Introduction

The U.S. Air Force (USAF) is looking for a contractor to provide a bird drone detection radar system to support its operations and enhance its security. The bird drone detection radar system is intended to detect, track, and classify both birds and drones that pose a potential threat to the USAF assets and personnel. The system should be able to operate in various weather conditions, terrain types, and electromagnetic environments. The system should also be compatible with existing USAF systems and platforms, and comply with relevant standards and regulations.

Historical Background

The USAF has been facing increasing challenges from both natural and man-made airborne threats in recent years. Birds can cause significant damage to aircraft engines, wings, and fuselage, resulting in costly repairs and operational delays. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), bird strikes cost the U.S. civil aviation industry more than $1 billion per year. The USAF also reported more than 5,000 bird strikes in 2020, causing over $50 million in damages.

Drones, on the other hand, can pose a more serious threat to the USAF, as they can be used for espionage, sabotage, or attack by hostile actors. Drones can also interfere with the USAF’s radar systems, communication networks, and air traffic control. In 2019, the USAF issued a policy directive that authorized its personnel to shoot down or otherwise disable unauthorized drones that fly over or near its installations. However, this approach has limitations, as it may not be effective against small or fast-moving drones, or drones that operate in swarms.

To address these challenges, the USAF has been seeking a reliable and efficient bird drone detection radar system that can provide early warning and situational awareness of both birds and drones in the vicinity of its bases and facilities. The USAF has issued several requests for information (RFIs) and requests for proposals (RFPs) in the past few years to solicit input and solutions from the industry. Some of these solicitations include:

  • In 2018, the USAF issued an RFI for a bird detection radar system that can operate in both X-band and S-band frequencies, and provide data on bird size, speed, direction, altitude, and density.
  • In 2019, the USAF issued an RFI for a counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) that can detect, identify, track, and defeat drones using various technologies, such as radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), acoustic, radio frequency (RF), jamming, or kinetic methods.
  • In 2020, the USAF issued an RFP for a C-UAS that can integrate with existing USAF systems and platforms, such as the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System (AF DCGS), the Air Force Network (AFNET), and the Joint Information Environment (JIE).

RFP Description

The current RFP for the bird drone detection radar system was issued by the USAF on September 15, 2023. The solicitation number is FA940122QZ001. The RFP is open to all qualified contractors that have experience and expertise in providing radar systems for bird and drone detection. The RFP states that the contractor shall provide:

  • A turnkey solution that includes all hardware, software, installation, testing, training, maintenance, and support services for the bird drone detection radar system.
  • A system that can operate in both X-band and S-band frequencies, and provide data on bird size, speed, direction, altitude, density, flocking behavior, species identification, and collision risk assessment.
  • A system that can operate in both 2D and 3D modes, and provide data on drone type, size, speed, direction, altitude, flight path, payload capacity, operator location, and threat level assessment.
  • A system that can interface with existing USAF systems and platforms via standard protocols and formats.
  • A system that can operate autonomously or under human supervision.
  • A system that can perform self-diagnosis and self-healing functions.
  • A system that can withstand harsh environmental conditions and electromagnetic interference.

The RFP also specifies the performance requirements and evaluation criteria for the bird drone detection radar system. The contractor shall demonstrate:

  • The accuracy and reliability of the system in detecting birds and drones under various scenarios.
  • The compatibility and interoperability of the system with existing USAF systems and platforms.
  • The scalability and modularity of the system to accommodate future upgrades and expansions.
  • The cost-effectiveness and life-cycle value of the system.

The duration of the contract is five years. The estimated value of the contract is TBD. The deadline for submitting proposals is October 31st 2023.

Who Should Participate

The RFP for the bird drone detection radar system is a great opportunity for contractors that have experience and expertise in providing radar systems for bird and drone detection. The RFP is also a chance for contractors to showcase their innovative and cutting-edge solutions that can meet the USAF’s needs and expectations. The RFP is open to all qualified contractors, regardless of their size or location. However, some factors that may give contractors an edge over their competitors include:

  • Having a proven track record of delivering similar or related projects to the USAF or other government agencies.
  • Having a strong understanding of the USAF’s mission, vision, goals, and challenges.
  • Having a team of qualified and experienced personnel that can deliver high-quality products and services.
  • Having a robust quality assurance and quality control process that can ensure the compliance and performance of the system.
  • Having a competitive pricing strategy that can offer the best value for money to the USAF.

Challenges

The RFP for the bird drone detection radar system is not without its challenges. Some of the potential difficulties that contractors may face include:

  • Meeting the technical specifications and performance requirements of the system.
  • Integrating the system with existing USAF systems and platforms.
  • Adhering to the relevant standards and regulations for the system.
  • Providing adequate training and support services for the system.
  • Managing the risks and uncertainties associated with the project.

To overcome these challenges, contractors should:

  • Conduct thorough research and analysis of the RFP and the USAF’s needs and expectations.
  • Develop a clear and concise proposal that addresses all the aspects of the RFP and demonstrates the contractor’s capabilities and value proposition.
  • Leverage their past experience and expertise in providing radar systems for bird and drone detection.
  • Collaborate with their partners and subcontractors to ensure a seamless delivery of the project.
  • Seek feedback and guidance from the USAF’s contracting officer and technical experts.

Conclusion

The RFP for the bird drone detection radar system is a unique and exciting opportunity for contractors to provide a vital solution to the USAF. The bird drone detection radar system is expected to enhance the USAF’s security and safety by detecting, tracking, and classifying both birds and drones that pose a potential threat to its assets and personnel. The RFP is open to all qualified contractors that have experience and expertise in providing radar systems for bird and drone detection. The deadline for submitting proposals is October 31st 2023.

If you are interested in winning the USAF bird drone detection radar contract, contact GDI Consulting today. GDI Consulting will provide you with a customized solution that suits your needs and budget. Don’t miss this opportunity to work with the USAF on this important project. Contact GDI Consulting now at www.gdicwins.com.