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UAS CLUSTER INITIATIVE

VERT BRIEF
Volume 184
April 1, 2025
UPCOMING EVENTS POLICY RESEARCH INDUSTRY
Spotlight
quadcopter drone in silhouette flying high above a brightly lit cityscape at twilight
Request for Proposals for initial development of SAFE-T
The Tulsa THETA Tech Hub has designated DronePort Network (DPN) to lead the system design and integration for the Secure Autonomy Feedback and Evaluation Testbed (SAFE-T). The phase 1 objective is the development of an operational airspace beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), covering the Tulsa metro area.

SAFE-T will build on existing Skyway Range infrastructure by adding autonomous systems capabilities including Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) solutions, a weather intelligence platform, cybersecurity monitoring tools, surveillance data fusion capabilities, command and control (C2) orchestration, and detect-and-avoid (DAA) systems.

To accomplish the 1st phase of SAFE-T development, DPN has issued a "Request for Proposal" (RFP) for development of the initial project development needs.

The full RFP with details and requirements may be found at:
SAFE-T phase 1 RFP

The general timeline and key due dates for this RFP are:
  • Vendor questions due 04/04/25
  • Q&A responses 04/09/25
  • RFP submission deadline 04/25/25
  • Selection announcement 05/02/25
To read about DronePort Network announcement regarding SAFE-T and Tulsa THETA Tech Hub, go to DronePort Network Named Lead Designer and Integrator for Nation-Leading SAFE-T Initiative
Last call for submissions for the April 23, 2025, Angel Network pitch session.
If you are an innovative entrepreneur with groundbreaking ideas in the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, don't miss this opportunity to bring your UAS and AAM concepts to life. These pitch sessions provide the opportunity for emerging aviation start-ups to connect with capital investment.

To apply for the pitch events, visit the UASAngelNet.com website. The deadline for submissions is Friday, April 4, 2025.

The UAS Angel Network is comprised of accredited individual investors, angel groups, and seed funds who are seeking opportunities to invest in UAS and AAM companies. Subsectors and business applications of interest include: Drone Service Providers, UAS logistics, Airspace Management Systems, UAS Flight Safety Systems, Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM), Droneports and Vertiports, and the Commercialization of New UAS Technologies.
Rethink Vertical Podcast. Cleared for Takeoff: UAS Trends, Tech, and the Oklahoma Aerospace Edge.
In the latest Rethink Vertical Podcast , host Kinsley Jordan dives into the pulse of the Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) industry ahead of Oklahoma's highly anticipated Aerospace Week. From emerging technology trends and market shifts to key insights on how to effectively position your UAS company for government contracts, Kinsley breaks down what's driving growth and innovation in this dynamic sector. Whether you're a startup or a seasoned industry player, this episode offers valuable takeaways to help you stay ahead of the curve—and above the competition

Watch the Rethink Vertical Podcast at https://www.uascluster.com/pages/podcast.html

To find out about Oklahoma Aerospace Week and associated events, go to OKC Innovation District Aerospace Week.
New Vertical Innovations Opportunity: Lightweight rifle system for small UAVs design.
For entrepreneurs and small businesses, the March Vertical Innovations has posted a new opportunity for technology licensing and commercialization opportunity in the UASCI Vertical Marketplace.

In this episode of Vertical Innovations, you'll discover the groundbreaking Lightweight Rifle System for small UAVs. This patented technology, developed by the U.S. Army, showcases remarkable weight reduction innovations while maintaining stability and safety features. With smart recoil management, crash-safe mechanisms, and precision remote control, this system enables systems to perform specialized law enforcement and security tasks with unprecedented efficiency.

To find out more about this and other groundbreaking tech from top universities and federal labs at the UAS Cluster Initiative Vertical Marketplace.To access the marketplace, registration is required but free.
Upcoming Events
March 31 to April 6, 2025 OKC Innovation District Aerospace Week
Various Locations and events, see link for listing
April 2, 2025 2025 AERO OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma State Capital. 2300 North Lincoln Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73105
May 14-17, 2025 2025 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS (ICUAS) 
Charlotte, North Carolina
May 19 - 22, 2025 XPONENTIAL 2025
George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, TX
June 16-18, 2025 2025 Energy Drone & Robotics Summit
Houston, Tx, Woodlands Waterway Marriott
Sept 2 - 4, 2025 Commercial UAV Expo,
Las Vegas, NV. Ceasars Forum
Droneport Headlines
DronePort Network Named Lead Designer and Integrator for Nation-Leading SAFE-T Initiative
DronePort Network | 03/26/2025
DronePort Network (DPN), a pioneer at integrating autonomous systems infrastructure, has been awarded $3.6 million over five years to serve as the lead designer and integrator for the Secure Autonomy Feedback and Evaluation Testbed (SAFE-T) — a...
News
POLICY
Major Breakthrough in Drone as First Responder (DFR) Waivers
dronelife | 03/31/2025
New Certificate of Waiver (COW) Process Streamlines Approvals for Public Safety Agencies
FAA Signals Momentum for BVLOS Rulemaking: What It Means for Commercial Drone Applications
dronelife | 03/21/2025
During a March 14 visit to Amazon's Prime Air facility in Seattle, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) intent to propose rules expanding drone use for deliveries and other services "in...
Drone Industry Buoyed by US Transportation Secretary's BVLOS Comments
Commercial UAV News | 03/20/2025
Comments made by new US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy during his Senate confirmation hearing indicate the FAA will move forward with a rule-making process to establish regulations for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations
INDUSTRY
Four Must-Have Competencies for Success in Drones
Commercial UAV News | 03/28/2025
In the rapidly evolving drone industry, long-term success still depends on mastering a set of core competencies. As keynote speaker at the Commercial UAV Expo in 2016, I shared my insights based on decades of experience in developing and leading...
Troy Meink's Confirmation Hearing Highlights the Role of Drones in Modern Military Strategy
dronelife | 03/28/2025
During his Senate confirmation hearing, Dr. Troy Meink, underscored a dominant theme in current military thinking: the integration of drones and unmanned systems as a cornerstone of modernization efforts. Meink's vision for the future of the Air...
Drone Industry Visionary Interview: Ryan Smith defines the tangible (and invisible) ROI of drone security
Commercial UAV News | 03/25/2025
Despite the long-standing recognition of drones' security potential, technological and regulatory challenges have prevented many from truly exploring adoption.
Drone Industry Funding Shifts: Military Applications Take Center Stage
dronelife | 03/24/2025
The drone industry is experiencing a significant shift in funding priorities, with military and defense applications attracting substantial investments.
NASA Demonstrates New Wildland Fire Airspace Management System
sUAS News | 03/21/2025
NASA researchers conducted initial validation of a new airspace management system designed to enable crews to use aircraft to fight and monitor wildland fires 24 hours a day, even during low-visibility conditions. 
Being a drone operator is getting harder and harder
We are the mighty | 03/20/2025
For Ukrainian and Russian drone operators, constantly evolving tech means they can never rest on their laurels. Since it's become a frontline job, physical fitness is key. And tactics have gone crazy. There are now elite units that hunt one another,...
More on Military | Pilots
Defense Innovation Unit Expands Blue UAS List with New Platforms and Capabilities
dronelife | 03/20/2025
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has announced significant updates to its Blue UAS List and Framework following a three-day flight demonstration challenge at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms
Drones in the Dark: The Unseen Threat to America's Military Might?
dronelife | 03/19/2025
60 Minutes Interview on Drone Swarms Over U.S. Military Bases Reveals Critical Security Gaps
OCAST Innovate That podcast with Vigilant Aerospace
Soundcloud Innovate That | 03/19/2025
Listen to the latest Innovate That podcast with Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Kraettli L. Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace Systems, about the future of drones, aerospace innovation, and Oklahoma's leadership in advanced air mobility.
UAS CLUSTER INITIATIVE

VERT BRIEF


ABOUT: UASCI is creating an environment where unmanned aviation startups can thrive, connect with innovative networks, access global capital, discover national technologies and learn from proven tech industry leaders.

The UAS Cluster Initiative is funded in part through a Contract with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed within this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
4045 NW 64th St, Suite 405, Oklahoma City, OK 73116 | info@uascluster.com

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