USDA-Forest Service_Fixed Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with sensor package (Forage and Range Research of the USDA Agricultural Research Service)

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service seeks a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle with integrated sensor package for the USDA Agricultural Research Service's Forage and Range Research program, with quotations due September 18, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time and questions due September 16 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This is a Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing) with a size standard of 1,500 employees.

Delivery is to PWA Forage and Range Research at Utah State University, Logan, Utah, with a targeted delivery date of November 23, 2026. The UAV must be brand new, NDAA compliant, and fully compatible with existing Micasense multispectral cameras with integration kits provided by the vendor. Critical performance specifications include payload capacity to carry and power LIDAR sensors; operation without internet connection at remote montane research locations; minimum coverage of 500 hectares per flight; ability to withstand wind speeds of 10 m/s or stronger; minimum 50-minute flight time per battery set; operation across temperatures +10 to +40 degrees Celsius with a minimum 5-mile or 8-kilometer operational range in indirect line of sight; lightweight single-person operation; Remote ID compliance per 14 CFR Part 89; and tablet-based control with terrain-following and offline mapping. Preferred features include VTOL hover capability, Real Time Kinetics or Post Processing Kinetics positioning, maximum payload capacity between 800 grams and 1 kilogram, onboard WiFi, and return-to-home safety functionality.

This is a Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order for one unit. Award will be made under Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) based on technical approach (ability to meet delivery requirements and specifications), fair and reasonable pricing, and acceptable or neutral past performance. Quotations must be held firm for 90 calendar days from receipt. Delivery is FOB Destination. The contracting officer is Shundrica T. Daniels; the purchasing agent is Stacey Phillips (stacey.phillips@usda.gov, 505-226-3822).