March 16, 2026
Forge Flex MPaaS Now Available for DoD Programs
On-demand NDAA-compliant procurement and manufacturing for DoD programs. Components in 3–5 days. Pilot programs available. SAM-registered.
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News & Updates
Latest news, platform updates, company milestones, and technical insights from Forge and Flight Labs — North Carolina's NDAA-compliant UAS manufacturer.
March 16, 2026
Blue UAS Framework: What It Is and Why It Matters for DoD Procurement
The DIU Blue UAS Framework pre-vets NDAA-compliant drones for DoD procurement. What the certification means, which platforms qualify, and how to use it in your acquisition.
Read More →March 13, 2026
The Wrong Number: Why UAS Acquisition Cost Is the Least Important Price
Agencies negotiate hard on unit price and then absorb 3-4x that cost in the first 18 months of ownership. The acquisition price is the wrong number to optimize.
Read More →March 12, 2026
UAS Group Classifications Explained: Groups 1–5 for DoD
DoD UAS Group 1–5 classifications explained: what they mean for procurement authority, operational approvals, and training requirements.
Read More →March 10, 2026
NVIDIA Thor AGX in UAS: What It Actually Does for Operators
The Vanguard-14 runs NVIDIA Thor AGX for onboard AI inference. Real-time target recognition, autonomous decision-making, no cloud dependency.
Read More →March 9, 2026
Prototype Shop vs. Manufacturer: How to Tell the Difference Before Contract Award
Every small UAS manufacturer says they can scale. Most of them mean they can build 10 more units if you give them 18 months and a large deposit. Here's how to tell the difference.
Read More →March 7, 2026
Longbow-8 Group 1 VTOL Available at $40K | NDAA-Compliant
Forge and Flight Labs announces the Longbow-8 — man-portable hybrid VTOL for payload testing and operator training. NDAA-compliant, from $40,000.
Read More →March 6, 2026
The Component Most Likely to Fail Your NDAA Audit Isn't the Airframe
Most NDAA compliance conversations focus on the airframe and avionics. The component that will fail the most audits is the battery — and most manufacturers aren't prepared for that question.
Read More →March 2, 2026
What the Blue UAS List Actually Tells You (And What It Doesn't)
The Blue UAS list is a useful filter. It is not a procurement shortcut. Here's what it actually certifies — and what it leaves entirely unaddressed.
Read More →February 26, 2026
Three RFP Requirements That Are Eliminating Better UAS Solutions
Most UAS RFPs are written to describe what an agency already owns — not what they actually need. Here are three requirements we see repeatedly that lock out better solutions.
Read More →February 15, 2026
NDAA Section 848: What DoD Procurement Officers Must Know
NDAA Section 848 restricts DoD procurement of UAS with Chinese-made components. What procurement officers need to know and what to demand from vendors.
Read More →February 10, 2026
Forge and Flight Labs SAM Registration Active | CAGE 18VF2
Forge and Flight Labs achieves active SAM.gov registration. CAGE 18VF2, UEI SUVKLZLPBJC1. All platforms available through federal contract vehicles.
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