Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
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, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has issued a Presolicitation Notice for the acquisition of a Freefly Systems Astro Max (NDAA/Blue) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or an equivalent system. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. Interested contractors are invited to submit information describing their capabilities and interest by April 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM MDT. This is not a request for quotes, and no contract will be awarded based on this notice.
Purpose & Scope
The purpose of this notice is to gather information from interested contractors for the acquisition of a UAV to be used for collecting remotely sensed imagery data. The required system is a Freefly Systems Astro Max (NDAA/Blue) or equivalent, with specific technical specifications including:
- Flight time up to 43 minutes
- Max payload of 3kg
- Foldable booms
- Optional LTE connectivity
- Pilot Pro Controller with specific hardware and features
- Custom configured 8" Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 tablet
- Astro Compact Travel Case and an SKB Rolling Case
- Requires two SL8-Air batteries per flight
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Presolicitation
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 336411 – Aircraft Manufacturing (Size Standard: 1,500 employees)
- Award Basis: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable
- Anticipated Award Date: May 2026
- Place of Performance: Temple, TX 76502, United States
Submission Requirements
Interested contractors should respond with information describing their interest and capabilities. Responses are due by Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 11:00 AM Mountain Daylight Time. Submissions must be emailed to frank.palmer@usda.gov in Microsoft Office Word or PDF format (UNCLASSIFIED).
Required submission elements include:
- Synopsis of capabilities (limit 5 pages)
- UEI Number
- Company Name, Address, Points of Contact
- Business size validation via SAM.gov
- Past work experience (similar size and scope)
Eligibility
Prospective contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and qualify as a total small business.
Important Notes
The Government reserves the right to reject any or all input. No costs associated with the preparation or submission of a response will be reimbursed. All responsible sources may submit a quotation when the official solicitation is issued.