DAF26BZ01-DV002Pre-ReleaseSBIR

Autonomous Leader-Follower UAS Formation for Enhanced Mission Resilience and Reduced Operator Workload

Department of DefenseUSAF

AI Overview

This RFP seeks autonomous leader-follower UAS formation technology enabling single operators to manage multiple coordinated aircraft while reducing workload and enhancing mission resilience. Solutions should incorporate AI-based control, resilient mesh communications, and adaptive algorithms for contested and GPS-denied environments.

This summary is AI-generated from the official solicitation.

Key Details

Agency
Department of Defense
Funding Amount
Release Date
March 2, 2026
Due Date
June 3, 2026

Official Description

The increasing complexity and scale of modern military operations demand unmanned aerial systems (UAS) capable of operating autonomously and collaboratively. Current UAS deployments often require dedicated operators for each platform, resulting in high personnel costs and increased cognitive burden on the warfighter. There is a critical need for UAS technologies that can significantly reduce operator workload while enhancing mission effectiveness and resilience, particularly in contested environ...

Change History

Q&A UpdatedApr 17, 2026 at 11:23 PM

Autonomous Leader-Follower UAS Formation for Enhanced Mission Resilience and Reduced Operator Workload

Q&A section updated

Q&A UpdatedApr 16, 2026 at 11:24 PM

Autonomous Leader-Follower UAS Formation for Enhanced Mission Resilience and Reduced Operator Workload

Added 3 new Q&As clarifying: (1) mid-term field test environment conditions (live vs. modeling/simulation for GPS-denied scenarios), (2) UAS size class requirements (offeror discretion vs. Government preference), and (3) Neuron Mesh Networks specificity and acceptable alternative communications solutions.

Description ChangedApr 14, 2026 at 3:02 AM

Autonomous Leader-Follower UAS Formation for Enhanced Mission Resilience and Reduced Operator Workload

The ITAR/EAR export control warning and foreign national disclosure requirements were removed from the objective section.

Date ChangedApr 14, 2026 at 3:02 AM

Autonomous Leader-Follower UAS Formation for Enhanced Mission Resilience and Reduced Operator Workload

Close Date changed from 2026-04-22 to 2026-06-03

Date ChangedApr 14, 2026 at 3:02 AM

Autonomous Leader-Follower UAS Formation for Enhanced Mission Resilience and Reduced Operator Workload

Open Date changed from 2026-03-25 to 2026-05-06

Status ChangedApr 14, 2026 at 3:02 AM

Autonomous Leader-Follower UAS Formation for Enhanced Mission Resilience and Reduced Operator Workload

Status changed from Removed to Pre-Release

Opportunity RemovedMar 3, 2026 at 4:25 PM

Autonomous Leader-Follower UAS Formation for Enhanced Mission Resilience and Reduced Operator Workload

Opportunity DAF26BZ01-DV002 no longer available

Opportunity AddedMar 2, 2026 at 11:14 PM

Autonomous Leader-Follower UAS Formation for Enhanced Mission Resilience and Reduced Operator Workload

New opportunity: Autonomous Leader-Follower UAS Formation for Enhanced Mission Resilience and Reduced Operator Workload

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