AGILE SUSTAINMENT
Responses due by June 1, 2026
Current Capability Needs
Product Knowledge is actively soliciting demonstrable capabilities aligned to specific US Department of War-identified interest areas; companies and developers with mature or near-term solutions should submit inquiries via email to guru@productknowledge.cc and include the following information as a single consolidated submission: Company Name, Company Address, Company Point of Contact, POC email address and phone number, a concise two-page capability description, representative images, and videos of the capability; briefing decks or existing marketing materials may be included as supplemental attachments.
Submissions should focus on practical, employment-ready capabilities rather than conceptual research or long-term development efforts.
Agile Sustainment
Agile Sustainment enables commanders to preserve tempo and combat power in contested environments by distributing sustainment functions forward through autonomous delivery, on-site production, mobile recovery, and resilient energy systems. By reducing reliance on large, vulnerable logistics formations and long supply lines, these capabilities support small-batch, responsive sustainment across dispersed formations. In large scale combat operations (LSCO), agile sustainment prevents culmination, enhances survivability of sustainment nodes, and enables continuous maneuver by ensuring forces can be resupplied, repaired, recovered, and powered despite persistent enemy interdiction and ISR pressure, consistent with FM 4-0 principles.
a. Intermediate Range, Rotary Wing UAS/Munition
Intermediate-range rotary-wing unmanned systems provide vertical lift for logistics, reconnaissance, and strike missions over distances that exceed small quadcopters while remaining tactically responsive. These aircraft leverage autonomous routing, obstacle avoidance, and GPS-denied navigation to deliver supplies or conduct strike missions in contested environments.
Operationally, these systems sustain dispersed formations by providing emergency CL V, CL IX, or medical resupply without exposing manned crews to enemy fires or ISR. As munitions, they offer terrain-agnostic precision strike, enabling maneuver forces to target high-value positions in restrictive or urban terrain.
b. Hybrid Additive/Subtractive Manufacturing
Hybrid manufacturing combines 3D printing, CNC machining, and finishing tools to produce repair parts, housings, and components forward in the battlespace. These systems allow rapid fabrication of metallic and polymer components that would otherwise require long supply chains.
Operationally, hybrid manufacturing enhances endurance by preventing operational pauses due to repair part shortages. It supports vehicle regeneration and autonomous system sustainment, directly reinforcing FM 4-0 principles for agile, distributed sustainment under LSCO.
c. Containerized Blow Molding System
Containerized blow molding systems produce plastic containers, housings, ducts, and packaging in theater. Using modular molds and raw polymer feedstock, they create mission-specific components without relying on bulk transport from rear depots.
Operationally, these systems reduce logistics burdens and free transportation assets by enabling in-theater production of critical containers or protective components. They support rapid adaptation to emerging requirements and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities in contested environments.
d. Uncrewed Ground Payload Transportation
Uncrewed ground vehicles transport ammunition, water, batteries, and medical supplies across contested terrain using autonomous routing and low-signature propulsion. They minimize Soldier exposure during resupply operations and maintain sustainment flows even under persistent ISR.
Operationally, these systems allow brigades to sustain dispersed formations while reducing the need for large, targetable logistics convoys. They prevent maneuver culmination by ensuring steady, small-batch resupply consistent with FM 4-0 survivability and endurance principles
e. Autonomous Container Handling/Movement System
Autonomous container handling systems automate the loading, unloading, and repositioning of ISO containers within logistics nodes. Using machine vision and robotic lift systems, they increase throughput and reduce time spent in high-risk areas.
Operationally, they improve survivability of forward sustainment nodes by accelerating displacement and reducing static signatures. They also free personnel for critical sustainment tasks and support rapid tempo in mobile operations.
f. Future Power Generation
Future power generation systems integrate hybrid generators, advanced batteries, solar augmentation, and microgrid controllers to provide resilient power for distributed formations. They reduce JP-8 demand and improve energy efficiency for CPs, sensors, and autonomous systems.
Operationally, reduced fuel reliance decreases convoy exposure and enhances endurance. Modular microgrids allow sustainment nodes and CPs to jump rapidly, supporting mobility and survivability in LSCO.
g. Autonomous Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) System
Autonomous FARPs use robotics, automated pumping systems, and unmanned vehicles to refuel and rearm aircraft without exposing Soldiers. These systems operate with low signatures and can reposition rapidly.
Operationally, autonomous FARPs sustain aviation tempo during high-intensity operations and allow aircraft to stage closer to the FEBA. They reduce static risk, enhance survivability, and enable continuous air support across widely dispersed formations.
h. Uncrewed Aerial Payload Transportation
Aerial resupply UAS deliver ammunition, batteries, medical supplies, or mission-specific payloads directly to distributed units. These systems navigate autonomously and exploit altitude to bypass ground obstacles and threats.
Operationally, they enhance survivability and endurance of reconnaissance teams, isolated platoons, or forces in restrictive terrain. They reduce reliance on ground convoys and support FM 4-0’s distributed sustainment imperatives.
i. Uncrewed Automated Ground Recovery System
Automated ground recovery systems use robotic tow vehicles to extract disabled platforms from contested areas. They employ path-planning algorithms, robotic arms, and low-signature propulsion to conduct recovery without exposing personnel.
Operationally, they preserve combat power by enabling continuous recovery even under fire. These systems reduce risk to recovery teams and prevent enemy exploitation of abandoned vehicles.
j. Containerized Forward Water & Ice Generation System
This system produces potable water and ice in the battlespace using integrated purification, filtration, and cooling modules. Housed in ISO containers, it eliminates reliance on bulk water shipments.
Operationally, forward water generation enhances endurance for medical units, sustainment nodes, and frontline forces. It reduces convoy requirements and directly supports FM 4-0 by sustaining operations despite contested distribution routes.
