The Defense Innovation Unit announced it is seeking concepts for forward counter unmanned aircraft system command and control, or FCUAS C2, solutions enabling a single operator to engage multiple drone targets, as well as manned aircraft.
The FCUAS C2 system sought under the DIU’s area of interest solicitation should be solely operable through a portable device, such as a tablet or laptop. In addition, the solution should be interoperable with current or emerging C2 systems and can rapidly integrate new third-party sensors.
The solicitation’s participants must demonstrate their solutions in an expected live-fire CUAS test in the summer of 2025, including an interface with a government-supplied simulation tool.
Terms of the Solicitation
Partnerships are encouraged in FCUAS C2 prototype concept solicitation, particularly the collaboration of artificial intelligence/machine learning companies and integrators of counter-drone technologies. One recent counter-drone partnership with an AI focus involves Anduril Industries’ collaboration with ChatGPT developer OpenAI.
Individual companies that can deliver the entire solution to the FCUAS C2 system can also apply in the prototyping solicitation. They have to indicate though if subcontractors would be involved along with their roles. Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems are among the companies that recently demonstrated AI capabilities in their counter-drone systems.
An other transaction agreement awarded on the FCUAS C2 prototype may result in a follow-on production contract without further competition. The value of the follow-on contract could be significantly larger than the prototyping agreement, as several Department of Defense units may order the FCUAS C2 system.
The deadline for the prototype concept submission is on Dec. 23.