Payload Adapter & Demonstration | Project No. 26-06

Request for Solutions (RFS) Revision – Posted on 06 November 2026

The Government has revised the RFS for the Payload Adapter & Demonstration opportunity. This revision extends the solution deadline to 20 November 2026, at 12:00 PM ET.

You can access the revised RFS by filling out the Key Document Request form on the right.

Request for Solutions (RFS) – Posted on 29 October 2026

The Government has released the Request for Solutions (RFS) for the Payload Adapter & Demonstration opportunity. Please find the RFS and its accompanying documents (Attachments A, B, C, D, & E) by filling out the Key Documents Request form on the right-hand side of this page. To access the Classified Attachments F & G: Please fill out this form.

  • Opportunity RFS Questions due by 06  November 2026 at 12:00 PM ET – Submit your questions regarding the opportunities RFS using the “Submit Question” button located on the right-hand side of this page.
  • Solutions due by 18 November  2026 at 12:00 PM ET.

Coming Soon Notice – Updated 28 October 2026

The Department of War, in partnership with Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane, is preparing to release a commercial opportunity to prototype a project focused on payload integration. This effort will explore innovative approaches to redesigning and delivering a flight-ready payload adapter solution capable of integrating a payload delivery vehicle with a government-furnished tactical boost vehicle.

Key Areas of Interest include:

  1. Payload integration and interface technologies
  2. Advanced mechanical, electrical, and subsystem integration approaches
  3. Modular and scalable hardware design concepts
  4. Flight-ready prototype development and manufacturing capabilities
  5. Avionics, controls, and mission systems integration technologies
  6. Approaches supporting demonstration, transition, and production readiness

This effort will support advancement of payload integration and tactical demonstration capabilities through development of a flight-ready payload adapter solution. The period of performance for resulting Other Transaction Authority (OTA) awards will be finalized following release of the Request for Solutions (RFS) and based on the proposed technical approach and performer timelines.

To view the full Coming Soon notice, please fill out the key document request form on the right side of the page.

Please be advised that the name of this opportunity has been updated.


TEAMING OPPORTUNITIES:

Interested in collaborating on the opportunity? There are multiple ways to connect with potential partners. Organizations can opt into the teaming list to share and receive contact information or explore companies that presented during the virtual Innovator NETWORX teaming event. These resources are designed to help you identify complementary capabilities and form effective partnerships.

Ways to Engage:

  • Innovator NETWORX Teaming Event: The INX teaming event process begins when an opportunity is announced as “Coming Soon,” and the corresponding INX event date is released. During the virtual Innovator NETWORX teaming session held on June 08, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET, organizations had 5 minutes to present their capabilities. You can find the Slide Deck by filling out the key documents form to the right.
  • Join the Teaming List: If you’re interested in teaming for this opportunity, we encourage you to fill out the form below to be added to the teaming list. By submitting your information, you consent to sharing your details with other companies who also request access to the list.
    • Important Note: Note that the teaming list will be updated on a rolling basis, but you will not receive notifications each time a new company is added; you’ll need to revisit the link to see the most recent updates. (26-06) Payload Adapter & Demonstration: Teaming List Form

Interested in submitting?

All respondents must have an active NSTXL membership to submit a solution to any S²MARTS opportunity. To apply or check your membership status, contact our team at membership@nstxl.org. Please allow one business day for processing new applications.

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PROJECT TIMELINE

Request for Solutions (RFS):

  • RFS Revision Posted: November 06, 2026 1:00 PM ET
  • RFS Posted: October 29, 2026 4:00 PM ET
  • Questions Due: November 06, 2026 12:00 PM ET
  • Solutions Due: November 20, 2026 12:00 PM ET

Coming Soon:

  • Updated Coming Soon Posted: October 28, 2026 10:30 AM ET
  • Coming Soon Posted: May 28, 2026 9:00 AM ET

Teaming: 

  • Innovator NETWORX: June 08, 2026 2:00 PM ET