The new robotic and autonomous systems portfolio office will host a cargo drone demonstration in Huntsville in early 2027. Strong performers could receive Other Transaction prototype agreements.
The Department of the Navy’s Direct Reporting Portfolio Manager for Robotic and Autonomous Systems (DRPM RAS) is seeking industry participants for a cargo drone demonstration supporting the Marine Corps. The Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS) Increment II Cargo UAS Industry Demonstration will take place in Huntsville, Alabama, during the weeks of January 25 through February 5, 2027. The DRPM RAS 4.0 Air Warfare Program Management Office at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, will sponsor the event. It posted the opportunity on SAM.gov on October 30, 2026.
The demonstration is one of the first public industry calls from DRPM RAS since the Navy established the office in August. Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao created the organization to integrate the development, requirements and acquisition of robotic and autonomous systems across the department. Modeled on the Navy’s DRPM for submarines, the office aims to correct fragmented practices that, according to the Navy, slowed delivery and complicated industry engagement. Christopher Miller serves as acting DRPM RAS and as acting portfolio acquisition executive for RAS.
“To remain the most lethal and technologically advanced maritime force in the world, we must both improve and accelerate how we partner with industry to develop and deliver the next generation of warfighting capabilities,” Miller said when the Navy announced the office in August.
TRUAS Increment II mission and requirements
TRUAS Increment II supports the Marine Corps Unmanned Logistics System – Air (ULS-A) mission. It is intended to provide an organic aerial distribution capability for small-unit logistics across the last tactical mile in Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations and Distributed Operations. The Marine Corps has already contracted Near Earth Autonomy to develop a logistics drone under MARV-EL.
The Navy prefers aircraft with a maximum gross takeoff weight of up to 350 pounds. Participants will demonstrate ground setup, flight preparation and refueling, followed by up to five autonomous flights. In the first required flight, each aircraft must carry a 100-pound payload 40 nautical miles, release it and return 40 nautical miles to its launch site. In the second flight, the aircraft must carry at least 150 pounds 10 nautical miles, release it and return. Neither flight allows refueling. After that, participants may fly up to three more flights to show additional capabilities.
In addition, aircraft must transit at 50 knots or faster and no higher than 1,000 feet above ground level. They must launch and recover without catapults, nets, cables or other mechanical equipment, and they must carry a transponder with at least Mode 3/C capability.
Path to prototype awards
Following the demonstration, the Navy may award one or more Other Transaction prototype agreements under 10 U.S.C. § 4022, or none at all. Evaluators will rank aircraft on demonstrated performance against key performance parameters and key system attributes. Selected companies must join the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium to be eligible for an award. A successful prototype could also lead to a follow-on production agreement without further competition. Separately, the Navy may share flight data with the Army-managed Drones.Mil Marketplace.
The Navy invites submissions from nontraditional defense contractors and small businesses. Applicants must submit a 3- to 5-page white paper and a questionnaire through the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on November 30, 2026. Technical questions are due November 13, and the Navy will notify selected participants by December 18.
More information is available at SAM.gov.
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