SOW_UAS.pdf

PDF 169 KB Posted Sep 16, 2026

Attached to: Drones for Aerial Monitoring System
Solicitation number: NTIA00379UASDrones
Issued by: Department of Commerce Office of the Secretary

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Written by GovTribe AI · Sep 16, 2026

This is a Statement of Work (SOW) for the procurement of two heavy-lift unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), under the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Objective and Requirements: ITS requires two electric-powered UAS capable of carrying the Rohde & Schwarz AMS Aerial Monitoring System payload (approximately 5 kg) for RF spectrum measurement missions, including antenna far-field pattern verification, microwave link monitoring, and RF interference hunting and direction finding at elevated positions. The UAS must provide a mechanical mounting interface compatible with the R&S AMS frame, a minimum sustained hover payload capacity of 8 kg (60% margin above nominal payload), and secure structural mounting with sufficient rigidity to prevent unwanted antenna movement during 360-degree azimuth rotation. Each UAS must demonstrate minimum hover endurance of 25 minutes while carrying the AMS payload, sustained flight capability up to 400 feet AGL per FAA Part 107 standards, stable flight in winds up to 20 knots with gusts to 25 knots, and the ability to execute controlled 360-degree rotations at rates not exceeding 10 degrees per second. Positioning accuracy must be within 1.5 meters horizontal and 0.5 meters vertical during hover and programmed flight using standard multi-constellation GNSS, with factory-equipped or field-upgradeable Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning capability available as a government option at separate unit pricing. The UAS shall support both autonomous and interactive operator-controlled modes, provide integrated FPV camera capability, and be equipped with a minimum of 8 flight batteries and 1 rapid charger at delivery.

Technical and Compliance Requirements: All UAS RF emitters must comply with FCC Part 15 requirements and avoid interference with AMS measurement frequency ranges (300 MHz to 8 GHz and 4 GHz to 40 GHz); control link frequencies must be available in bands other than 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz upon request. The contractor must document all operating frequencies, bandwidth, and transmit power specifications and provide technical documentation for government frequency authorization prior to operational use. All UAS and components must comply with NDAA Section 848 restrictions on covered foreign manufacturers, and the contractor must be an authorized reseller or distributor confirmed by original equipment manufacturer documentation. Each UAS shall incorporate flight control redundancy (dual IMU, dual GNSS, or equivalent), execute automatic fail-safe behavior upon loss of control or low battery state (set at no less than 20% remaining capacity), support geofencing configuration, comply with all FAA Part 107 commercial UAS operation requirements, and operate across a minimum ambient temperature range of 32 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with an ingress protection rating of at least IP43. The contractor shall confirm current compatibility with the R&S AMS payload directly with Rohde & Schwarz prior to delivery and provide operator training and complete technical and maintenance documentation. The example brand-name equivalent is the Freefly Systems Alta X2. Delivery and Inspection: Equipment shall be delivered FOB-Destination within 60 days after receipt of order to NTIA/ITS at 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305, with all freight charges included in the awarded amount. All items will be tested and verified for compliance prior to payment; invoicing may not occur sooner than 14 calendar days following delivery to allow sufficient inspection time.

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STATEMENT OF WORK

Drones for Aerial Monitoring System

U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Institute for Telecommunication Sciences

1. BACKGROUND

The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) provides research and development support for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) by performing basic research in radio science that provides the technical foundation for NTIA’s policy development and spectrum management activities, as well as solves telecommunications challenges for other Federal agencies, state and local Governments, private corporations and associations, and international organizations.

Additionally, ITS addresses emerging telecommunications, information technology, and security challenges and contributes to the creation of telecommunications standards that support the full and fair competitiveness of the U.S. communications and information technology business sectors.

2. OBJECTIVE

ITS requires two heavy-lift unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to carry the Rohde & Schwarz AMS Aerial Monitoring System payload for aerial radio frequency (RF) spectrum measurement missions. These missions include antenna far-field pattern verification, microwave link monitoring, and RF interference hunting and direction finding at elevated positions difficult or impossible to reach from the ground.

3. REQUIREMENTS

The government requires two unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The specific components listed below are for the Rohde & Schwarz AMS Aerial Monitoring System and associated unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are intended to establish a standard of quality, performance, and completeness. These references are descriptive, not restrictive.

Offerors may propose equivalent products, provided that their solution meets all salient characteristics outlined below. Offerors proposing an “equal” solution are strongly encouraged to provide a point-by-point narrative explaining how their proposed system meets each salient characteristic.

3.1. Payload Compatibility and Integration

3.1.1. Each UAS shall be capable of carrying the Government-furnished R&S® Aerial

Monitoring System (AMS) payload, with a total configured weight of approximately 5 kg, including the AMS frame, antenna, GNSS receiver/antenna, control PC, and battery pack.

3.1.2. Each UAS shall provide a mechanical mounting interface compatible with the R&S AMS frame. Currently, the Freefly Systems Alta X and Alta X2 is the only Blue UAS List approved drone platform with an existing R&S-certified mounting bracket. If a non-listed airframe is proposed, the contractor shall coordinate with Rohde & Schwarz to obtain or fabricate a compatible mounting bracket prior to delivery.

3.1.3. Each UAS shall provide a minimum payload capacity of 8 kg in sustained hover, providing at least 60% margin above the 5 kg nominal AMS payload weight to preserve flight time, control authority, and wind performance.

3.1.4. Because the AMS payload is self-powered via its own dedicated battery pack and control PC, the UAS is not required to provide payload power; the UAS shall, however, provide secure structural mounting and sufficient rigidity to prevent unwanted antenna movement during the 360-degree azimuth interference-direction-finding rotation.

3.1.5. The UAS airframe and landing gear shall not obstruct the AMS antenna's field of view during hover or during the 360-degree azimuth rotation maneuver.

3.2. Propulsion

3.2.1. Each UAS shall be powered exclusively by an electric propulsion system (battery-powered). Gasoline, hydrogen fuel cell, or other non-electric propulsion systems are not acceptable.

3.3. Flight Performance

3.3.1. Each UAS shall demonstrate a minimum hover endurance of 25 minutes while carrying the 5 kg AMS payload.

3.3.2. Each UAS shall be capable of sustained flight at altitudes up to 400 feet (122 meters)

AGL, consistent with standard FAA Part 107 operating ceiling, with the ability to operate at lower altitudes as required for microwave link and antenna pattern measurements.

3.3.3. Each UAS shall maintain stable flight in sustained winds of up to 20 knots with gusts to 25 knots.

3.3.4. Each UAS shall be capable of executing a controlled, stable 360-degree rotation in azimuth at a fixed position and altitude, at a pilot- or autopilot-controlled rotation rate not exceeding 10 degrees per second, to support AMS interference direction-finding measurements.

3.3.5. Each UAS shall support both automatic mode (autonomous, preprogrammed measurement flight requiring only a pilot) and interactive mode (real-time operator-controlled positioning).

3.4. Positioning and Measurement Stability

3.4.1. Each UAS shall provide horizontal position hold accuracy within 1.5 meters and vertical position hold accuracy within 0.5 meters during hover and programmed flight, using standard multi-constellation GNSS.

3.4.2. Each UAS shall support programmable waypoint and grid-pattern flight planning to enable repeatable, automated measurement flights, including antenna pattern cuts, microwave link measurements, and AMS automatic-mode interference hunting tasks.

3.4.3. Each UAS shall maintain stable position hold in GNSS-degraded environments near towers or other large reflective structures.

3.4.4. Each UAS shall be factory-equipped or field-upgradeable with a Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS positioning system, capable of centimeter-level horizontal and vertical accuracy, as a Government option for future purchase. The contractor shall identify the RTK upgrade kit, associated ground equipment, and unit pricing as a priced option in its proposal, separate from the base UAS price.

3.4.5. Each UAS shall log GNSS position data, time-synchronized with flight telemetry, to support post-flight reconstruction of the flight path.

3.5. Data, Telemetry, and Connectivity

3.5.1. The UAS telemetry and control link shall not interfere with the AMS's internal wireless link, used in interactive mode to connect the AMS control PC to the ground operator's laptop.

3.5.2. The contractor shall document the operating frequency, bandwidth, and transmit power of all UAS control and telemetry links to allow deconfliction against AMS wireless and the AMS measurement frequency ranges (300 MHz to 8 GHz and 4 GHz to 40 GHz).

3.5.3. The contractor shall document the operating frequency, bandwidth, and transmit power of all UAS control and telemetry links to allow deconfliction against AMS Wi-Fi and the AMS measurement frequency ranges (300 MHz to 8 GHz and 4 GHz to 40 GHz).

3.5.4. Each UAS shall provide telemetry output (position, altitude, attitude, timestamp) accessible to the ground control station to support post-flight correlation with AMS measurement data

3.6. RF Self-Interference Control

3.6.1. The contractor shall document the operating frequency, bandwidth, and transmit power of all UAS-emitted RF sources (control link, telemetry, video downlink, and any onboard radios).

3.6.2. No UAS-emitted RF source shall fall within the AMS measurement ranges (300 MHz to 8 GHz, 4 GHz to 40 GHz) unless its frequency, bandwidth, and power are documented.

3.6.3. The UAS control link shall be available in a frequency band other than 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz upon request, to minimize self-interference with AMS measurements in those sub-bands.

3.7. Spectrum and Frequency Authorization

3.7.1. All UAS RF emitters shall comply with applicable FCC Part 15 requirements or hold appropriate equipment authorization.

3.7.2. The contractor shall provide all technical documentation necessary to support the

Government's internal frequency authorization and spectrum coordination process prior to operational use.

3.8. Safety and Regulatory Compliance

3.8.1. Each UAS shall comply with all applicable FAA Part 107 requirements for commercial UAS operation.

3.8.2. Each UAS shall incorporate a flight control architecture with sufficient redundancy (e.g., dual IMU, dual GNSS, or equivalent) to ensure controlled flight and safe landing in the event of a single sensor or mechanical component failure, given the cost and mission criticality of the AMS payload.

3.8.3. Each UAS shall execute an automatic, configurable fail-safe behavior (return-to-home or controlled descent) upon loss of control link or telemetry link, or upon reaching critical low battery state, set at no less than 20% remaining capacity.

3.8.4. Each UAS shall support geofencing configuration to restrict flight to a defined operational boundary.

3.9. Sourcing and Compliance

3.9.1. The UAS and all components shall comply with applicable Federal restrictions on unmanned aircraft systems and components, including but not limited to NDAA Section 848 and related procurement prohibitions on covered foreign manufacturers.

3.9.2. The contractor shall provide documentation of compliance with the above sourcing restrictions upon request.

3.10. Maintainability and Logistics

3.10.1. The contractor shall identify standard lead times for replacement parts and components for a minimum of 3 years following delivery.

3.10.2. Each UAS shall be delivered with a minimum of 8 flight batteries and 1 rapid charger to support sequential flight sorties.

3.10.3. The contractor shall provide operator training and complete technical and maintenance documentation, including AMS mounting bracket installation and removal procedures, at time of delivery.

3.10.4. The contractor shall confirm current compatibility of the proposed airframe with the R&S AMS payload directly with Rohde & Schwarz prior to delivery, given that supported drone models are subject to change.

3.11. Camera and Visual Reference

3.11.1. Each UAS shall be equipped with a drone-mounted camera providing the pilot with a live first-person view (FPV) video feed during flight, independent of the AMS payload.

3.11.2. The integrated camera shall support interactive-mode operations, allowing the pilot to visually navigate, position, and orient the UAS relative to towers, antenna structures, or potential interference sources while the AMS payload performs measurements.

3.11.3. The camera video downlink shall not interfere with AMS measurement frequency ranges (300 MHz to 8 GHz, 4 GHz to 40 GHz) or the AMS wireless control link, consistent with the RF self-interference requirements in Section 3.5.

3.11.4. The camera shall provide sufficient resolution and field of view for the pilot to identify physical hazards, structures, and potential visual indicators of interference sources (e.g., visible equipment, signage, or installations) during flight.

3.11.5. The camera system shall be operable in typical daylight field conditions; a low-light or gimbal-stabilized capability is desirable but not mandatory.

3.12. Environmental

3.12.1. Each UAS shall be rated for operation across a minimum ambient temperature range of 32 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

3.12.2. Each UAS shall provide an ingress protection rating of at least IP43 for operation in light precipitation conditions.

3.13. Example Brand Name Equivalent

A brand-name equivalent for this requirement is the Freefly Systems Alta X2.

3.14. Authorized Reseller Requirement

The Contractor shall be an authorized reseller, distributor, or partner of record for all equipment, software, or services provided under this contract. The Contractor shall, upon request, furnish documentation from the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or supplier confirming its authorized status. All products must be new and procured through authorized distribution channels.

4. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

All items shall be shipped FOB-Destination. The government will not accept any freight charges above and beyond the awarded amount. The equipment shall be delivered to the following government shipping address:

NTIA/ITS

Attn: John Carroll 325 Broadway Boulder, CO 80305

5. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The equipment shall be delivered within sixty (60) days after receipt of order (“ARO”); provided, however, that this timeframe is contingent upon manufacturer availability and may be subject to delays caused by supply chain disruptions or other circumstances beyond the seller’s control.

All items will be tested and verified for compliance with specifications prior to payment of the invoice.

The seller may not submit an invoice until no sooner than fourteen (14) calendar days following delivery, to allow sufficient time for inspection and verification by the buyer.