Navy to hold industry day exploring contractor owned and operated UAS

By Nick Wilson / January 23, 2023 at 3:37 PM

The Navy will hold an industry day next month to explore the use of unmanned aircraft systems that are contractor owned and operated for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.

According to a notice released Monday, the Navy wants to expand industry partnerships, using Contractor Owned Contractor Operated (COCO) services for present and future UAS combat and contingency missions.

The Navy plans to release a request for information following the virtual industry day, which will take place on Feb. 23.

The Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office will use the industry day to “present plans for current or future procurements to representatives from industry seeking to provide COCO ISR services in support of DOD, [Other Government Agencies] and combat and contingency operational requirements,” the release states.

“This Special Notice is related to support activities for land-based and ship-based operations to provide reliable delivery of sensor data,” the announcement continues, adding that prospective contractors would be responsible for all inputs needed to produce around-the-clock ISR data, including personnel, non-developmental UAS equipment, operations, maintenance and spares.

A list of current UAS ISR performance requirements includes National Defense Authorization Act compliance, an operational range of up to 75 nautical miles with a single air vehicle and full-motion video and electronic warfare sensors.

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