Outdoor Small Uncrewed 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 National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Department of Commerce, has issued an unrestricted Request for Quotation (RFQ), solicitation number NB671000-26-01304, for an Outdoor Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (sUAS). This acquisition aims to procure a sUAS for NIST's Public Safety Research Division (PSCR) to support flight testing, drone simulator comparison, link loss research, and scientific research for first responders. Quotations are due by May 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time.
Scope of Work
NIST requires a modular, sub-55-pound multirotor sUAS that is NDAA and/or TAA Compliant, durable, and capable of outdoor flight. Key specifications include:
- Aircraft: IP55 rated, 2.4/5 GHz and 5G/LTE ready, >40 minutes flight time, GPS-denied position-hold, 360-degree obstacle avoidance, 4K video, IR/telephoto cameras, gimbal stabilization, and 25 mph wind handling.
- Operator Control Unit (OCU): IP54 rated, integrated touchscreen and stick controls, 2.4/5 GHz and 5G/LTE ready, with a sub-60 second startup time.
- Accessories: Two 256 GB micro-SD cards, three batteries, a dual charger, a ruggedized storage case, and one set of spare propellers.
- Attachments (Lot): RTK/PPK GPS, Payload Dropper, Parachute, Spotlight, and Speaker. An Autonomy Drone Software License is also required.
Contract Details
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted.
- NAICS: 336411 – Aircraft Manufacturing (Small Business Size Standard: 1,500 employees).
- Delivery: Required no later than August 19, 2026.
- Warranty: A base manufacturer warranty of 1-Year is acceptable.
Submission & Evaluation
Quoters must submit electronic quotations in three volumes: Technical, Price, and Terms and Conditions. Award will be made to the responsible quoter with the Lowest Priced, Technically Acceptable (LPTA) quote, considering Technical Capability and Price. No prototypes or used/refurbished instruments will be considered. Offerors must have an active SAM.gov registration and UEI, and an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) at the time of award.
Key Dates & Contact
- Quotation Due: May 21, 2026, 12:00 PM MT.
- Inquiries Due: May 28, 2026, 5:00 PM MT.
- Contact: Clifford Nicholson (clifford.nicholson@nist.gov, 3034975185).