UAS Kinetic Mitigation Capabilities and Response for the DHS Science and Technology Directorate

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, through its Science and Technology Directorate’s Office of Mission and Capability Support, is conducting market research via a Request for Information to identify kinetic mitigation technologies capable of countering small unmanned aerial systems in Group 1 (0-20 lbs.) and Group 2 (21-55 lbs.) categories while minimizing collateral damage. This effort supports a planned demonstration in November 2026 aimed at evaluating capabilities such as projectile, collision, containment, microwave, acoustic, laser, and non-nuclear electromagnetic pulse systems. The focus is on assessing operational effectiveness, potential risks including falling debris, missed target impacts, electromagnetic interference, hazardous material release, and threats to friendly forces, bystanders, and command-and-control infrastructure. Responses must demonstrate a Technical Readiness Level of three or higher, and submissions must be unclassified or limited to Controlled Unclassified Information, with all proprietary data appropriately marked. Participants must own or have sufficient rights to the intellectual property submitted and are responsible for all costs associated with travel, setup, and participation, as no financial compensation or contracts will be awarded through this RFI. Organizations interested in participating must submit a response by June 27, 2026, via email to the designated point of contact, including a cover letter with company identifying information, UEI number, socio-economic status, NAICS code, contract vehicle affiliations, and technical and contracting points of contact. Submissions are limited to one topic area per response and must adhere to a specific structure: a one-to-two-page corporate expertise section and a five-page overview of the system or service with a cost estimate. While this RFI does not solicit proposals or commit to future procurement, selected responders may be invited to demonstrate their systems and could be asked to enter into a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the government. Evaluation will be conducted by federal technical experts, with assistance from contracted personnel bound by non-disclosure agreements, and final selection decisions will be made exclusively by federal employees. No feedback, evaluation outcomes, or selection criteria will be shared with submitters, and participation is purely voluntary with no guaranteed follow-on funding or acquisition activity.