77th Aviation Training Drones
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Department of the Army is soliciting proposals for a First Person View (FPV) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Training Package for five students, including 40 hours of instructor-led training, to be delivered in North Little Rock, AR. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Proposals are due April 17, 2026, by 5:00 PM CT.
Scope of Work
This requirement is for a complete, brand-name or equal, FPV UAS training package for five students. The system must meet Group 1 UAS operational characteristics (Max Gross Takeoff Weight 0-20 lbs). The brand-name benchmark includes the Five33 Drone Kit, Fat Shark HDO3 Goggles, and TBS Mambo controllers.
Key components for an "or equal" package must include:
- Airframe: 5-inch propeller class quadcopter, under 20 lbs.
- Flight Control: F7 processor-based flight controller, 4-in-1 ESC (min 50A).
- Propulsion: Brushless motors (1700-1800kv) for 6S LiPo batteries.
- Command & Control: Long-range, low-latency sub-GHz system with integrated screen controller.
- FPV System: High-quality analog goggles (OLED/equivalent), diversity video receiver, multi-power VTX, high-quality analog FPV camera.
- Power: Each of five kits must include at least three (3) 6S LiPo batteries and a compatible multi-channel charger.
- Ancillary Items: Backpack/case, basic repair toolkit, spare propellers, drone flight simulator software, and operator logbook for each kit.
The offeror must also provide 40 hours of instructor-led training for five students, covering basic flight, safety, advanced maneuvers, and field maintenance. Ongoing training support with a 24-hour response time is required.
Mandatory Compliance
The UAS and its critical components cannot be manufactured in a covered foreign country, per NDAA FY2020 (Section 848) and NDAA 2023. Offerors must provide supply chain documentation and 'Country of Origin' or 'Declaration of Final Manufacturing' statements for non-Blue List certified critical components. The proposed UAS must be classified as a Group 1 UAS.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 336411 (All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing)
- Response Due: April 17, 2026, 5:00 PM CT
- Published Date: April 14, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals should be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer. Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose quotation offers the best value, considering technical capability, past performance, price, and price realism, utilizing simplified procedures per FAR Part 13. Offerors must hold prices firm for 30 calendar days.