B2 - Brand_Name_Justification.doc

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) Eastern Region has a requirement to purchase four (4) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) with miscellaneous parts for the inspection of NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) broadcasts antennas and heliax cable inspections.

Delivery Addresses National Weather Service Attn: Scott R Kelly

630 Johnson Ave., Suite 202

Bohemia, NY 11716

Brand Name Justification Parrot Drone, Autel Drone, and Yuneec Drone are on the approved NOAA Air Operations Center (AOC) list of authorized UAS for Government use in accordance with the NOAA UAS Handbook. Each of these drones were chosen to provide a specific mission within the National Weather Service/Eastern Region. The unique capabilities such as turbulence minimization, proximity sensors for slow movements near an antenna or building to reduce flying into a structure and causing damage to itself or the tower, (used while flying close to NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) broadcast antennas at high altitude), simulcast video broadcast while in-flight, unique camera gimbal mount for viewing above the drone while inspecting under a portion of the tower, and in the case of the Parrot, a small backpack designed drone for hiking to a remote location for flight, (there are a lot of towers in remote locations).

The drones will be flown within close proximity to a broadcast tower at heights from ground level to above 1000ft. These drones will be eliminating a climbing hazard. In the process, the inspection of the antenna transmission line and the dipole antennas is critical to the timeliness of equipment restoration back to operation. The NWR program is essential to provide weather conditions and emergency weather information to help protect public lives and property. The Parrot, Autel, and Yuneec drones are unique aircraft to be chosen to fly at over 180 unique tower locations within the Eastern Region of the NWS. Each drone has a capability that can be matched with the environments surrounding a broadcast tower.

There are currently two FAA licensed pilots within the NWS Eastern Region, electronics staff. The two pilots have experience flying these particular drones in practice. Choosing a drone that is un-familiar to the pilots could result in damage to the drone, people, or property. If a drone is purchased without knowing its capabilities, it could be deemed useless to our mission.

Each drone was assessed on their flight capability, especially within close proximity to a broadcast tower or building. The drones need to fly extremely stable in order to capture high-resolution video and images for inspection of damage. The government does not know of any other drones that have all of the unique capabilities chosen to fly close to structures at high altitudes.

***AUTHORIZED PARROT, AUTEL, AND YUNEEC RESELLERS ONLY***

The Statutory Authority for this action is FAR 11.105(a)(1) The particular brand name, product, or feature is essential to the Government’s requirements, and market research indicates other companies’ similar products, or products lacking the particular feature, do not meet, or cannot be modified to meet, the agency’s needs.

Any party who feels they can provide other than the brand name specified must be able to demonstrate their ability to provide the equipment to meet the specifications and requirements listed. Firms must furnish detailed specifications and descriptions to demonstrate their capability to provide the items and satisfy the Government’s needs. Capability information shall include, at a minimum, name, telephone number and address of concerns for which you have previously furnished this item, and detailed narrative that describes your ability to provide this item as specified and descriptive literature. Interested parties must respond within seven (7) days after publication of this notice. Responses can be sent via e-mail to elliott.waxman@noaa.gov.