AUTONOMOUS SYSTEMS TO REDUCE RISK WARFIGHTERS ENCOUNTER

Special Notice N0016426SNB34

Agency: Department of the Navy

Office:  Naval Sea Systems Command

Location:  Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division

NAICS Code:  541715 – Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)

RFI Release Date: 10 February 2026

Request for Information:

Autonomous Systems to Reduce Risk Warfighters Encounter

1.  PURPOSE

This special notice is to inform vendors of a Request for Information (RFI). The purpose of this RFI is to collect information from the general public about autonomous systems to reduce the risk a warfighter faces by searching for Uncrewed System (UxS) solutions (UGV, UAV, USV, UUV) that can meet some/all the numbered items in the RFI.  Based off the information collected from the RFI, the Government may send out a Request for Solutions (RFS) with the intent of awarding a Project Order under the Expeditionary Missions Consortium (EMC2) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 4022.
 

1. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

1. 1. BACKGROUND

This Request for Information (RFI) is issued by the Expeditionary Missions Consortium – Crane (EMC²) in support of the Naval Surface Warfare Center for the specific topic area identified below.  The Topic Sponsor desires to collaborate with EMC² Members and industry to discuss the topic and possibly shape future EMC² Request for Solutions (RFS).

Feedback will not be provided and responses to the RFI papers will not be returned.

RFI Topic

EMC²-RFI-26-XX: [Autonomous Systems to Reduce Risk Warfighters Encounter]

RFI Topic Sponsor: [Marine Corps]

Objectives

• NSWC Crane is looking for autonomous systems to reduce the risk a warfighter faces by searching for Uncrewed System (UxS) solutions (UGV, UAV, USV, UUV) that can meet some/all of the below numbered items.
• The solution must meet topics in the REQUIRED section (Questions 1-3).
• If applicable, please answer the questions in the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section (Questions 4-12). If your system doesn’t apply to a number indicate this by using “N/A” for that question.

Topics to be Addressed within RFI Response

Please use a numbered format on the submission that correlates to the below numbered items. You can expound on each section and include pictures where deemed necessary. Please ensure the submitter answers each section.

REQUIRED

1. Weight: Total weight of the system must be 45lbs or less.
   1. Please indicate the weight of single UxS system.
2. Battery Life: The fully encumbered system must have a minimum of a 30-minute run time after it is deployed from the delivery mechanism. Please indicate the battery life of your system.
3. Minimum speed: The system must keep pace with a human (between 2.5 and 4 mph).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. Carrying Capacity:
   1. How much weight can your UxS carry?
   2. At its max weight and at full speed (please indicate the fastest speed the UxS can go), how much distance can the UxS cover?
2.  Safety:
   1. Indicate if your system has a redundant safety (visible LED lights, pull pins, etc.) for dropping/deploying items.
   2. Indicate if your system has a timer feature that once the deployment of an item is triggered by a person there is a delay (ex. 10 seconds-1 minute) before the item is deployed.
3. Cost:
   1. What is the cost (or estimated cost) per unit?
   2. How fast can you produce each unit (how many units per month)?
4. Blue UAS:
   1. Is the UxS on the current Blue UAS list?
   2. If not, are all parts manufactured in the US or an allied country?
5. TRL:
   1. What is the TRL of your system?
   2. Please indicate if your UxS has been showcased in any testing events. If so, what events?
6. ATAK (Android Tactical Assault Kit):
   1. Please indicate if your UxS has the ability to work with an ATAK.
7. Autonomy:
   1. Please indicate if your UxS has any level of autonomy integration. If so, how does it operate, planned path, waypoint, edge autonomy, etc.?
8. Contested/Operational Environment:
   1. Please indicate if your UxS has the option to work in a contested environment by following hand signals, voice commands, etc. If so, which option does it utilize?
   2. Please indicate your system’s emission profile. Can it operate in a stealthy way limiting auditory, visual, and thermal emissions?
9. Kinetic/Non-Kinetic launcher:
   1. Please indicate if your UxS already has a kinetic or non-kinetic capability integrated on it. If so, please describe the system and indicate if it has been tested and has safety approvals.

Note:

• Responses may be shared with other partner organizations for potential additional use cases not originally planned in this RFI.
• Response could potentially lead to contact from NSWC Crane personnel inquiring additional information about your products.

Format Requirements of the RFI Papers

Organization details:

• Organization name
• Submitters name, phone number, and email
• City, State of organization or where submitter is based

Submissions files should not exceed 10MB and include the following:

• Word Documents or PDFs
  • Not to exceed 5 pages
  • Organization details listed on first page
• PowerPoints
  • Not to exceed 5 slides
  • Organization details listed on first slide

• • Times New Roman 10 (or larger) Single-spaced, single-sided, 21.6 x 27.9 cm (8.5 by 11 inches).
  • Smaller type may be used in figures and tables, but must be clearly legible.
  • No pictures of a marketing/advertising nature or hyperlinks are allowed.
  • File format must be Microsoft Word, PDF, or PowerPoint.
  • These RFI submissions will be shared with the Sponsor; therefore, all information must be non-proprietary.
  • Do not submit classified information.

 

All interested parties should visit the EMC2 website at https://emccrane.org/ to become a member of the consortium to view the future possible RFS.

Contracting Office Address:

300 Hwy 361
Crane, IN 47522
United States

Primary Point of Contact.:

Mark Dravet

mark.v.dravetciv@us.navy.mil

Phone: 812-381-7085

Secondary Point of Contact:

Lance Buechler

lance.a.buechler.civ@us.navy.mil

Phone: 812-381-2969