LiDAR
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (USFS) is conducting market research through a Request for Information (RFI) for LiDAR sensor systems to be integrated with approved USFS Unmanned Aircraft (UA). This RFI aims to identify potential Offerors capable of providing systems for mapping and surveying National Forests and Grasslands. Responses are due by 1200 hours MT, March 31, 2026.
Scope of Work
The USFS seeks LiDAR sensor systems for integration with specific UA platforms (Freefly AltaX, Freefly Astro, Vision Aerial Switchblade). Key requirements include:
- Integrated Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), GPS, and RGB Camera for direct georeferencing and colorization.
- Specific technical specifications for the LiDAR sensor, such as:
- Physical dimensions (max 35cm L x 20cm W x 20cm H) and weight meeting platform capacity.
- Operating temperature range of -20 to +40 degrees C.
- 905 nm Class 1 eye-safe laser with 2 cm or less scanner precision and 3 cm or less accuracy.
- IMU geospatial accuracy of 0.02m horizontal, 0.05m vertical after post-processing.
- Horizontal Field of View (HFOV) of 100 degrees or larger, Vertical Field of View (VFOV) of 30 degrees or larger.
- Absolute geopositional accuracy up to 2-5 cm at 80 meters AGL.
- Scan rate of 200 lines/sec or more, Range of 100 m for 20% reflective surfaces.
- Pulse Repetition Rate (PRR) up to 240,000 measurements/sec or larger, with 3 or more returns/echoes per pulse.
- Integrated RGB cameras for colorization are desired.
- If integrated battery power is included, it must provide 40-60 minutes of autonomous operation.
- Minimum one (1) year warranty, perpetual software license for post-processing (no annual fees), sensor firmware updates, and desktop software compatible with Windows 11+.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Special Notice / Request for Information (RFI)
- Set-Aside: None specified (market research only)
- Response Due: March 31, 2026, by 1200 hours MT
- Published: March 16, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Responses must include the Offeror's Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and be submitted in PDF format via email to steven.b.peterson@usda.gov. Live demonstrations may be requested at a future date, requiring current FAA-qualified Remote Pilots. Equipment must meet minimum agency needs and integration requirements to be considered for demonstration. All submissions require "No Technical Objection" from the aircraft manufacturer for the payload/aircraft configuration.
Additional Notes
This RFI is solely for market research and does not constitute a solicitation for proposals. The Government is not committed to paying any costs incurred in response submission or to contracting for supplies/services. Any costs incurred are at the Offeror's own risk.