Bid guide
How to bid on Recoverable Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems for DHS
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is conducting market research for its Drone Development Program. They are looking for information on recoverable, reusable, and lightweight small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS). These systems should support frontline operational awareness, surveillance, search and rescue, incident response, perimeter security, disaster assessment, maritime awareness, and law enforcement support.
DHS is interested in complete multirotor system kits that offer rapid deployment, video or imagery payloads, and secure data links. Key requirements include domestic sourcing, NDAA compliance, strong cybersecurity, and supply chain maturity. This is an opportunity for sUAS manufacturers to inform DHS about their capabilities and products for future needs.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on September 03, 2026. All responses must be submitted by October 05, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. This is a voluntary market research effort, not a solicitation for bids, and the government will not pay for any costs incurred in preparing or submitting a response.
The deadline is when DHS will stop accepting information. Submitting your response by this date ensures your company's capabilities are considered in their market research.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for companies that manufacture or supply complete small multirotor unmanned aircraft system kits. Firms with products that meet specific criteria such as rapid deployment, operational video/imagery payloads, secure command and control, and data links are particularly relevant.
Vendors whose products are domestically sourced, NDAA compliant, and demonstrate Blue UAS/Green UAS or equivalent cybersecurity and supply chain maturity should consider responding. Companies with scalable production capacity will also be a good fit for this market research.
How to respond
To access the full details of this opportunity, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the “View original source” button. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though for some bids, this is not required.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When responding to an RFI like this, focus on clearly detailing how your sUAS kits meet each of the agency's stated interests. Provide specific examples of features that address rapid deployment, payload capabilities, and data security.
Highlight your compliance with domestic sourcing and NDAA requirements, and describe your cybersecurity and supply chain maturity. Even though this is market research, a well-structured and informative response can position your company favorably for future solicitations from DHS.
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 Department of Homeland Security; the original posting controls.