Channelized Wing Hybrid Electric VTOL UAS
Key Dates
Due Date
-
Posted Date
-
Agency & Value
Agency
U.S. SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND (USSOCOM)
Contract Value
Not provided
Codes & Classification
Solicitation Number
CHEVTOL_UAS_AE
NAICS
—
Classification Code
—
Additional Details
The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), operating under the Department of Defense, has issued a Special Notice for an upcoming virtual Assessment Event (AE) focused on Channelized Wing Hybrid Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). This initiative, hosted by SOFWERX in partnership with USSOCOM’s SOF Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (AT&L) Program Executive Office Tactical Information Systems (PEO-TIS), aims to evaluate advanced ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) UAS technologies that feature channelized wing designs, hybrid electric powerplants, and VTOL runway independence.
The primary purpose of this procurement activity is to identify and assess mature (Technology Readiness Level 7 or above) UAS solutions capable of supporting USSOCOM’s operational needs. The event seeks to gather information from industry, academia, national laboratories, and non-traditional partners regarding the current state-of-the-art in channel wing hybrid electric VTOL UAS. The intended outcome is to select promising technologies for potential inclusion in future USSOCOM programs, with the possibility of entering into various types of agreements, including research and development sub-awards, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements, cooperative research and development agreements, procurement contracts, and prize competitions.
Key requirements for participation include the submission of white papers describing the capabilities of ISTAR CHEVTOL UAS, specifically those with channel wing concepts and hybrid electric VTOL functionality. Submissions must demonstrate a minimum TRL of 7 and address the desired operational characteristics and performance attributes outlined by USSOCOM. The assessment process is competitive, with solutions evaluated independently for technical merit by USSOCOM stakeholders and subject matter experts.
The event timeline is as follows:
- Submissions open from 29 May 2026 to 12 June 2026.
- A virtual Q&A teleconference will be held on 08 June 2026 to clarify technology objectives.
- Downselect decisions will occur between 15 and 16 June 2026, with invitations to the AE issued around 17 June.
- The virtual Assessment Event will take place on 24-25 June 2026, during which selected participants will present and discuss their solutions in one-on-one sessions with the evaluation panel.
- Follow-on demonstrations and negotiations may occur for favorably evaluated solutions, potentially leading to awards under various statutory authorities.
The contracting entity is U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), located in Tampa, Florida. The notice is classified as a Special Notice with no set-aside requirements, making it open to all qualified respondents. Awardees may be required to comply with NIST SP 800-171 standards for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal systems.
For contractors considering this opportunity, it is important to note that the event is virtual, and participation is open to a broad range of entities, including government, industry, academia, and national labs. The procurement process is designed to foster innovation and identify solutions that can enhance USSOCOM’s ISTAR capabilities through advanced UAS technologies. Interested parties should review the assessment criteria, download the white paper template, and complete the submission form by the specified deadline.
For further information or event-related questions, contact Alana Hymel at [email protected]. Additional points of contact include Juanita Bell ([email protected]) and James Helmick ([email protected]). The notice remains active and can be accessed via SAM.gov at https://sam.gov/opp/d5225592a97947739f55264dbb68eee6/view.
This opportunity represents a significant engagement for organizations with advanced UAS capabilities, particularly those specializing in hybrid electric VTOL platforms with channelized wing designs and ISTAR functionality, seeking to collaborate with USSOCOM on future operational requirements.