SAM #RFIP-ACT-SACT-26-72

NATO Innovation Challenge: Persistent Airfield Denial Solutions (2026-2)

This opportunity is a NATO Innovation Challenge (2026-2) for 'Persistent Airfield Denial,' publicized by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security on behalf of HQ SACT. - The challenge seeks innovative solutions—such as autonomous or operator-directed technologies, uncrewed aerial systems, autonomous munitions, and swarming approaches—to deny enemy airfield operations. - Solutions must function in GPS-denied, electronic warfare-contested, and all-weather environments. - Up to 10 finalists will be selected to present at a Pitch Day event; up to three winners may receive monetary awards up to $250,000 each and potential follow-on demonstration agreements. - No specific OEMs, vendors, products, or part numbers are named; the challenge is open to industry, academia, and other innovators. - Submissions must include concept papers, technical summaries, cost estimates, and video demonstrations as detailed in the RFIP attachment. - The submission deadline is July 20, 2026; finalists are announced August 11, 2026; Pitch Day is tentatively September 3, 2026. - Rapid fielding is emphasized, with MVP delivery preferred under six weeks and full fielding within twelve months of finals. - This is not a formal procurement or RFP, and no costs will be reimbursed.

Description

Headquarters Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (HQ SACT) has issued a Request for Innovative Participation (RFIP) for Innovation Challenge 2026-2 (iChall26-2): Persistent Airfield Denial. The RFIP is intended to facilitate collaboration between the HQ SACT, JATEC (Joint Analysis, Training and Education Center) and participants regarding solutions (i.e., applications, tools, systems concepts or devices) to the scenario presented within the attachment and so participate in the NATO iChall26-2. All submissions must conform to this RFIP.

A Selection Committee composed of representatives from HQ SACT and other relevant experts invited by HQ SACT will select up to 10 solutions among the responses submitted. The finalists will participate in the iChall26-2 Pitch Day (see attachment for projected date and location). During the Pitch Day, a Jury composed of representatives from HQ SACT and other relevant experts invited by HQ SACT will assess which of the 10 solutions best respond to the scenario presented and select the iChall26-2 winners.

Deadline for submission: 20 July 2026, 5:00 PM Eastern Time

The reference for the RFIP is RFIP-ACT-SACT-26-72 and all correspondence regarding the RFIP should include this reference.  

This is a RFIP only. This RFIP does not constitute a current Request for Proposal (RFP) nor a commitment to issue a future RFP. The release of this RFIP will not be construed as a commitment, nor an authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement will be required or sought after. Further, respondents are advised that HQ SACT will not pay for any information or administrative costs incurred in responding to this RFIP. HQ SACT will not pay any costs associated with participating in the iChall26-2. The costs for responding to this RFIP and participating in the iChall26-2 will be borne solely by the responding party. Not responding to this RFIP does not preclude participation in any subsequent RFP if issued in the future.  

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