Level III Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is conducting market research through a Sources‑Sought RFI (Solicitation RFI_Level_III_sUAS_CBP_2026) to identify vendors capable of supplying Level III Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) that meet FAA compliance and can be operated by one or two personnel. The desired solution must be a VTOL platform adaptable to vehicle, vessel, or stationary deployment, capable of carrying multiple sensors and communications payloads, providing extended endurance, and delivering persistent video and still‑image streams to Team Awareness Kit (TAK) devices. Key functional requirements include onboard or ground‑station AI/ML for real‑time detection, identification, classification, and tracking of illicit objects, autonomous or semi‑autonomous operation in GNSS‑denied environments (including hardened GPS or alternative navigation, night‑time flight up to 400 AGL, and resilient PNT), IP54 protection, NDAA‑compliant C2 with frequency‑hopping anti‑jamming, and seamless interoperability with routers, other SUAS, and TAK (including bidirectional CoT and optional control via a Common Operating Picture interface). Additional constraints are a US‑based repair center, fit‑for‑SUV (Chevrolet Tahoe) transport, operating temperature range 0 °F–115 °F, minimum one‑year warranty, and standard video streaming (RTSP or similar). Responses must be submitted as a 15‑page (plus Attachment A) white paper in Microsoft Word, 12‑pt font, single‑spaced, via email to USBPPMODSUAS@cbp.dhs.gov no later than 5 PM EST on 12 December 2025. Questions are due by 5 PM EST on 21 November 2025. This RFI is for information gathering only; no contract award or payment is contemplated.

Notice ID

2a66905d8f2844eabaf73729cda6a57a

Solicitation Number

RFI_Level_III_sUAS_CBP_2026

NAICS Code

336411

Classification Code

1550