The United States Department of Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) has released a Request for Information (RFI) in support of the C-UAS Capability Optimization Research Environment (CORE) initiative. CORE is an international cooperative effort between the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada to conduct counter-drone system tests and demonstrations in multiple operational environments. DHS S&T leads the US tests and demonstrations. In FY25Q3/Q4, DHS S&T will host and lead the second iteration of CORE in the US (U.S. CORE II).
The RFI relates to participation in CORE II for vendors with an integrated C-UAS solution. The C-UAS technology can be a commercially available product or an operational prototype. It must be capable of detecting, tracking, and identifying Group 1 and 2 UAS.
DHS S&T says the use cases for this prospective C-UAS solution would include but not limited to prison security, critical infrastructure protection, government owned/operated building security, campus protection, mass gathering events (i.e., sporting events, outdoor festivals, parades, etc.), and National Special Security Events (NSSE)/ Special Event Assessment Rating Events (SEAR) security.
The RFI states that the unit cost must not exceed USD250,000, inclusive of all hardware, software, and accessories necessary for the system to perform its specified detection, identification, monitor and tracking capabilities. The cost must also cover any required components for full operation, such as power supplies, mounting equipment, and standard support software. Optional or additional features beyond the required functionality must be itemised separately and not affect the base cost.
After vendor submissions are reviewed by DHS S&T, selected vendors will be invited to participate in the US CORE II event that will occur from May 12, 2025 to May 16, 2025 at the Fort Wolters National Guard Base in Mineral Wells, TX. US CORE II will be comprised of stakeholders from multiple federal agencies; state, local, tribal, and territorial governments; and international partners. Additional details will be provided to the selected vendors.
During U.S. CORE II, the C-UAS technology’s performance and usability will be assessed. The technology must be deployable for the US CORE II demonstration event in May 2025. Prospective sensor modalities may include, but are not limited to, variables such as: radar, passive radio frequency, electro-optical cameras, infrared cameras, acoustic sensors, bi-static radar, etc. Systems should have a range of 1km and greater, with a 180 to 360 degrees field of view.
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