AFGSC - Handheld Drone Detection Device Prototype
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), through the AFGSC OTA Partnership coordinated by Collaboration Link and Army Contracting Command – Rock Island, is seeking prototype handheld drone detection devices manufactured in the United States. The effort is focused on improving force protection and situational awareness at Priority Level 1 nuclear military installations.
The government is looking for lightweight handheld counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) detection devices capable of detecting, identifying, tracking, and assessing small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) during both day and night operations. Required features include integrated thermal imaging and night vision functionality, range detection over 1,000 yards, onboard storage, and image capture capabilities.
Applications are due by Jun 11, 2026 at 04:00 PM.
How much funding would I receive?
Estimated awards are between $500k - $2m.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding would support the prototyping and potential fielding of handheld drone detection devices with capabilities including:
Day and night usage
Drone detection capabilities
High precision infrared capabilities
Image capture and recording options
Range detection over 1,000 yards
Onboard storage capabilities
Manufacturing in the United States
The devices are intended to improve installation security posture, enable early threat warning, support security forces response actions, and reduce vulnerabilities posed by commercial and adversarial drone technologies.
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Potential benefits include:
Opportunity to prototype technology for Air Force Global Strike Command
Potential pathway through an AFGSC OTA contracting vehicle
Exposure to defense and national security end users
Participation in a rapid down-select process anticipated within 30 days of posting
The solicitation does not specify follow-on production opportunities or additional program benefits.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
The challenge posting opened on May 21, 2026 at 05:00 PM. Applications are due by Jun 11, 2026 at 04:00 PM.
ONI anticipates a rapid down-select within 30 days of posting.
The solicitation does not specify award timing, funding disbursement timing, or project start dates.
Where does this funding come from?
This opportunity is being issued through the AFGSC OTA Partnership. The effort is coordinated by Collaboration Link on behalf of Air Force Global Strike Command’s Rapid Capability Division. Award is expected to be made under the AFGSC OTA in coordination with Army Contracting Command – Rock Island.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible, companies must:
Be a small business with fewer than 500 employees
Be located in the United States
Have at least 50% ownership by U.S. citizens or permanent residents
Perform all funded work in the United States
Employ a Principal Investigator (PI) at least 20 hours per week
Have the PI commit at least one month (173 hours) of work per six months of project duration
NSF states it does not fund:
Companies majority-owned by multiple venture capital firms
Companies majority-owned by private equity firms
Companies majority-owned by hedge funds
The PI does not need advanced degrees.
What companies and projects are likely to win?
The solicitation appears to favor companies with:
Existing handheld drone detection technology
U.S.-manufactured products
Integrated thermal imaging and night vision capabilities
Long-range detection capability exceeding 1,000 yards
Experience supporting defense or security applications
Ability to rapidly prototype and field solutions
The government specifically references concerns related to unauthorized drone incursions at strategic military installations and evolving adversary drone threats.
The posted scoring rubric places the highest weight on:
Detection and identification performance (20%)
Thermal and night vision integration (15%)
U.S. manufacturing and supply chain compliance (15%)
Submissions will be evaluated using a combination of subject matter expert review and One Nation Innovation’s AI-powered rubric generation tools.
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Key restrictions and requirements include:
Devices must be made in the United States
Responses must be between 2–10 pages maximum
Respondents must submit through https://gocolosseum.org
Proposals must include:
Proposed Period of Performance
Proposed Applicable Documents
Proposed Technical Approach
Proposed Deliverables
Proposed Schedule with Milestones
Proposed Payment Schedule
Proposed Patents and Data Rights
Proposed Costs by Milestone including labor category breakdowns and ROM costs
Respondents must complete the Agreement Holder’s Representations form
The solicitation does not specify cost share requirements, security clearance requirements, or export control restrictions.
How long will it take me to prepare an application?
The application appears designed for rapid submission.
Required responses are limited to 2–10 pages and require:
Technical concept
Implementation approach
Company information
Past performance
Milestone schedule
ROM pricing and cost breakdowns
Companies with an existing prototype or mature drone detection capability could likely prepare a submission relatively quickly.
How can BW&CO help?
BW&CO can help your team:
Position your technology against the government’s stated drone threat priorities
Translate technical capabilities into defense customer language
Develop a compliant OTA-style white paper submission
Build milestone-based project plans and ROM budgets
Strengthen your technical approach and deliverables package
Support rapid-turn proposal preparation for accelerated timelines