UNSPSC 81151605: Satellite imaging and image processing service

Images of Earth or other planets collected by imaging satellites operated by governments and businesses around the world

UNSPSC 81151605 Satellite imaging and image processing service is a Commodity code that encompasses aerial visual content capture and data delivery services, including orthoimagery production, drone-based photography and videography, thermal and topographic imaging, and UAS-based inspection and survey work for state and local government operations. State and local buyers soliciting under this code span educational institutions, county and city planning and natural resource departments, utilities, housing authorities, emergency management offices, and specialized service districts. Recent opportunities show a diverse mix of applications: Texas A&M University's Administrative Services Procurement Office is requesting bids on agricultural and mapping UAS services (ITB #AG-RSCH-6588, due June 26, 2026); Marion County, Florida issued an RFQ for comprehensive photography, videography, and video production services to support tourism marketing (RFQ 26Q-073, due July 16, 2026, at fixed tiered pricing ranging from $1,800 to $10,900 per project); the City of Lawrenceville, Georgia in partnership with Gwinnett County issued an RFP for aerial drone light show services for a public event (RP008-26, due May 26, 2026, with a not-to-exceed budget of $15,000); and Pinellas County, Florida is conducting a continuing as-needed procurement for unmanned aerial services and professional engineering under the Consultants' Competitive Negotiation Act (RFQ #26-0370-CCNAC, due April 7, 2026).

Geographic activity is concentrated in Florida, Texas, Georgia, and the Pacific Northwest. Washington Technology Solutions issued RFP 26-RFP-004 on behalf of the Statewide Imagery Consortium to procure orthoimagery services for state agencies and local governments across Washington State (proposals due May 18, 2026), while the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, Illinois sought aerial thermal survey services for white-tailed deer assessment (RFQ, due April 15, 2026). The University of Texas at Austin is soliciting proposals for aerial drone light show services supporting Commencement (RFP, proposals due March 18, 2026), and the City of Charlotte, North Carolina through its Storm Water Services division issued separate RFPs for creative services including photography and imagery (RFP #FY27-RFP-02, proposals due February 23, 2026, anticipated budget $690,000 over five years). Contract terms vary widely — some procurements are event-specific or project-based; others establish continuing as-needed relationships with renewable terms extending three to five years and performance-based rate renegotiation. Evaluation criteria typically weight experience with similar projects, technical capability (FAA certification, equipment specifications, insurance), and past performance. Set-asides and preferences appear inconsistently: Charlotte's procurements mandate MWBE utilization tracking, Pinellas County weights Pinellas County Small Business Enterprise certification at 100 evaluation points, and Washington's Statewide Imagery Consortium encourages but does not mandate MWBE participation.