By: Dawn Zoldi
The Department of the Air Force’s Point Defense Battle Lab (PDBL) has released two new Requests for Information (RFIs) seeking industry input on next‑generation counter‑small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C‑sUAS) and small UAS (sUAS) capabilities. The RFIs, posted as special notices on SAM.gov under solicitation numbers FA4659‑RFI‑CSUAS+SUAS and FA4659‑RFI‑CSUAS Kinetic, are market‑research tools designed to map the state of the art for Group 1–3 UAS defense.
The first RFI, “Request for Information (RFI) for C‑sUAS and sUAS Solutions,” asks vendors to provide information on integration, development, training and sustainment services across Group 1–3 UAS, with an emphasis on enhancing detection, tracking, interception and neutralization of small drone threats. PDBL flags ease of use, rapid deployability by small teams in roughly two hours and the ability to operate in extreme weather conditions (down to approximately minus 40 degrees and in 20–30 mph winds) as key characteristics of interest. The notice also shows a preference for non‑proprietary approaches that can be more readily integrated and adapted over time.
The companion RFI, “Request for Information (RFI) for C‑sUAS Kinetic Hard‑Kill Solutions,” focuses specifically on kinetic defeat options for Group 1–3 UAS. In addition to integration, development, training and sustainment, this RFI highlights technologies such as Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS), 30 mm gun‑based airburst systems, small‑caliber automated weapon stations, drone‑on‑drone autonomous interceptors, high‑energy lasers in the roughly 2–20 kW class and high‑power microwave systems. As with the broader C‑sUAS and sUAS RFI, the kinetic notice stresses rapid set‑up by four or fewer personnel, ruggedization for harsh environments and support for proactive tactics, techniques and procedures (TTP) development.
Both RFIs highlight the Air Force’s push toward more proactive base and point defense against increasingly capable small UAS. PDBL explicitly frames the initiatives as efforts to better understand current and emerging market offerings, identify qualified vendors and inform future experimentation and acquisition strategies. Responses to each RFI are limited to 16 pages, must include company background, technology and service descriptions, technical approach and performance data, and are due by April 30, 2026, at 1600 Central Time. The notices state that they are for informational and planning purposes only and do not commit the government to any contract action.These efforts are separate from, and additional to, the Department of War Drone Dominance Program, run by the Defense Innovation Unit. (See prior AG News on Drone Dominance and our feature on updates).