# DCMA Evaluates Drones at Edwards AFB

The Defense Contract Management Agency and the Air Force’s 412th Test Wing evaluated fiber-optic-controlled unmanned aircraft in underground, radio-frequency-denied conditions during the September 14–18, 2026, “Game of Drones” event at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The activity generated operational test data and user feedback on drone performance; it was a demonstration and evaluation, not a contract award or open solicitation.

- Contractors developing adaptable, low-cost UAS can note the federal evaluation interest in operations where radio-frequency control is unavailable and fiber-optic control is used.
- The event identifies capabilities under evaluation, but provides no solicitation, contract value, submission channel, or procurement timeline. Businesses should not treat it as an active bid opportunity.
- The stated collection of operational test data and user feedback indicates that performance in the demonstrated environment was a focus of the evaluation.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** November 03, 2026

### Government Entities
- Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
- United States Air Force, 412th Test Wing Experimental Test Force (412th Test Wing ETF)
- Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)

### Key Quotes
> During the event, we captured operational test data, user feedback, and observations on drone performance and capabilities.
> — Lance Alix, General Engineer, DCMA Special Programs Unmanned Systems

### Sources
- [
	‘Game of Drones’ goes underground > Defense Contract Management Agency > DCMA News
](https://www.dcma.mil/News/Article/4637369/game-of-drones-goes-underground/) - DCMA