Bid guide
How to bid on Expeditionary Unmanned Aerial System Manufacturing for the DEPT of Defense
What the Air Force is buying and why it matters
The United States Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office is conducting market research for on-demand, expeditionary manufacturing capabilities. They are looking for solutions to produce ready-to-fly Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs), drone build kits, counter-UAS systems, parts, and supplies. This capability aims to enable rapid, persistent, and distributed production of unmanned air systems close to where they are needed, reducing reliance on traditional supply chains.
This is an opportunity for businesses with innovative manufacturing solutions for unmanned aircraft and related systems. The Air Force is interested in capabilities that can operate in remote and austere environments, supporting quick replenishment of critical assets in contested areas. Optional services like training, technical support, and maintenance are also of interest.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on July 29, 2026. Responses are due by August 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. This is a market research effort, not a solicitation for a contract. The government will not reimburse costs for responding to this notice.
The deadline is for submitting your white paper and related documents via email. The information gathered will help the Air Force understand existing capabilities and inform potential future procurement decisions.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms specializing in Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (NAICS Code 334511). The notice is unrestricted, meaning businesses of all sizes can respond.
Companies with expertise in additive manufacturing, drone technology, counter-drone systems, and expeditionary manufacturing solutions will find this relevant. The Air Force is looking for capabilities that are transportable, durable in austere environments, and compliant with specific supply chain, cybersecurity, power, and environmental requirements.
How to respond to this request
To respond, you need to submit a White Paper that includes business information and a description of your system, capabilities, and experience. You can provide responses in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe PDF, or Excel compatible formats, or a combination.
Electronic copies must be emailed to [email protected]. The subject line of your email should be: "<company name> RSO-AMPOECT-04 eUAS CRFI Response".
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Carefully review all key capability requirements outlined in the RFI. Ensure your response clearly addresses how your solution meets or exceeds each requirement, including supply chain compliance, physical footprint, power, environmental controls, system quality, maintainability, and cybersecurity.
Since this is a Request for Information, focus on providing comprehensive details about your existing capabilities and any optional services you can offer. Highlight your experience in operating in remote or austere environments and your adherence to open system architectures and data security standards. Clearly mark any proprietary information to ensure it is protected.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of Defense; the original posting controls.