TEAL Drone (Black Widow)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Air Force, specifically FA8052 773 ESS, is conducting a Sources Sought market research effort for a highly specialized, NDAA-compliant TEAL Drone (Black Widow) sUAS. This opportunity seeks to identify industry capabilities for a drone capable of advanced tactical observation and integration with manned combat assets, particularly the F-35. Responses are due by April 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM Z. The place of performance is San Antonio, TX.
Scope of Work
The agency requires a Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) with the following essential characteristics:
- Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T): Exclusive capability to operate in the vicinity of a target and forward live video feeds and target telemetry data directly to an in-flight F-35 for kinetic ordnance delivery.
- Situational Awareness: True, native integration with the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) built into the core system architecture.
- Sustainability: A non-subscription cost model that eliminates mandatory recurring software licensing, support, and warranty fees.
- Performance: A ruggedized, portable airframe (approximately 3.6 lbs) with 35+ minutes of flight time and advanced EO/IR sensors (Hadron 640R+).
- Compliance: Must be NDAA 2020 Section 848 and NDAA 2023 Section 817 Compliant.
- Approval: Must be listed as an approved unmanned aircraft product on the DIU BLUE LIST as of April 20, 2026.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- Set-Aside: None specified
- Product Service Code: 1550 (Drones)
- Response Due: April 27, 2026, 10:00 AM Z
- Published: April 22, 2026, 8:52 PM Z
Evaluation
This is a Sources Sought notice for market research purposes. Responses will be used to assess industry capabilities and inform future acquisition strategies. This notice does not constitute a solicitation or a request for proposals.
Additional Notes
Interested parties should review the full description for detailed requirements. Contact Meredith Parker at meredith.parker@us.af.mil or 380-458-9496 for inquiries.