Commercially-Based Supersonic Aerial Target Solutions

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the RFI, clarifying requirements and submission procedures.

• Award Schedule: The award timeframe of October-December 2027 is confirmed as correct.
• Distribution Statements: RFI responses should be marked Distribution D. Distribution D allows sharing with DoW contractor support personnel, and information will be safeguarded. Distribution B and E are allowed when using PROPIN, but Distribution D cannot be altered per DoDI 5230.24.
• Response Transmission: Responses are to be provided via encrypted email. A DoD SAFE link may be requested if encrypted email is not feasible, with requests due before Noon ET on May 29, 2026.
• Page Count: Cover pages are included in the 20-page limit for submissions.

This Q&A clarifies key aspects of the RFI, including the award timeline, data distribution requirements, submission methods, and page limitations, which bidders should consider when preparing their responses.

Request for Information (RFI)

This RFI is issued by the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Program Management Office, Aerial Targets (PMA-208) to solicit technical feedback from industry regarding commercially-based supersonic aerial target solutions. The government is exploring alternatives to traditional acquisition methods to identify mature, commercially-developed solutions that can meet Navy threat simulation requirements, improve affordability, and enhance industrial base resilience. The information gathered may inform a potential prototype project under Other Transaction Authority (OTA) (10 U.S.C. § 4022).

The government is seeking solutions capable of presenting target profiles for two scenarios:

• Profile 1: Supersonic Sea-Skimmer: Achieve and sustain Mach 2.5+ at altitudes below 100 feet, with terminal maneuverability up to 10 Gs.
• Profile 2: High-Altitude Supersonic Diver: Achieve altitudes over 30,000 feet, followed by a supersonic dive (Mach 2.0+) to a target point.

Common requirements for both profiles include an End-to-End Solution (performer provides all hardware, software, logistics, personnel) and Range Integration (compatibility with U.S. Navy range infrastructure). Expansion beyond existing Navy ranges and Safety Certification (including Flight Termination System approval) are also required.

NAVAIR is considering awarding one or more Other Transaction Agreements (OTA) for prototype projects. The government may pursue production of successful prototypes. The anticipated timeframe for a hypothetical contract award is October-December 2027, with the first demonstration flight event to follow.

Interested parties should submit a Capability Statement package (no more than 20 pages) by 01 June 2026, 5:00 PM ET. The submission should address:

• Corporate Capability & Proposed Business Model (including ROM cost estimate and contracting structure).
• Technical & Operational Approach (including Technology Readiness Level - TRL).
• Schedule & Scalability (including ROM estimate and plan to scale to 50 flight events/year).
• Top 3-5 technical, operational, and industrial base risks and mitigation strategies.

Responses are voluntary, will not be compensated, and do not obligate the government to award a contract. Failure to respond will not preclude future participation.

Not specified in this RFI.

• Classified material shall not be submitted.
• Submissions must include RFI Reference Number, company name, address, CAGE code, UEI number, and POC information.
• Responses are to be submitted via email in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
• Adherence to ITAR is required if foreign entities are involved.