Recoverable Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Frontline Operational Awareness and Surveillance Missions

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is conducting market research via an RFI to gather information on recoverable, reusable, lightweight, rapidly deployable small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) that can support a wide range of frontline missions such as surveillance, search‑and‑rescue, incident response, perimeter security, disaster assessment, maritime awareness, and law‑enforcement support. DHS seeks complete multirotor kit solutions—including air vehicle, controller, batteries, payload (EO/IR), rugged case, software, training, warranty, and support—preferably domestic, NDAA‑compliant, and meeting Blue/Green UAS cybersecurity standards. The agency is interested in pricing, production scalability (up to 50,000 units at a target $3,000 per kit), and sustainment models, and may later hold demonstrations or challenge events. • Desired system: Small quadcopter/multirotor, recoverable & reusable, ≤5 lb (objective ≤3 lb). • Performance: ≥30 min endurance, ≥5 mi range, setup <2 min, launch‑to‑flight <30 s, video ready <2.5 min. • Payload: Real‑time EO video, optional IR/thermal, onboard recording, full metadata. • Cybersecurity: NDAA compliance, Blue/Green UAS standards, AES‑256 encrypted links, minimal cloud reliance, U.S.‑based supply chain. • Production: Initial quantity ~10 units, scalability to 50 k units; target unit price $3,000 at high volume. • Training: Full system training ≤4 h (objective ≤2 h), familiarization ≈1 h. • Submission deadline: 5 PM ET, 5 Nov 2026; responses voluntary, no cost reimbursement.