Bid guide
How to bid on Expeditionary Unmanned Aerial System (eUAS) 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 seeking information on companies that can provide transportable, on-demand manufacturing capabilities for unmanned aerial systems (UASs), also known as drones. This includes ready-to-fly aircraft, drone build kits, counter-UAS systems, spare parts, and supplies.
The goal is to enable rapid, persistent, and distributed production of these systems in remote military environments. This reduces reliance on traditional supply chains and allows forces to quickly resupply critical assets in contested areas. This is a Request for Information (RFI), which means the Air Force is conducting market research, not offering a contract at this time. However, responding can help shape future procurement decisions.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information was published on August 07, 2026. Responses are due by August 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. This is a firm deadline for submitting your white paper.
At the deadline, the Air Force will stop accepting submissions. This RFI is for market research, so there will be no contract award immediately following the deadline. The information gathered will inform potential future procurement and government assessments.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for companies with expertise in manufacturing, particularly in advanced or additive manufacturing, and those familiar with unmanned aerial systems. The Air Force is looking for solutions that can operate in austere and remote military environments.
The relevant NAICS code is 334511, Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing. The size standard for this RFI is unrestricted, meaning businesses of all sizes can respond.
How to respond to this RFI
Companies interested in participating should submit a White Paper. This paper should include two main parts: Business Information and System Description, Capabilities, and Experience. You can use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Adobe PDF, or Excel compatible documents.
Submit electronic copies of your response via email to [email protected]. The subject line of your email should be: "<company name> RSO-AMPOECT-04 eUAS Manufacturing and Employment CRFI Response".
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Carefully review all key capability requirements outlined in the RFI. These include specific details on supply chain compliance (DCMA & NDAA alignment, foreign exclusion), physical footprint (ISO container/ISU 90, austere durability), power and environmental controls, system quality (open system architecture), and cybersecurity (data security, RMF integration). Ensure your response directly addresses how your solution meets or exceeds these requirements.
Clearly mark any proprietary information in your submission. The government will protect properly identified proprietary data. Also, consider including optional services such as training, technical support, maintenance, and effective assembly solutions if your company offers them, as these were mentioned as areas of interest.
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.