Solicitation - Small Uncrewed Aircraft System

Solicitation / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial products or services, specifically for a Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (NB671000-26-00986). It constitutes the only solicitation, and quotes are being requested. The acquisition is being solicited as unrestricted.

• The core requirement is for a Small Uncrewed Aircraft System Airframe and Operator Control Unit (CLIN 0001).

• Warranty/Training services are also required (CLIN 0002).

• Detailed requirements are found in Attachment #1: Specifications.

• Applicable Provisions and Clauses are detailed in Attachment #2.

• Delivery and acceptance dates, and FOB point, are specified in the Specifications document.

• The contract will be a firm-fixed-price purchase order.

• The acquisition uses simplified acquisition procedures in accordance with FAR part 12.

• Quotation Due Date: April 22, 2026, by 12:00 PM Mountain Time.

• Submission Method: Electronic via email to Daniel.kent@nist.gov. Reference the RFQ number in the subject line.

• Inquiries Due Date: April 17, 2026, by 5:00 PM MT. Submit questions in writing to Daniel.kent@nist.gov.

• Quotation Preparation: Must be divided into three volumes: Technical Quotation, Price Quotation, and Terms and Conditions.

• Evaluation: Award will be made to the quoter offering the most advantageous solution based on price and non-price factors. Evaluation factors include Technical Capability and Delivery. The Government will assess confidence levels (High, Some, Low) based on these factors. Prices must be reasonable and compatible with the technical quotation.

• NAICS Code: 336411 – Aircraft Manufacturing, with a small business size standard of 1,500 employees.

• Registration: Quoters must have an ACTIVE registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quotation submission and until contract award.

• This procurement is not under GSA FSS or GWAC. If quoting via FSS/GWAC, the terms and conditions herein will apply to the resultant purchase order.

• Quoters must demonstrate their proposed system meets or exceeds minimum requirements with evidence; simply stating compliance is insufficient.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the detailed specifications and requirements for a Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (sUAS) and associated warranty/training package. It is intended to inform potential bidders about the technical capabilities, performance standards, and contractual obligations for this procurement.

Item 1: Small Uncrewed Aircraft System Airframe and Operator Control Unit

• Quantity: 1 EACH
• Specifications:
  • Multirotor sUAS for indoor flight (max 0.6m wide)
  • Durable construction with minimal repair capability
  • Propeller guards
  • Operational in GPS-denied position-hold
  • Autonomy with real-time object awareness and floor-plan creation
  • Onboard LED lights (white and blue)
  • Crash recovery mode (turtle mode)
  • Lidar mapper and forward-facing tracking cameras
  • Ruggedized hard storage case
  • Additional spare propellers or accessory kit
  • Two batteries, power supply, and USB cables
  • NDAA Compliant
  • Flight time: 15 to 20 minutes
  • 4K Video Recording Resolution
  • Gimbal stabilization with light modes
  • FLIR camera
  • 2-way Audio communications
  • Payload Dropper
  • Robot Mount

Item 2: Warranty/Training

• Quantity: 1 EACH
• Specifications:
  • 3-year support and warranty plan
  • Accessory kit with spare parts and tool kit
  • Unlimited repairs and maintenance
  • 1x Airframe replacement per year
  • On-demand training
  • In-person training
  • Visualization/Operation software with 3-year storage

Vendor Requirements:

• Possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) at time of award.
• Possess an active Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) on SAM.gov at time of award.

Shipping & Delivery:

• Delivery Shall Be Competed No Later Than: 7/19/2026
• Partial Delivery Acceptable.
• Shipping addresses provided for NIST-Boulder and NIST-Gaithersburg.

Inspection and Acceptance:

• Acceptance Not Expected to Exceed 7 Business Days.

Training Requirements:

• Up to three trainees.
• On-site or off-site training.
• Scope includes Operation, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Safety, and Other.
• No trainee travel required.

Warranty:

• Base Manufacturer Warranty acceptable.
• Warranty Length: 3 YEARS (including Labor, Parts, Travel, Cost and Liability for Returns).

Maintenance:

• Maintenance Plan Length: 3 YEARS (including Labor, Spare Parts, Consumables, Travel, Cost and Liability for Shipment, Software Updates, Manuals, Other).
• 1x Airframe replacement per year.
• Unlimited repairs and maintenance.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the precise technical specifications of the sUAS and the required warranty and training services. It details performance requirements, included components, delivery timelines, and vendor obligations, which are essential for preparing an accurate and compliant proposal.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Attachment 2 - Provisions and Clauses," details the various Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Commerce Acquisition Regulation (CAR) provisions and clauses that are incorporated by reference into the solicitation for the Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (NB671000-26-00986). It also includes specific NIST local clauses.

• Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference: FAR 52.252-1, FAR 52.252-5. These provisions may require completion by the offeror.

• Clauses Incorporated by Reference: A comprehensive list of FAR and CAR clauses, including but not limited to:

  • FAR 52.203-17, 52.203-19 (Confidentiality Agreements)
  • FAR 52.204-13, 52.204-19 (System for Award Management)
  • FAR 52.209-10, 52.209-2, 52.209-11 (Representations and Certifications)
  • FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4 (Terms and Conditions for Commercial Items)
  • FAR 52.219-28 (Post-award Small Business Program Rerepresentation)
  • FAR 52.225-1 (Buy American-Supplies)
  • FAR 52.232-33, 52.232-40 (Payment Instructions)
  • CAR 1352.233-70, CAR 1352.233-71 (Agency Protests, GAO/Court of Federal Claims Protests)
  • NIST LOCAL-39 (Marking/Packing Instructions)
  • NIST LOCAL-53 (Contract Performance During Changes in NIST Operating Status)
  • NIST LOCAL-54 (Electronic Billing Instructions)
  • NIST LOCAL-56 (Invoicing Processing Platform)

• Provisions & Clauses in Full Text: Includes the full text for FAR 52.225-2 "Buy American Certificate" and CAR 1352.233-70 "Agency Protests."

• Offerors must review all incorporated provisions and clauses to understand their obligations and requirements.

• Specific attention should be paid to provisions requiring offeror completion, such as FAR 52.225-2 (Buy American Certificate).

• Bidders need to be aware of the procedures for submitting protests (CAR 1352.233-70, CAR 1352.233-71).

• Instructions for marking/packing (NIST LOCAL-39), operating status during NIST changes (NIST LOCAL-53), and electronic invoicing (NIST LOCAL-54, NIST LOCAL-56) are critical for contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the detailed specifications and requirements for a Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (sUAS) and associated warranty/training. It serves as a specification document to guide potential vendors in understanding the technical and service needs for this procurement.

Item 1: Small Uncrewed Aircraft System Airframe and Operator Control Unit

• Quantity: 1 EACH
• Specifications:
  • Indoor flight capable, multirotor, < 0.6 meter width
  • Durable construction, capable of surviving minor crashes
  • Propeller guards
  • Operational in GPS-denied position-hold
  • Autonomy with real-time object awareness and floor-plan creation
  • Onboard LED lights
  • Crash recovery mode (turtle mode)
  • Lidar mapper and forward-facing tracking cameras
  • Ruggedized hard storage case
  • Additional spare propellers or accessory kit
  • Two batteries, power supply, and USB cables
  • NDAA Compliant
  • Flight time: 15-20 minutes
  • 4K Video Recording Resolution
  • Gimbal stabilization with light modes
  • 4K minimum Video resolution
  • FLIR camera
  • 2-way Audio communications
  • Glass Breaker
  • Payload Dropper
  • Robot Mount

Item 2: Warranty/Training

• Quantity: 1 EACH
• Specifications:
  • 3-year support and warranty plan
  • Accessory kit with spare parts, tool kit, unlimited repairs/maintenance, 1x airframe replacement per year, on-demand training
  • In-person training
  • Visualization/Operation software with 3-year storage

Vendor Requirements:

• Must possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) at time of award.
• Must possess an "Active" Unique Entity Identification Number (UEI) on SAM.gov at time of award.

Procurement Support Information and Ancillary Services:

• Shipping Address: NIST-Boulder and NIST-Gaithersburg are listed.
• Shipping Criteria: Partial Delivery Acceptable.
• Delivery Date Criteria: Competed no later than 7/19/2026.
• Electronic Media: Software, Electronic Manuals, License Key required.
• Installation: Vendor technician on-site, rigging, uncrating, removal of packaging, equipment set up, start-up services, turnkey installation are options.
• Inspection and Acceptance: Not expected to exceed 7 business days.
• Training: Up to three trainees, on-site or off-site (NO trainee travel required), scope includes Operation, Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Safety, and Other.
• Warranty: 3 YEARS, including Labor, Parts, Travel, Cost and Liability for Returns.
• Maintenance: 3 YEARS, including Labor, Spare Parts, Consumables, Travel, Cost and Liability for Shipment, Software Updates, Manuals, Other (1x Airframe replacement per year, unlimited repairs and maintenance).

This document is critical for bidders as it details the precise technical specifications of the sUAS and the required warranty and training services. Vendors must ensure their proposed solution meets all listed requirements, including compliance with NDAA, specific operational capabilities (e.g., GPS-denied flight, autonomy), and the comprehensive warranty and maintenance plan. The delivery date and shipping information are also key logistical considerations for proposal preparation.