Air Force seeks engineers for drone control system

The Air Force is seeking engineers to develop and test software for the computer system that controls drones and tracks unmanned aerial targets, government documents show.

The service’s Air Armament Center, which develops and acquires air-delivered weapons, has issued a pre-solicitation to gauge industry interest in providing support for its Gulf Range Drone Control System. The system allows pilots to navigate and geolocate drones.

In particular, the government is seeking systems engineering aid to refine drone command algorithms as well as for test planning and data analysis, according to contracting databases. It also wants software engineering support in areas involving graphics, drone control, and what to do with data after missions.

The Air Force is holding an industry day on June 28 near the Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, before the release of a final request for proposals. This opportunity is open to U.S.-owned firms only.

The government anticipates a single contract award for up to three years and 45 days.