The United States Air Force (USAF) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to improve USAF understanding of market capabilities and identify qualified vendors capable of providing Counter Small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) integration, development, purchasing, fielding, training, and sustainment services. These activities will support C-sUAS systems that are capable of detecting, tracking, identifying, and defeating sUAS located globally.
USAF is tasked with protecting critical assets, which include but is not limited to personnel, bases, flight lines, storage areas, and equipment while in transit from sUAS (groups 1-3). These threats range further in capability from commercial or hobbyist to military UAS. The operators of these UAS and their intent can also range quite drastically. They could be a commercial hobbyist who has interest in the US Department of Defense and their activities or a nefarious actor who wishes to cause harm to personnel, gather intelligence about, or destroy military assets.
Currently, USAF has a diverse set of systems fielded globally to combat the threats. These systems were fielded in rapid response to an urgent threat and have been purchased from multiple vendors, each bringing different capabilities. Locations that have multiple systems operate as a System of System (SoS). The USAF is now looking to modernise the SoS, focusing on further development of an existing modular open Command-and-Control (C2) system. This C2 would need to achieve the following:
- SOSA Compliance for rapid integration of sensors and effectors
- MOSA compliance for rapid integration software modules, external links, and third-party services
- Continuous development with rapid incremental deliveries to meet mission needs (minimum of two per year)
- Continuous integration as needed to meet the threat.
- Persistent cyber patching and cyber security baked into the development process.
- AI/ML for object detection, ROE suggestions, operator workload reduction, and automation of the kill chain
The SoS will require capable sensors and effectors. The sensors/effectors used will be existing Commercial Off the Shelf or Government Off the Shelf equipment. This will require sensors to be tested, integrated, and fielded periodically. The software will enable rapid integration of new sensors/effectors as old ones become obsolete (end of life or operationally ineffective).
Responses to this RFI will help support the USAF strategy for this acquisition and identify businesses that are capable of successfully providing C-sUAS support to the USAF.
This request is for informational purposes only to promote exchanges of information with industry. The RFI states that “responses to this request are voluntary and will not affect any contractor’s ability to submit a proposal if, or when, an RFP is released”. No award will be made as a result of this request.
For more information
Image: A US Air Force security forces member operates a small unmanned aerial system within the US Central Command area of responsibility, April 11, 2024, as part of C-sUAS training to ensure maximum readiness. (US Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Derrick Bole)
