Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS)

The Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio is seeking to procure one Small Unmanned Aerial System (sUAS) for flight test use through solicitation COMBO-AFRL-PZLET-2025-0001. The required sUAS must weigh under 3 pounds and include specific technical capabilities such as a dual-axis EO/IR gimbal with Hadron 640R EO video recording, 30-minute flight time on a single battery charge, maximum flight ceiling of 10,000 feet, ability to withstand 18-25 mph wind gusts, and 5 km range from ground control station. The system must also include comprehensive accessories including AC replacement batteries, charger, transport kit, field repair kit, 20 additional propellers with guard protection, and DIU approval paperwork with appropriate FCC licenses. The government will evaluate quotes using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach, where technical acceptability is determined by meeting all specification requirements. Quote submissions are due no later than September 22, 2025, at 0900 hours, with a recent Q&A document clarifying that Blue Cleared Drones are preferred over NDAA compliant alternatives for better integration with operational partners.

This procurement is designated as a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1,500 employees, limiting competition to qualifying small businesses. No incumbent contractors or specific award values are mentioned in the solicitation documents. The contract requires delivery of the single sUAS unit within 90 days of order receipt, with FOB destination delivery to AFRL/RQ at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio. Performance will occur at Wright-Patterson AFB, with the point of contact being Mr. Stephen J. Wenclewicz, Contract Specialist. The government reserves the right to award all, some, or none of the items and may cancel or resolicit if only one qualifying quote is received. This solicitation operates under Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-01 and incorporates standard federal contracting provisions and clauses for commercial item procurement.