Skywalker: Low Altitude, Long Enduring Demonstrator

Forty-five days after publication of this notice, the Tactical Technology Office (TTO) of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) intends to issue a contract to National Institute of Aerospace under the authority of FAR 6.302-1, Only One Responsible Source and No Other Supplies or Services Will Satisfy Agency Requirements, 10 U.S.C. 2304(c)(1). National Institute of Aerospace is the only known source in the case of a follow-on requirement with the in-depth knowledge and experience to continue into the final phase of the Sky Walker Study. The objective of this study is to complete development of a conceptual design, and provide sub-system component evaluation, for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that utilize convective energy in the atmosphere to gain altitude and extend vehicle endurance and/or range without the need for additional fuel or payload reduction. This final phase will allow for further analysis and simulation of the concept developed under the previous phase. The goal of the further analysis and simulation is to measure the ability to detect and utilize energy present in the atmosphere and determine if this ability is sufficient to support operationally useful capabilities. This notice is not a request for competitive proposals. It is not a solicitation or a request for offers. See Note 22.