving threat landscape.
Original Published Date: Jul 24, 2024, 01:11 pm EDT
Original Response Date: Aug 23, 2024, 10:00 am EDT
Please visit Request for Information U.S. Air Force Counter-small Unmanned Aircraft Systems on sam.gov for more information.
Post Image- A B-52H Stratofortress takes off from a flight line on Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, Nov. 21, 2019. The B-52 was utilized as part of a communication test between the 5th Bomb Wing and the 2nd Bomb Wing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jesse Jenny)
