FA8629-26-S-C001(Call-001)_Air Force - Small UAS & Asymmetric Capabilities - Commercial Solutions Opening

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is issuing a Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) to acquire mature small‑UAS (sUAS) platforms that can be air‑launched, carry a communications‑relay payload, and operate in contested environments. The effort is structured as a five‑phase down‑select: Phase 1 (solution briefs), Phase 2 (pitch sessions), Phase 3 (prototype I – payload integration & flight demo), Phase 4 (prototype II – air‑launch demo), and Phase 5 (follow‑on low‑rate/full‑rate production). Only baseline systems that have reached at least TRL 6 with proven flight heritage are eligible; clean‑sheet development is excluded. The government will fund integration and engineering needed to adapt the platform for launch from a SOCOM PEO‑FW air vehicle. Successful vendors may be awarded a non‑competitive production contract after Phase 4. • Target capability: single‑use, air‑launched sUAS with ≥1000 km range (or ≥6 hr endurance), ≥35 lb payload (goal 50 lb), 1000 W payload power, max gross weight ≤330 lb. • Required performance: loiter ≥90 min (goal 180 min), speed ≥60 kt loiter, ≥90 kt cruise, ≥120 kt dash, operation from –40 °F to 140 °F, BLOS via PLEO, open‑architecture MOSA compliance. • Phase 1 solution brief due 30 Sep 2026 (10‑page paper or 20‑slide deck). • Phase 2 virtual/in‑person pitch sessions 19‑23 Oct 2026. • Subsequent phases will be driven by separate RFPs; pricing not pre‑priced. • Target average procurement unit cost (excluding payload) ≈ $250,000 at mature production volumes. • Open to U.S. and international firms; must have CAGE/DUNS and be SAM‑registered. • Security: Phase 1/2 unclassified; later phases may require Secret clearance.