C04a_Statement of Work final_123A9426Q0048.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work

Date: 4 September 2026

Contents Project General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

2.0 Background

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Government Furnished

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards Attachment

Project Freefly Astro Max (NDAA/Blue) Drones

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

The USDA-ARS SEWRL in Tifton, Georgia requires contractor assistance to procure new replacement drones

The contractor shall provide: 1. Two (2) Freefly Astro Max NDAA/Blue compliant medium lift drones; 2. One (1) RTK ground station compatible with the Freefly Astro Max drones.

2.0 Background

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Southeast Watershed Research Lab (SEWRL) in Tifton, GA conducts several research projects using small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS or drones).

Drones are used to capture remote sensing imagery of experimental agricultural plots and fields. The data from sUAS are used to evaluate numerous characteristics of cropping systems, including features related to water, soil and crop phenology. Currently SEWRL has only one functional National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliant drone which can be used to capture multispectral imagery, and which is now obsolete, compromising the ability of the unit to reliably continue research and meet our deliverable expectations.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

3.1 The contractor shall provide the following equipment:

A. Astro Max (NDAA/Blue) (Qty: 2)

a. Up to 43 minutes flight time

i. 31 minutes with LR1 Payload

ii. 20 minutes with max payload (3kg)

b. 3kg max payload

c. Booms fold up to ½ the diameter

d. Standard Remote ID enabled

e. Optional LTE connectivity (North America only)

f. Pilot Pro Controller (Qty: 2)

i. Freefly Pro Controller

ii. High resolution rockers for precise camera / gimbal control

iii. Configured with robust long-range radio hardware:

1. Doodle Labs RF, NDAA and DIU Blue (2.4 GHz)

iv. Internal battery with external power inputs to support hot swapping for maximum uptime

v. Emergency kill-switch

vi. Discreet physical buttons for all key user actions

vii. Includes custom configured, pre-installed 8" Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 tablet

viii. Realtime drone and gimbal speed limits

ix. Custom padded neck strap

B. Astro Compact Travel Case (Qty: 2)

a. Holds everything needed to fly Astro

i. Astro with 2 SL8 batteries installed and legs folded

ii. Pilot Pro radio controller

iii. Pair of SL8 Chargers

iv. Set of spare props (1 each CW & CCW) (Sku: 910-00900)

v. Basic tools

b. Custom cut foam, tested to protect against drops from 1 meter

c. Submersible and dust tight (MIL-STD 810G)

d. Airline checkable

e. SKB Rolling Case - 3i-2217-10

f. Case dimensions: 24.52" x 19.5" x 12.22" / 62.28 x 49.53 x 31.04 cm

g. Weight of Astro in case:

i. As shipped/checked (no SL8s): 36.16 lbs / 16.40 kg

ii. Full kit (with two SL8s): 40.66 lbs / 18.44 kg

C. LR1 Payload (Qty: 2)

a. High‑resolution mapping payload with integrated 61 MP Sony ILX‑LR1 camera and 3‑axis gimbal

b. Includes 24 mm lens, USB drive, and rugged travel case

c. Weighs 970g / 34.2oz

d. Supported lenses: 24 mm (included), 35 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm

e. Typical Astro flights with Mapping Payload are 28-34 minutes (depending on speed / conditions / lens), per pair of batteries

D. Spare Parts Kit (Qty: 2)

a. Qty 1 - Carrying strap

b. Qty 12 - Vibration isolator balls

c. Qty 2 - Landing gear leg (w/hinge)

d. Fastener assortment

i. Qty 8 - M3x6 SHCS

ii. Qty 8 - M3x6 SHCS

iii. Qty 2 - M3x12 SHCS

E. Batteries (Qty: 12)

a. SL8-Air Batteries

b. Astro uses two SL8-Air batteries per flight

c. Voltage: 21.6 V (6S)

d. Capacity: 7.3 Ah, 157 Wh

e. Weight: 2.25lbs

f. Chemistry: Lithium-Ion

g. Auxiliary output: USB-C Power Delivery

F. Chargers (Qty: 8)

a. SL8 Fast Charger

b. One charger charges one Freefly SL8-Air battery at a time

c. Approximate charge time for one SL8-Air battery, from 0%: 90 mins

d. Input: 100 / 240 VAC

e. Output: 200 Watts

f. Supplied with North America power cable (NEMA 1-15 ungrounded, Type A).

i. Power cable is replaceable (IEC320 connector).

G. RTK GPS GROUND STATION (Qty: 2)

• The UAV package must include an RTK GNSS ground reference station that provides:

a. Centimeter location accuracy horizontally and vertically

b. Must support real-time corrections to the aircraft via radio link

c. Compatibility

i. Fully integrated with the aircraft’s flight controller

ii. Must support long-range correction link

iii. Must allow base-rover pairing without third-party hardware

iv. Support native RTK corrections without third-party receivers

3.2 The primary cost associated with these drones is the initial purchase price. With regular maintenance, the life expectancy of these drones will be 5+ years.

4.0 Government Furnished

4.1 Delivery Location:

Southeast Watershed Research Laboratory 2316 Rainwater Road Tifton, GA 31793

4.2 Maintenance

Maintenance will be provided by the Government from a qualified sUAS pilot.

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

5.1 Key Deliverables

Item No.

Deliverable / Item Title

Description Frequency Delivery Format

Due

1 Delivery Receipt Documentation for proof of delivery

Once Hardcopy or electronic

Upon delivery of items

2 Manual/Training Guides

Documentation providing product details, instructions, and technical data about the manufactured items

Once Hardcopy or electronic

Upon delivery of items

All electronic documentation must be compatible with Microsoft Office products or a PDF.

6.0 Travel

Not Applicable

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

Not Applicable

8.0 Security Requirements

8.1 NDAA Section 889

The Contractor shall not provide to the Government, nor use in performance of this contract, any equipment, system, or service that uses covered telecommunications or video‑surveillance equipment or services as a substantial or essential component of any system, or as critical technology as part of any system.

“Covered telecommunications or video‑surveillance equipment or services” includes equipment or services from entities identified under the Overhaul FAR Section 889 implementation, including affiliated or subsidiary brands, consistent with the RFO’s supply‑chain security policy.

By submitting an offer and throughout performance, the Contractor represents it does not use covered equipment or services within its enterprise operations in a manner that would violate Section 889, and will promptly notify the Contracting Officer if such use is discovered during performance.

Upon identification or reasonable suspicion of covered equipment or services, the Contractor shall immediately report the information to the Contracting Officer and provide sufficient detail to enable the Government’s determination, and implement corrective actions as directed.

Flowdown (as applicable) The Contractor shall ensure that any subcontract for supplies or services that may involve telecommunications, networking, or video‑surveillance components is administered to prevent the provision or use of covered equipment or services under this contract.

9.0 Data Rights

The Government shall have unlimited rights in all data, manuals, technical information, and documentation procured under this contract that describe the operation, maintenance, configuration, or use of the procured equipment. Such data shall be provided without restriction and may be reproduced, used, or disclosed by the Government for any purpose.

This requirement does not include proprietary manufacturing data or contractor‑internal business processes unrelated to the operation and use of the purchased equipment. Any data the Contractor asserts as proprietary must be clearly marked prior to delivery. The Government reserves the right to review and accept or reject any restrictive markings that do not comply with applicable regulations.

No data created solely through normal use of the equipment (e.g., flight logs, imagery, performance data) shall be restricted from Government use. All such data generated during Government operation shall be owned by the Government and may be used, shared, or archived without limitation.

10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards E201 Application E201.1 Scope. ICT that is procured, developed, maintained, or used by agencies shall conform to the Revised 508 Standards.

E206 Hardware E206.1 General. Where components of ICT are hardware and transmit information or have a user interface, such components shall conform to the requirements in Chapter 4.

E208 Support Documentation and Services E208.1 General. Where an agency provides support documentation or services for ICT, such documentation and services shall conform to the requirements in Chapter 6.

E301 General E301.1 Scope. The requirements of Chapter 3 shall apply to ICT where required by 508 Chapter 2 (Scoping Requirements), 255 Chapter 2 (Scoping Requirements), and where otherwise referenced in any other chapter of the Revised 508 Standards or Revised 255 Guidelines.

E302 Functional Performance Criteria

302.1 Without Vision. Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user vision.

302.2 With Limited Vision. Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that enables users to make use of limited vision.

302.3 Without Perception of Color. Where a visual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one visual mode of operation that does not require user perception of color.

302.4 Without Hearing. Where an audible mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user hearing.

302.5 With Limited Hearing. Where an audible mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that enables users to make use of limited hearing.

302.6 Without Speech. Where speech is used for input, control, or operation, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require user speech.

302.7 With Limited Manipulation. Where a manual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous manual operations.

302.8 With Limited Reach and Strength. Where a manual mode of operation is provided, ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation that is operable with limited reach and limited strength.

302.9 With Limited Language, Cognitive, and Learning Abilities. ICT shall provide features making its use by individuals with limited cognitive, language, and learning abilities simpler and easier.

401 General

401.1 Scope. The requirements of Chapter 4 shall apply to ICT that is hardware where required by 508 Chapter 2 (Scoping Requirements), 255 Chapter 2 (Scoping Requirements), and where otherwise referenced in any other chapter of the Revised 508 Standards or Revised 255 Guidelines.

Exception from E401.1 Scope: Hardware that is assistive technology shall not be required to conform to the requirements of this chapter.

402 Closed Functionality

402.1 General. ICT with closed functionality shall be operable without requiring the user to attach or install assistive technology other than personal headsets or other audio couplers, and shall conform to 402.

402.2 Speech-Output Enabled. ICT with a display screen shall be speech-output enabled for full and independent use by individuals with vision impairments.

Exceptions from E402.2:

1. Variable message signs conforming to 402.5 shall not be required to be speech-output enabled.

2. Speech output shall not be required where ICT display screens only provide status indicators and those indicators conform to 409.

3. Where speech output cannot be supported due to constraints in available memory or processor capability, ICT shall be permitted to conform to 409 in lieu of 402.2.

4. Audible tones shall be permitted instead of speech output where the content of user input is not displayed as entered for security purposes, including, but not limited to, asterisks representing personal identification numbers.

5. Speech output shall not be required for: the machine location; date and time of transaction; customer account number; and the machine identifier or label.

6. Speech output shall not be required for advertisements and other similar information unless they convey information that can be used for the transaction being conducted.

402.2.1 Information Displayed On-Screen. Speech output shall be provided for all information displayed on-screen.

402.2.2 Transactional Outputs. Where transactional outputs are provided, the speech output shall audibly provide all information necessary to verify a transaction.

402.2.3 Speech Delivery Type and Coordination. Speech output shall be delivered through a mechanism that is readily available to all users, including, but not limited to, an industry standard connector or a telephone handset. Speech shall be recorded or digitized human, or synthesized. Speech output shall be coordinated with information displayed on the screen.

402.2.4 User Control. Speech output for any single function shall be automatically interrupted when a transaction is selected. Speech output shall be capable of being repeated and paused.

402.2.5 Braille Instructions. Where speech output is required by 402.2, braille instructions for initiating the speech mode of operation shall be provided. Braille shall be contracted and shall conform to 36 CFR part 1191, Appendix D, Section 703.3.1.

Exception from E402.2.5 Braille Instructions: Devices for personal use shall not be required to conform to 402.2.5.

402.3 Volume. ICT that delivers sound, including speech output required by 402.2, shall provide volume control and output amplification conforming to 402.3.

402.3.1 Private Listening. Where ICT provides private listening, it shall provide a mode of operation for controlling the volume. Where ICT delivers output by an audio transducer typically held up to the ear, a means for effective magnetic wireless coupling to hearing technologies shall be provided.

402.3.2 Non-private Listening. Where ICT provides non-private listening, incremental volume control shall be provided with output amplification up to a level of at least 65 dB. A function shall be provided to automatically reset the volume to the default level after every use.

402.4 Characters on Display Screens. At least one mode of characters displayed on the screen shall be in a sans serif font. Where ICT does not provide a screen enlargement feature, characters shall be 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) high minimum based on the uppercase letter “I”. Characters shall contrast with their background with either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background.

402.5 Characters on Variable Message Signs. Characters on variable message signs shall conform to section 703.7 Variable Message Signs of ICC A117.1-2009 (incorporated by reference, see 702.6.1).

403 Biometrics

403.1 General. Where provided, biometrics shall not be the only means for user identification or control.

Exception from E403.1 General: Where at least two biometric options that use different biological characteristics are provided, ICT shall be permitted to use biometrics as the only means for user identification or control.

404 Preservation of Information Provided for Accessibility

404.1 General. ICT that transmits or converts information or communication shall not remove non-proprietary information provided for accessibility or shall restore it upon delivery.

405 Privacy

405.1 General. The same degree of privacy of input and output shall be provided to all individuals. When speech output required by 402.2 is enabled, the screen shall not blank automatically.

406 Standard Connections

406.1 General. Where data connections used for input and output are provided, at least one of each type of connection shall conform to industry standard non-proprietary formats.

407 Operable Parts

407.1 General. Where provided, operable parts used in the normal operation of ICT shall conform to 407.

407.2 Contrast. Where provided, keys and controls shall contrast visually from background surfaces. Characters and symbols shall contrast visually from background surfaces with either light characters or symbols on a dark background or dark characters or symbols on a light background.

407.3 Input Controls. At least one input control conforming to 407.3 shall be provided for each function.

Exception from E407.3 Input Controls: Devices for personal use with input controls that are audibly discernable without activation and operable by touch shall not be required to conform to 407.3.

407.3.1 Tactilely Discernible. Input controls shall be operable by touch and tactilely discernible without activation.

407.3.2 Alphabetic Keys. Where provided, individual alphabetic keys shall be arranged in a QWERTY-based keyboard layout and the “F” and “J” keys shall be tactilely distinct from the other keys.

407.3.3 Numeric Keys. Where provided, numeric keys shall be arranged in a 12-key ascending or descending keypad layout. The number five key shall be tactilely distinct from the other keys. Where the ICT provides an alphabetic overlay on numeric keys, the relationships between letters and digits shall conform to ITU-T Recommendation E.161 (incorporated by reference, see 702.7.1).

407.4 Key Repeat. Where a keyboard with key repeat is provided, the delay before the key repeat feature is activated shall be fixed at, or adjustable to, 2 seconds minimum.

407.5 Timed Response. Where a timed response is required, the user shall be alerted visually, as well as by touch or sound, and shall be given the opportunity to indicate that more time is needed.

407.6 Operation. At least one mode of operation shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.

407.7 Tickets, Fare Cards, and Keycards. Where tickets, fare cards, or keycards are provided, they shall have an orientation that is tactilely discernible if orientation is important to further use of the ticket, fare card, or keycard.

407.8 Reach Height and Depth. At least one of each type of operable part of stationary ICT shall be at a height conforming to 407.8.2 or 407.8.3 according to its position established by the vertical reference plane specified in 407.8.1 for a side reach or a forward reach. Operable parts used with speech output required by 402.2 shall not be the only type of operable part complying with 407.8 unless that part is the only operable part of its type.

● 407.8.1 Vertical Reference Plane. Operable parts shall be positioned for a side reach or a forward reach determined with respect to a vertical reference plane. The vertical reference plane shall be located in conformance to 407.8.2 or 407.8.3.

○ 407.8.1.1 Vertical Plane for Side Reach. Where a side reach is provided, the vertical reference plane shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum.

○ 407.8.1.2 Vertical Plane for Forward Reach. Where a forward reach is provided, the vertical reference plane shall be 30 inches (760 mm) long minimum.

● 407.8.2 Side Reach. Operable parts of ICT providing a side reach shall conform to 407.8.2.1 or 407.8.2.2. The vertical reference plane shall be centered on the operable part and placed at the leading edge of the maximum protrusion of the ICT within the length of the vertical reference plane. Where a side reach requires a reach over a portion of the ICT, the height of that portion of the ICT shall be 34 inches (865 mm) maximum.

○ 407.8.2.1 Unobstructed Side Reach. Where the operable part is located 10 inches (255 mm) or less beyond the vertical reference plane, the operable part shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) high maximum and 15 inches (380 mm) high minimum above the floor.

○ 407.8.2.2 Obstructed Side Reach. Where the operable part is located more than 10 inches (255 mm), but not more than 24 inches (610 mm), beyond the vertical reference plane, the height of the operable part shall be 46 inches (1170 mm) high maximum and 15 inches (380 mm) high minimum above the floor. The operable part shall not be located more than 24 inches (610 mm) beyond the vertical reference plane.

● 407.8.3 Forward Reach. Operable parts of ICT providing a forward reach shall conform to 407.8.3.1 or 407.8.3.2.

The vertical reference plane shall be centered, and intersect with, the operable part. Where a forward reach allows a reach over a portion of the ICT, the height of that portion of the ICT shall be 34 inches (865 mm) maximum.

○ 407.8.3.1 Unobstructed Forward Reach. Where the operable part is located at the leading edge of the maximum protrusion within the length of the vertical reference plane of the ICT, the operable part shall be 48 inches (1220 mm) high maximum and 15 inches (380 mm) high minimum above the floor.

○ 407.8.3.2 Obstructed Forward Reach. Where the operable part is located beyond the leading edge of the maximum protrusion within the length of the vertical reference plane, the operable part shall conform to 407.8.3.2. The maximum allowable forward reach to an operable part shall be 25 inches (635 mm).

■ 407.8.3.2.1 Operable Part Height for ICT with Obstructed Forward Reach. The height of the operable part shall conform to Table 407.8.3.2.1.

■ 407.8.3.2.2 Knee and Toe Space under ICT with Obstructed Forward Reach. Knee and toe space under ICT shall be 27 inches (685 mm) high minimum, 25 inches (635 mm) deep maximum, and 30 inches (760 mm) wide minimum and shall be clear of obstructions.

408 Display Screens

408.1 General. Where provided, display screens shall conform to 408.

408.2 Visibility. Where stationary ICT provides one or more display screens, at least one of each type of display screen shall be visible from a point located 40 inches (1015 mm) above the floor space where the display screen is viewed.

408.3 Flashing. Where ICT emits lights in flashes, there shall be no more than three flashes in any one-second period.

Exception from E408.3 Flashing: Flashes that do not exceed the general flash and red flash thresholds defined in WCAG

2.0 (incorporated by reference, see 702.10.1) are not required to conform to 408.3.

409 Status Indicators

409.1 General. Where provided, status indicators shall be discernible visually and by touch or sound.

410 Color Coding

410.1 General. Where provided, color coding shall not be used as the only means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

411 Audible Signals

411.1 General. Where provided, audible signals or cues shall not be used as the only means of conveying information, indicating an action, or prompting a response

412 ICT with Two-Way Voice Communication

412.1 General. ICT that provides two-way voice communication shall conform to 412.

412.2 Volume Gain. ICT that provides two-way voice communication shall conform to 412.2.1 or 412.2.2.

Exception from E412.2 Volume Gain: ICT conforming to 412.2 shall not be required to conform to 402.3.

412.2.1 Volume Gain for Wireline Telephones. Volume gain conforming to 47 CFR 68.317 shall be provided on analog and digital wireline telephones.

412.2.2 Volume Gain for Non-Wireline ICT. A method for increasing volume shall be provided for non-wireline ICT.

412.3 Interference Reduction and Magnetic Coupling. Where ICT delivers output by a handset or other type of audio transducer that is typically held up to the ear, ICT shall reduce interference with hearing technologies and provide a means for effective magnetic wireless coupling in conformance with 412.3.1 or 412.3.2.

● 412.3.1 Wireless Handsets. ICT in the form of wireless handsets shall conform to ANSI/IEEE C63.19-2011 (incorporated by reference, see 702.5.1).

● 412.3.2 Wireline Handsets. ICT in the form of wireline handsets, including cordless handsets, shall conform to TIA-1083-B (incorporated by reference, see702.9.1).

412.4 Digital Encoding of Speech. ICT in IP-based networks shall transmit and receive speech that is digitally encoded in the manner specified by ITU-T Recommendation G.722.2 (incorporated by reference, see 702.7.2) or IETF RFC 6716 (incorporated by reference, see 702.8.1).

412.5 Real-Time Text Functionality. [Reserved].

412.6 Caller ID. Where provided, caller identification and similar telecommunications functions shall be visible and audible.

412.7 Video Communication. Where ICT provides real-time video functionality, the quality of the video shall be sufficient to support communication using sign language.

413 Closed Caption Processing Technologies

413.1 General. Where ICT displays or processes video with synchronized audio, ICT shall provide closed caption processing technology that conforms to 413.1.1 or 413.1.2.

● 413.1.1 Decoding and Display of Closed Captions. Players and displays shall decode closed caption data and support display of captions.

● 413.1.2 Pass-Through of Closed Caption Data. Cabling and ancillary equipment shall pass through caption data.

414 Audio Description Processing Technologies

414.1 General. Where ICT displays or processes video with synchronized audio, ICT shall provide audio description processing technology conforming to 414.1.1 or 414.1.2.

● 414.1.1 Digital Television Tuners. Digital television tuners shall provide audio description processing that conforms to ATSC A/53 Digital Television Standard, Part 5 (2014) (incorporated by reference, see 702.2.1).

Digital television tuners shall provide processing of audio description when encoded as a Visually Impaired (VI) associated audio service that is provided as a complete program mix containing audio description according to the ATSC A/53 standard.

● 414.1.2 Other ICT. ICT other than digital television tuners shall provide audio description processing.

415 User Controls for Captions and Audio Descriptions

415.1 General. Where ICT displays video with synchronized audio, ICT shall provide user controls for closed captions and audio descriptions conforming to 415.1.

Exception from E415.1 General: Devices for personal use shall not be required to conform to 415.1 provided that captions and audio descriptions can be enabled through system-wide platform settings.

● 415.1.1 Caption Controls. Where ICT provides operable parts for volume control, ICT shall also provide operable parts for caption selection.

● 415.1.2 Audio Description Controls. Where ICT provides operable parts for program selection, ICT shall also provide operable parts for the selection of audio description.

Attachment Not Applicable