BEYOND Phase 2
TRANSPORTATION, DEPARTMENT OF.FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION.697DCK REGIONAL ACQUISITIONS SVCS · Response deadline: Fri, 30 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is soliciting proposals for BEYOND Phase 2, a follow-on initiative building on the agency's previous BEYOND program. The BEYOND program (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) focuses on advancing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), commonly known as drones, for commercial and public-use operations that extend beyond the pilot's direct visual range.
Phase 2 work under this solicitation would typically continue research, testing, and operational integration activities related to UAS integration into the National Airspace System. Given the NAICS code 5417 (Scientific Research and Development Services), this contract likely involves R&D services supporting regulatory development, data collection from UAS test sites, operational safety assessments, or technical analysis to inform future FAA rulemaking. The FAA's BEYOND program has historically partnered with private industry and academia to address remaining challenges in UAS integration, such as detect-and-avoid capabilities, command and control link reliability, and operational standards for complex environments.
See the solicitation on SAM.gov for the complete statement of work, deliverables, and performance requirements.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), 697DCK Regional Acquisitions Svcs |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 697DCK-26-R-00423 |
| NAICS | 5417 — Scientific Research and Development Services |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | October 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in notice; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This solicitation has no set-aside, meaning it is open to all responsible offerors regardless of business size or socioeconomic status. Both large businesses and small businesses may submit proposals.
Small businesses in NAICS 5417 should evaluate whether they can meet any required past performance, technical capabilities, and staffing requirements for UAS-related R&D work. Given the complex, specialized nature of FAA UAS integration research, the agency may favor offerors with demonstrated experience in aviation safety research, UAS operations, or prior engagement with FAA test site activities.
Joint ventures and teaming arrangements are common in this space and may help smaller firms combine complementary capabilities. If you hold or are pursuing Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) relationships with FAA, note that this is a full and open solicitation with different evaluation standards.
How to put together a competitive bid
Demonstrate direct UAS or aviation R&D experience. The FAA's BEYOND program requires specialized technical knowledge. Highlight any prior contracts with FAA, test site participation, or peer-reviewed UAS research. Specific metrics—flight hours logged, regulatory frameworks contributed to, or safety cases developed—strengthen credibility.
Address data handling and airspace coordination. UAS R&D projects generate sensitive operational data involving controlled airspace. Detail your data collection protocols, cybersecurity practices, and coordination procedures with Air Traffic Organization or local air traffic facilities.
Map your team to anticipated technical areas. BEYOND Phase 2 likely spans multiple disciplines: aerospace engineering, software development for UAS traffic management, human factors analysis, and regulatory policy. Identify key personnel with direct BEYOND Phase 1, UAS test site, or FAA UAS Center of Excellence experience.
Price strategically for R&D services. NAICS 5417 contracts often blend cost-reimbursable and fixed-price elements. Review the solicitation's contract type and provide detailed cost narratives for labor categories, especially if proposing senior engineers or FAA-certificated pilots.
Highlight partnerships with UAS test sites or state governments. The FAA has historically leveraged relationships with the original BEYOND participants; existing partnerships may signal operational readiness.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation 697DCK-26-R-00423 on SAM.gov immediately. Confirm whether the place of performance is specified and whether site visits or pre-proposal conferences are scheduled. Note that proposals are due October 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM Eastern Time—approximately nine days from the October 21, 2025 posting date. This compressed timeline demands rapid decision-making on teaming, pricing, and technical approach development.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →