NDAA-compliant blue list compatible UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System)
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 USDA-ARS Cropping Systems Research Laboratory requires an NDAA-compliant, blue list compatible Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) capable of capturing high-resolution RGB and thermal imagery for its plant stress and germplasm development unit in Lubbock, TX. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotes are due by June 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM CST.
Scope of Work
The required UAS must be NDAA-compliant and blue list compatible, specifically designed for capturing high-resolution RGB and thermal imagery. Key requirements, detailed in Attachment 2 - Salient Characteristics, include:
- Airframe & Physical: Specific startup time, dimensions, and weight.
- Flight Performance: Defined horizontal speed, ascent/descent speeds, hover accuracy, tilt angle, and flight time.
- Environmental & Durability: IP55 rating and operational capability in challenging weather/low-light conditions.
- Communications & Control: Specified frequency bands and transmitter power.
- Camera Package: Wide-angle RGB, narrow-angle RGB, radiometric thermal camera, and LED illumination.
- Autonomy & Onboard Computing: Navigation cameras, AI/ML processor, and GPS-denied operation.
- Positioning & Payload Support: RTK/PPK capabilities and modular payload support.
- Software: User-friendly mission planning, processing, and flight software compatible with photogrammetry tools.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Anticipated Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 334511 (Small Business Size Standard: 1,350 employees).
- Response Due: June 17, 2026, 12:00 PM CST.
- Published Date: June 11, 2026.
- Place of Performance: Lubbock, TX.
Submission & Evaluation
Quotes must be submitted via email to Katelyn.Nelson@usda.gov with the subject line "Quote for 1232SA26Q0577". Quotes must be valid for at least 60 calendar days. The award will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria, with the lowest-priced offer evaluated for technical acceptability first. Required submission items include:
- A Firm Fixed Price quotation detailing items, description, price, place of manufacture, and all costs (including shipping).
- Sam.gov Unique Entity ID (UEI).
- Capability Statement and/or technical documentation/brochures demonstrating technical capability. Failure to comply with submission requirements may lead to rejection.
Contact Information
- Primary Contact: Katelyn Nelson
- Email: katelyn.nelson@usda.gov
- Phone: 3018378754