By Geoff Fein
The Navy Friday issued its long-awaited request for proposal (RFP) for the Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft System (STUAS)/Tier II.
STUAS will fill a critical gap identified by the Marine Corps for an organic tactical system to enhance situational awareness (Defense Daily, April 1, 2008).
The Navy anticipates purchasing approximately 56 total unmanned aerial systems to satisfy both land and ship based requirements, according to Chuck Wagner, a Navy spokesman.
The 183-page solicitation (N00019-09-R-0226) is available at: http://www.fedbizopps.gov.
Proposals are due May 19, 2009, according to the Navy.
According to the RFP, the Navy will select one offeror.
STUAS initial operational capability is planned for fourth quarter FY ’12, according to the solicitation.
The Navy and Marine Corps have agreed that they will jointly pursue a system that will meet their respective STUAS and Tier II UAS requirements. The Marines want a long- endurance unmanned aircraft to perform surveillance and reconnaissance missions to support the division, regiment and battalion levels (Defense Daily, July 11, 2007).
A complete STUAS system will consist of multiple aircraft, a launch and recovery unit and a ground control station.
Currently, the Marine Corps has a service contract for the Boeing [BA]-Insitu ScanEagle UAS unmanned air vehicle (UAV). The Marine Corps is looking to own its own system that it refers to as Tier II UAS and have sailors and Marines operate it, according to the Navy (Defense Daily, April 1, 2008).
Companies expected to bid on the STUAS RFP include: Boeing, the team of General Dynamics [GD] and Israel’s Elbit Systems‘ [ESLT], Northrop Grumman [NOC], and Raytheon [RTN].
The Navy/Marine Corps STUAS TIER II was reviewed by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) on Sept. 18. The JROC approved the capabilities development document (Defense Daily, Oct. 20).