Army’s UAS Marketplace expands functionality
REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala. – The Army’s Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Marketplace is expanding its features and product offerings to include a capability selection tool, Group 3 systems, payloads, components, and software.
Launched in March, the UAS Marketplace boasts over $750M in sales and is a digital one-stop shop that allows Army units to quickly procure vetted drone capabilities that meet their unique mission needs. Designed in close coordination with Amazon Web Services (AWS), the expansion within the UAS Marketplace demonstrates the service’s commitment to accelerated capability delivery, competitive and innovative procurement, and ultimately, empowered Warfighters who maintain the power of choice.
“Agility is at the core of the UAS Marketplace architecture.” said Mr. Rodney Davis, Capability Program Executive, Aviation. “Our team is constantly making iterative, tailored, and functional updates. These new listings enable our Soldiers to meet the demands of an ever-evolving battlefield.”
Group 3 systems expand the operational reach of the UAS Marketplace. Adding Group 3 systems to the UAS Marketplace will give customers a host of advanced capabilities; greater speed, range, and endurance beyond current Group 1 and 2 listings. Users requiring persistent, stand-off or more rugged capability can select the most appropriate system for their needs.
A Group 3 Call for Solutions (C4S) is now live on SAM.gov.
“The UAS Marketplace was designed to meet users’ unique mission needs and give them the power of choice,” said Col. Danielle Medaglia, UAS Project Manager. “As capability offerings on the UAS Marketplace expand, we are ensuring our formations have the decisive technological edge they need to dominate in any environment.” New system listings in the UAS Marketplace are added weekly and feature a variety of distinct platforms. As new product offerings onboard, so do expanded options for mission execution. Much like commercial online storefronts, the UAS Marketplace provides advanced filtering and comparative analysis tools. Users can sort by a variety of relevant features, like drone category, price, rating, range, endurance, and more, making it easier to find and compare solutions based on operational requirements.
Quickly accessible payloads and software further integration flexibility.
A new C4S is also live on SAM.gov for payloads, software, components and enablers/accessories.
Expanding beyond baseline system listings, the UAS Marketplace will also feature payloads and software to its storefront listings. This enhancement will expand tactical flexibility, encouraging Soldiers to tailor their procurements to precise mission requirements. Within the storefront, users can customize their search using advanced filtering to identify payload and software packages to integrate with their specific mission needs. Payloads spanning intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and non-kinetic effects like electromagnetic warfare and communications will allow Soldiers to maintain better battlespace awareness, enable timely data dissemination, and produce desired effects, all while keeping the Soldier out of harm’s way.
Capability selection to complete the mission
One of the most relevant updates to the Marketplace is a capability selection tool, designed to aid users in finding the right unmanned solution to meet their mission needs.
Units can use this customization tool to select base models, then add additional payloads, accessories, and training to their cart, assisting them in selecting all the necessary system components that meet their requirements. By taking the guesswork out of system selection, users can 'mix and match’ to make more informed decisions for their capability, faster.
“While the marketplace itself is intuitive and easy to use, this capability selection feature provides added support in the selection process,” said Matthew Hudson, UAS Marketplace. “It allows users to objectively measure system characteristics, map their operational needs to capabilities, and make decisions more confidently.”
Expanding compliance capacity
To integrate National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) system compliance with vendor onboarding, Army assessors conduct system teardowns and cyber inspections for vendors. This streamlined process features a rapid turnaround and grants successfully evaluated systems “cleared” status on the UAS Marketplace, authorizing unrestricted direct purchasing.
Additionally, the resulting inspection reports satisfy internal compliance requirements and can support vendors' independent pursuit of Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Blue List certification.
Foreign Military Sales in the Fast Lane
This summer, as part of the Secretary of the Army’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Fast Lane initiative, 23 allied partner nations signed signatures of intent, which will expand access to capabilities on the UAS Marketplace. These agreements reaffirm the Army’s commitment to accelerating and streamlining capability acquisition for participating partner nations.
As industry partners indicate interest in FMS, capabilities are thoroughly evaluated and pre-cleared for foreign partner purchase. This effort ensures rapid adaptation for the increasing drone demand across services and partner nations.
The way ahead.
The UAS Marketplace is a key component of the Department of War’s Drone Dominance Initiative and acquisition transformation. By shortening timelines from requirement to fielding, this lean, agile approach serves as a critical tool for end users’ drone procurement initiatives.
“Our teams have forged invaluable relationships across the Department of War, with our industry partners, with allied partner nations, and with our participating units,” said Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bess, UAS Marketplace Director. “As the Marketplace approach matures, we will continue to accelerate procurement, provide comprehensive procurement support, and deliver the most relevant drone capabilities to our warfighters.”
These enhancements complement service leadership efforts to make acquisition more actionable. More information can be found at https://uasmarketplace.army.mil/.
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