Solicitation - Small Uncrewed Aircraft System

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Communications Technology Laboratory is soliciting quotations for the procurement of one Small Uncrewed Aircraft System (sUAS) capable of indoor flight in confined spaces for lidar mapping and link loss research. The system must meet extensive technical specifications including durability features such as propeller guards, GPS-denied position-hold capability, real-time object awareness, onboard LED lights, crash recovery mode, lidar mapping capabilities, 4K video recording with gimbal stabilization, FLIR camera, 2-way audio communications, and various operational accessories, along with a flight time between 15 to 20 minutes. The system must be compliant with the American Security Drone Act of 2023 and include a three-year warranty and support plan featuring unlimited repairs and maintenance, one annual airframe replacement, on-demand training, and visualization software with three-year data storage. Award will be made based on best value evaluation considering technical capability, delivery schedule, price reasonableness, and overall confidence in successful contract performance. Quotations must be submitted electronically to the Contracting Officer by 12:00 PM Mountain Time on April 22, 2026, with questions due by 5:00 PM MT on April 17, 2026.

This is an unrestricted solicitation with no small business set-aside, conducted under FAR Part 12 for commercial products with NAICS code 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing). No incumbent contractor is identified in the solicitation documents, and no specific budget range is disclosed. The procurement consists of two line items: CLIN 0001 for one Small Uncrewed Aircraft System Airframe and Operator Control Unit, and CLIN 0002 for Warranty and Training, with delivery required to NIST-Boulder no later than July 19, 2026. Quoters must maintain active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at time of quotation submission and through final payment, possess an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN), and submit quotations organized into three volumes covering technical specifications, pricing, and terms and conditions. The place of performance is Boulder, Colorado 80305, and acceptance is not expected to exceed seven business days.