Small UAS & Asymmetric Capabilities CSO Call 001 - Department of the Air Force
Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).
Executive Summary:
The U.S. Air Force is soliciting innovative commercial solutions for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) to support asymmetric warfare missions. Awards may be issued as FAR-based contracts or Other Transaction (OT) prototype agreements, with potential follow-on production. Phase 1 submissions are due April 20, 2026.
How much funding would I receive?
Est. $500k to $5 million.
What could I use the funding for?
Funding is intended to develop short-range, one-way attack UAS platforms with the following characteristics:
Operate at ranges 50+ nautical miles
Speeds exceeding 200 mph
Ground-launched, containerized for mass deployment
Fire-and-forget autonomy with in-flight targeting
Coordination with other platforms
Operation in denied, degraded, intermittent, or low-bandwidth (DDIL) environments
Beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) capability
Low observability
Additional required areas:
Mission planning software integration
Modular hardware/software with open interfaces
Passive sensing capabilities (RF, EO/IR, acoustic, etc.)
Scalable manufacturing and production plans
Training and operational deployment concepts
Are there any additional benefits I would receive?
Beyond the formal funding award, there are significant indirect benefits:
Government Validation and Credibility: Selection by the U.S. Air Force signals strong technical credibility and alignment with national defense priorities, increasing trust with primes, investors, and partners.
Follow-on Production Opportunities: Successful prototype projects under OT authority may lead directly to production contracts without further competition.
Enhanced Market Visibility: Participation positions your company within the defense innovation ecosystem and may lead to additional DoD opportunities.
Ecosystem Access: Engagement with Air Force stakeholders and integration into operational environments can unlock future contracts and partnerships.
Stronger Exit Potential: Demonstrating operational capability under government funding can significantly increase valuation and acquisition interest.
What is the timeline to apply and when would I receive funding?
Phase 1 Solution Brief Deadline: April 20, 2026
Phase 2 Pitch Sessions: April 21 – April 28, 2026
Phase 3 Proposals: By invitation only (date provided after Phase 2)
Funding Timing: Not explicitly stated; occurs after Phase 3 award decisions
Where does this funding come from?
Department of Defense (DoD), specifically:
Department of the Air Force
Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC)
Who is eligible to apply?
Open to U.S. and international vendors
Companies must register in SAM.gov if selected
Must be able to meet potential security clearance requirements (up to SECRET for later phases)
What companies and projects are likely to win?
Demonstrate technically credible, scalable UAS solutions
Show ability to operate in DDIL and GNSS-denied environments
Provide modular, open-architecture systems (no proprietary lock-in)
Prove performance via testing data and reliability metrics
Present clear production scalability and cost efficiency
Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Must comply with:
FY2020 NDAA Section 848
FY2023 NDAA Section 817
2024 American Security Drone Act
Must pass DoD cybersecurity requirements (RMF)
Proprietary interfaces requiring vendor lock-in are not permitted
Potential requirement for facility and personnel security clearances (Phase 3+)
How can BW&CO help?
Our team specializes in complex federal R&D proposals and can:
Triple your likelihood of success through proven strategy and insider-aligned proposal development
Reduce your time spent on the proposal by 50–80%, letting your team focus on technology and operations
Ensure you are targeting the best opportunity for your project and positioning your company for long-term growth.
How much would BW&CO Charge?
We have both fractional engagements ($250 an hour) and full engagements ($15,000 + 5%) available.