Update
5 min read
August 5, 2026
G-TEAD USARPAC ACE 27-01: Advancing Autonomous Sustainment in the Pacific
G-TEAD xTech Defense Innovation Modernization
By Sarah Hepburn, Office of Army Pathway for Innovation and Technology (PIT)
WASHINGTON ‒ The Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD), in partnership with U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), and powered by Army FUZE xTech, has launched the G-TEAD USARPAC ACE 27-01: Autonomous Sustainment powered by xTech competition to accelerate innovative sustainment solutions for distributed forces operating across contested island chains.
Conducted as part of G‑TEAD’s Accelerated Capability Event (ACE) framework, the Army seeks mature Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6+, ready-to-deploy autonomous air and ground delivery capabilities that enhance resupply, logistics mobility, and sustainment operations in complex maritime, littoral, and land environments. The effort directly supports USARPAC sustainment priorities and is intended to rapidly identify technologies capable of strengthening distributed operations at the tactical edge.
G-TEAD Accelerated Capability Events (ACEs) rapidly transform Army Service Component Command (ASCC) needs into a contracted solution. By partnering with xTech, G-TEAD sources mature commercial technology for in-theater Soldier demonstrations. Following a successful demonstration, systems remain with operational units for continuous stress-testing. This allows Soldiers and vendors to collaboratively iterate the technology based on real-world use, creating a pathway for an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA). Once the refined system is validated in the field, the technology will move to an Operational Assessment, where the solution will be put to the ultimate test in an active combat zone. The data collected by Army Test and Evaluation Command, along with feedback from Portfolio Acquisition Executives (PAEs), G-TEAD, and the unit, will inform the official transition to a PAE portfolio, delivering a fielded capability within 90 days of the evaluation.
G-TEAD USARPAC ACE 27-01 will progress from an initial white paper evaluation into a live Soldier exercise in November 2026, where Soldiers will demonstrate technologies from up to 15 selected finalists. Finalists will be awarded $25,000 each and receive an additional $25,000 for attending the Soldier exercise and integrating their technology into the event. Following completion of the exercise, up to five winners will earn an additional $150,000.
Finalists may also be asked to leave their systems behind with G‑TEAD and the unit for further testing, evaluation, and technology maturation efforts, enabling consideration for follow‑on other transaction agreements (OTAs) with a total funding pool of up to $2 million.
G-TEAD ACE Structure powered by xTech
Part 1: Concept White Paper
Army FUZE xTech is accepting white paper submissions from August 5 to 17, 2026, from eligible small, medium, and large businesses proposing autonomous delivery solutions that advance agile sustainment across one of three capability areas:
- Topic 1: Autonomous, Attritable Air Delivery Systems
- Topic 2: Autonomous, Attritable Surface Vessels Capable of Transporting 1-4 TEUs
- Topic 3: Autonomous Ground Delivery Systems for Logistics and Resupply
Detailed descriptions for each topic area are available in Appendix A of the competition RFl.
Eligible vendors must submit a four-page concept white paper and pre-recorded five-minute video outlining their technology, viability, and demonstrating its suitability for participation in a live demonstration event. Up to 15 finalists selected will be invited to Part Two, the live demonstration event in Hawaii and awarded $25k each.
Part 2: Soldier Exercise
- Finalists will participate in a live demonstration event at Joint Pacific National Readiness Center (JPMRC) in Hawaii in November 2026, showcasing their solutions to a panel of Army and Department of War (DoW) experts
- Finalists who attend and successfully participate in the Soldier exercise will receive an additional $25k each upon completion of the demonstration
- Up to five final winners will receive an additional $150k each
Part 3: Opportunity for Follow-On Contract
- Up to 15 companies will be asked to leave behind their technology for further testing and collaboration, unlocking the opportunity to submit for an OTA with a total funding pool worth up to $2 million
Eligibility
Eligible entities include nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations (i.e., large and small businesses) both domestic and foreign.
- Must be able to obtain a CAGE code (U.S. businesses) or NCAGE code (international businesses) to process payments and receive follow-on awards;
- Shall be incorporated in, and maintain, a primary place of business in the U.S. or an allied foreign country;
- Shall not be a U.S. Federal Government entity, foreign government entity or employ a U.S. Federal Employee acting within the scope of their employment;
- Shall not be currently under contract, agreement or other providing similar capabilities to the Government for work described in the problem statement;
- Must not be based in a Foreign Country of Concern (FCOC), directly funded by an FCOC government or government-subsidized guidance fund, or under the influence of an FCOC government in any form; and
- Shall be at the sole discretion of the U.S. Government.
About G-TEAD
The Army Pathway for Innovation and Technology (PIT)’s Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) is the force’s premier acquisition hub, designed to close the gap between evolving threats and the speed of delivering critical solutions. G-TEAD’s mission is to rapidly transform urgent commanders’ needs into combat-ready, interoperable systems, ensuring Soldiers sustain battlefield dominance in any environment.
Through synchronized acquisition efforts and allied collaboration, G-TEAD accelerates the delivery of minimum viable products (MVPs) to theater. To ensure Soldiers are equipped to win whenever and wherever the fight arises, G-TEAD Accelerated Capability Events (ACEs) leverage defense prize authorities, such as Army FUZE xTech, to scout and field mature, ready-to-deploy solutions aligned with ASCC priorities.
About Army FUZE xTech
Army FUZE xTech is the Army’s premier tool for scouting and accelerating dual-use technologies that directly enhance Soldier readiness and mission success. Through dynamic prize competitions like xTech|Search, xTech identifies breakthrough solutions and opens doors for nontraditional companies to engage with and deliver capabilities to the Army. Since its launch in 2018, xTech has awarded over $30 million in non-dilutive cash prizes across 50+ competitions – fueling innovation pipelines and delivering transformative technologies that matter on the battlefield.
Learn more at the Army PIT website: https://pit.army.mil/pathway/xtech/
About Army PIT
The Army Pathway for Innovation and Technology accelerates Army modernization through dual-use innovation, strategic partnerships, and mission-driven outcomes. As a critical enabler of Army acquisition reform, PIT injects capability faster by getting in the dirt with the Soldier, performing prototyping at the edge and delivering operational impact at the speed of relevance.
The PIT serves as a critical hub that integrates the efforts of three essential organizations within the Army innovation enterprise. Army FUZE, the Joint Innovation Outpost (JIOP), and the Global Tactical Edge Acquisition Directorate (G-TEAD) serve as the operational backbone of the PIT, underpinned by a unified vision to see, share, synchronize, and scale.
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