Group 3 UAS Support (May 2026)

This Sources Sought (SS) is issued solely for market research purposes to determine potential sources. This notice does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or Invitation for Bid (IFB) and is not to Be construed as a commitment by the Government to issue an order otherwise pay for the information solicited, nor is it a guarantee of a forthcoming solicitation or contract. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this announcement. It is the responsibility of potential quoters to monitor SAM.gov for additional information pertaining to this requirement.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES: Contractor to supply service/training opportunities for exercise operations and procedures outlined below...

The 23d FG will be responsible for activities during an exercise located in South Georgia, USA during May 2026, and seeks sources for Manned (pilot onboard) low observable (LO) Aircraft Systems contractor support. The purpose of this Sources Sought Notice is to identify capable and qualified vendors that can provide drone operations and training support for a Training Exercise. Services will be conducted in South Georgia, USA. Launch & recover operations will be conducted at the discretion of the selected vendor. Requesting an agency to conduct fixed wing, multi-drone operations in support of a Training Exercise. The 23d FG requests these drone operations to complete the following training objective: Low & slow fixed wing UAS threat detection and targeting. Aircraft will operate as red forces, but no live fire will be conducted on the aircraft (DRY operations). Activities will be conducted over land.

1.          GENERAL REQUIREMENTS.

1.1.      DRONE SERVICE. This contract specifically entails the service of operating drone-like aircraft. The contractor will ensure that any Aircraft Systems are not specifically procured for this contract and are already owned by the working contractor.

1.2.      OPERATING HOURS. All flying operations shall be accomplished in May 2026 for four (4) consecutive days. Flying will be conducted for 4 hours each day. Exact dates and times will be provided to contractor upon award.

1.3.      EQUIPMENT. The contractor will provide up to 2ea Group 3 manned aircraft (pilot onboard) and equipment to effectively maintain and operate for training operations. 3.3.1 Manned aircraft will need to be Low Observable (LO) Group 3 Equivalent aircraft less than 20 feet in dimension: LO equates to minimized Radar Cross Section (RCS), making them difficult to detect and track. Aircraft must be able to mimic Group 3 drone maneuvers.

1.3.1 Manned aircraft must have paint that reduces radar signature.

2.          SPECIFIC TASKS. The contractor must provide the following:

2.1.      The contractor’s duties shall conduct full-spectrum operation of up to 2ea Group 3 manned (pilot on board) aircraft during the exercise window.

2.1.1.  Launch & Recovery operations of up to 2ea Group 3 manned aircraft will be coordinated by the contractor.

2.2.      The contractor shall participate in any requested mission planning with the affiliated MGFEs.

2.3.      The contractor shall operate in the designated air spaces

2.4.      The contractor shall control manned Group 3 aircraft in a manner emulating adversary unmanned aircraft systems.

2.5.      Operating altitude is required between 2,000 to 18,000 feet.

2.6.      Operating speed shall be as low as 80 knots, and as high as 160 knots

2.7.      The contractor shall maintain continuous communication with a designated planning cell POC during exercise activities.

2.8.      The contractor must have the ability to reach designated MOAs from their departure/landing location.

2.9.      As applicable, must  receive FAA approval prior to exercise operations.

RESPONSES MUST ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING: Name, address, CAGE Code, SAM UEI, and main point of contact of your company. Provide a capability statement to show the ability to meet the requirement. Specify any and all socio-economic to which your business belongs (large business, small business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Section 8(a) etc.)

All responses shall be received by Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. Send responses via e-mail to SSgt Justin De Jesus,justin.de_jesus@us.af.mil by the response date. Please identify the Sources Sought ID number FA483026Q0019 in the email subject line. Any questions regarding this Sources Sought can be directed to justin.de_jesus@us.af.mil or at (229) 257-2084.