US State Department bureau seeks drone detect and defeat systems

The United States Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is conducting market research on the current availability and technological capabilities of detect and defeat systems to address current and future threats and gaps regarding uncrewed aircraft systems.

INL is interested in obtaining information on systems capable of detecting, identifying, classifying, tracking, and mitigating UAS threats. Responses are invited by November 27.

A notice posted on the US government procurement portal SAM.gov states: “The Department’s Office of Global Acquisition is considering awarding IDIQs, BPAs, or similar ordering mechanisms to fulfil recurring needs and to streamline the acquisition process for detect and defeat systems and associated services. If awarded, it is anticipated that orders under these contracts/agreements will not be limited only to INL needs.”

Via the procurement portal, INL has issued a preliminary list of interest areas and technologies, which includes handheld or man-portable detect and defeat systems, portable (e.g. vehicle-mounted) detect and defeat systems, fixed or static detect and defeat systems, and kinetic counter-drone systems.

“The Department is looking for companies with mature systems and manufacturing capabilities and industry leading quality standards. Companies must possess all required licences and approvals to ship (including applying for any export licence that may be required) systems overseas,” the notice states.

Companies may also be required to provide training and to perform installation, integration, testing, repairs, and similar services. This could include work overseas in remote and high threat environments.