Neros Single Source Justification - Signed_Redacted.pdf

This is a Single Source Justification document for a simplified acquisition by the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) for the procurement of Neros Archer Quadcopter Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS), supporting accessories, and AFSOC-approved training. The contracting activity is 1 SOCONS, and the project is titled "Small Unmanned Aerial Systems - NEROS." The contract will be a single award, firm fixed price arrangement. The estimated contract cost is redacted in the document.

The justification for sole-source procurement to Neros (SAM UID: JC6XP8B7EC51) is based on statutory restrictions and operational requirements. Section 848 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, Section 817 of the 2023 NDAA, and the American Security Drone Act of 2023 collectively prohibit the Department of Defense from procuring unmanned aerial systems manufactured in, or using components developed in, certain foreign countries including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Neros is the only vendor on the BlueUAS cleared vendor list capable of meeting AFSOC's specific mission requirements: Group 1 UAS under 10 lbs with quadrotor configuration, greater than 12 km range, maximum gross takeoff weight exceeding 5 lbs, and First Person View (FPV) out-of-box capability with current Authority to Operate (ATO). The contracting officer, Ryan McCauley (GS-12, DAFC), signed the justification on January 23, 2026, determining that only a single source is reasonably available under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1).