Coast Guard Plans $100M-Plus Competition for Medium-Range UAS

The U.S. Coast Guard plans a competitive follow-on procurement for a medium-range unmanned aircraft system (MR-UAS) capability supporting airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) across the service’s 11 statutory missions. The anticipated contract value is more than $100 million, making the requirement a significant opportunity for UAS providers and companies supplying aircraft, sensors, communications, data processing, operations, and sustainment capabilities. The procurement is intended to continue or expand an operational capability rather than establish a one-time equipment purchase, and its mission breadth may require bidders to show how their systems can support varied Coast Guard operational needs.

The anticipated acquisition structure is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery contract. The stated performance horizon extends through July 1, 2037, which points to a long-term requirement and a potentially extended period of delivery and support. For prospective bidders, the combination of fixed pricing and indefinite delivery makes assumptions about order volume, delivery schedules, operating costs, and capacity especially important. Companies will need to assess how they can meet requirements as orders are issued over time while controlling costs and maintaining the ability to support Coast Guard operations throughout the contract term.

The solicitation is anticipated on December 23, 2026, approximately 57 days after the October 27, 2026 publication date, and award is expected in the third quarter of FY2027. That schedule gives interested contractors a near-term period to monitor the Coast Guard’s forecast, conduct agency outreach, and prepare for a competition. Early engagement can help companies understand technical and operational expectations, identify potential teaming needs, and prepare a credible approach to the requirements. The source identifies Shield AI and General Atomics among the vendors associated with the news; it does not establish that either company has been selected for the follow-on contract.

For the market, the procurement’s importance lies in the combination of a substantial projected value, a long performance horizon, and an ISR mission spanning the Coast Guard’s statutory responsibilities. UAS manufacturers and supporting suppliers should consider whether their offerings can address the eventual platform, sensor, data, operational, and sustainment needs, while avoiding assumptions about requirements that have not yet been detailed. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Coast Guard’s parent department, is also relevant to contractors tracking the opportunity. Until the solicitation is released, the forecasted date and award timing remain planning markers rather than a substitute for the final procurement documents.

• The Coast Guard plans a competitive follow-on MR-UAS procurement valued at more than $100 million.
• The capability is intended to provide airborne ISR across the Coast Guard’s 11 statutory missions.
• The anticipated vehicle is firm-fixed-price and indefinite-delivery, requiring attention to pricing, delivery assumptions, and capacity planning.
• The stated contract horizon runs through July 1, 2037, creating a long-term opportunity for successful providers and supporting suppliers.
• The solicitation is anticipated December 23, 2026; contractors should monitor the Coast Guard forecast and agency outreach ahead of release.
• Award is expected in the third quarter of FY2027; this is a forecast and may be refined in official procurement materials.
• Potentially relevant capabilities include UAS platforms, ISR sensors, communications, data processing, operations, and sustainment; final requirements will be set by the solicitation.
• Shield AI and General Atomics are named in the source as vendors associated with the news, but no award or selection to either is reported.
• Contractors can use pre-solicitation preparation to assess teaming, technical fit, and the ability to support variable deliveries over the contract term.