The testing program is broken down into the following tasks:
- Task 1: UAS Detection Testing and Evaluation. Detection testing will take place at New Jersey’s Atlantic City International Airport (KACY). The selected system will be tasked with monitoring airspace within a five-mile radius through various times of day and weather conditions over a two-month span. Selected parties will be responsible for maintenance and troubleshooting, and must train FAA personnel to operate the system.
- Task 2: UAS Mitigation Testing and Evaluation. The FAA will also test systems capable of mitigating a UAS threat to KACY’s 2,300-acre airspace. If a system is not capable of managing an area of this size, the FAA will consider adjusting its testing area to match expected performance. Like detection testing, mitigation testing is estimated to last two months, and FAA personnel will operate the equipment during testing. Task 2 may be completed by a standalone system or in conjunction with detection testing—depending on the system being tested, the FAA notes that Task 1 and Task 2 may be conducted simultaneously.
- Task 3: Field Activities for UAS Detection and Mitigation Testing and Evaluation Additional Airports. Following initial testing, the FAA plans to deploy “graduated” systems at additional airports under different operational conditions for further testing. This subsequent performance testing could begin as early as January 2021.
In its response, an interested party should address each of the tasks and respond to the additional equipment and performance questions found in the solicitation. Parties must also complete a technical questionnaire, and are permitted to include additional supporting information, subject to a page limit. The total performance period, from initial installation at KACY to removal from the additional airport for Task 3, is estimated to be approximately 18 months, and eligible parties may receive up to $150,000 for completing all the tasks, subject to availability.
The deadline for submitting proposals is October 5, 2020, and prior to submission, an interested party must execute a confidentiality agreement with the designated program manager.
