JDEC Directed Energy Counter-UAS Prototypes (DEcUAS)

Executive Summary

The Joint Directed Energy Consortium is preparing to fund prototypes that defeat drones with directed energy: high energy lasers (1 to 70 kW), high power microwave and airborne systems. Subsystem and software solutions are welcome. The Request for Solutions has not been released, so no deadline is set yet.

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Awards will be Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype agreements. Because the solicitation is still coming soon, companies that line up their approach, membership and partners now will be best placed when the Request for Solutions drops.

Solicitation at a Glance

• Agency: Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)), Critical Technologies, Scaled Directed Energy (SCADE) Office
• Opportunity: Directed Energy Counter Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (DEcUAS)
• Consortium: Joint Directed Energy Consortium (JDEC), managed by NSTXL
• Award Vehicle: Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype awards
• Funding: not yet published
• Technology Maturity: Prototype systems and key partial solutions
• Due Date: Request for Solutions not yet released (coming soon notice posted August 18, 2026)

Think your company qualifies? Talk with BW&CO before the Request for Solutions is released.

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What Is DEcUAS?

DEcUAS is a coming soon prototype opportunity from JDEC for directed energy systems that counter uncrewed aircraft. It seeks multi-domain, adaptable, scalable and energy-efficient systems built on modular architectures.

What Problem Is SCADE Trying to Solve?

SCADE wants to advance directed energy defense and force protection against uncrewed aircraft threats. It is looking for adaptable, scalable and energy-efficient prototype systems and key partial solutions, built on modular architectures that work across domains.

Priority Capability Areas: What SCADE Is Looking For

• High-Energy Laser (HEL) prototypes: robust continuous wave lasers in the 1 kW to 70 kW average power class; pulsed lasers will also be considered
• High-Power Microwave (HPM) prototypes: high-gain, full sky dome, fast-steering beam with effective ranges of a kilometer or more
• Directed energy airborne prototypes: modular, lightweight airborne systems, podded or integrated into airframes
• Enablers: critical subsystem and software integration solutions that support the three pillars

Funding and Award Terms

• Instrument: Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype awards
• Period of performance: finalized after the Request for Solutions, based on the proposed technical approach and performer timelines
• Amounts: not yet published

Eligibility Requirements and Participation

• Company name and CAGE code: the company name you submit under must match the CAGE code on file; parent and subsidiary organizations must have aligned membership status and dates
• Consortium membership: submissions go through JDEC; contact membership@nstxl.org about membership
• Documents: the full coming soon notice is released through the key document request form on the NSTXL page

How to Apply

• Check membership and CAGE: make sure your JDEC membership and CAGE code line up under the same company name
• Request the full notice: use the key document request form on the DEcUAS page
• Join the teaming list: find partners for subsystems or software you do not cover
• Watch for the RFS: the submission format and deadline will be in the Request for Solutions

What Happens After You Submit?

• Request for Solutions: JDEC will release the RFS with submission details
• Evaluation: solutions are categorized under the three prototype pillars plus subsystem and software enablers
• Award: selected performers receive OTA prototype agreements with periods of performance based on their timelines

Is This Opportunity a Good Fit for Your Company?

It fits laser and HPM developers, power and thermal subsystem makers, beam control and tracking companies, airborne pod integrators, and software teams for detection, tracking and fire control. Partial solutions are in scope, so component specialists can compete.

How BW&CO Can Help

BW&CO has helped deep-tech and dual-use founders secure more than $350M in non-dilutive funding. For directed energy prototype opportunities like DEcUAS, we help you:

• Pick the pillar: match your technology to HEL, HPM, airborne or an enabler
• Get ready early: membership, CAGE alignment and partners sorted before the RFS
• Write the solution: a clear prototype plan with performance, SWaP and integration detail
• Frame the OTA: scope, milestones and price that fit a prototype agreement
• Plan the follow-on: show how the prototype can transition to fielding

Plan Your DEcUAS Submission

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DEcUAS open now?

Not yet. The coming soon notice was posted August 18, 2026. The Request for Solutions will set the deadline.

Who is the government customer?

The OUSW(R&E) Critical Technologies Scaled Directed Energy (SCADE) Office, supported by JDEC.

What laser power is in scope?

Continuous wave lasers in the 1 kW to 70 kW average power class. Pulsed lasers will also be considered.

Is high power microwave in scope?

Yes. HPM prototypes with high gain, full sky dome coverage, a fast-steering beam and kilometer-class effective range.

Can I propose only a subsystem or software?

Yes. The notice includes critical subsystem and software integration enablers and key partial solutions.

What award type is planned?

Other Transaction Authority (OTA) prototype awards.

How much funding is available?

The public notice does not list funding amounts.

Does my company name have to match my CAGE code?

Yes. The company name you submit under must match the CAGE code on file, for both parent and subsidiary organizations.

Can BW&CO help with a DEcUAS submission?

Yes. We help teams pick a pillar, get ready before the RFS, and write the solution. Book a call with our team.

Source: DEcUAS on NSTXL