BVLOS-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Range

The Kansas Department of Agriculture is soliciting competitive proposals for operations and maintenance of a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) test range through a Request for Proposal (RFP). The procurement seeks a qualified vendor to establish and operate an agricultural-focused UAS test range with a contract period from award date through June 30, 2029. Key requirements include obtaining FAA approval to operate a BVLOS test range, hosting UAS testing for agricultural applications like livestock and crop management, and demonstrating extensive experience in UAS and BVLOS technology research. Bidders must provide comprehensive technical proposals detailing equipment specifications, performance measurements, and technology capabilities with emphasis on payload capacity and flight capabilities. Critical deadlines include a submission deadline of October 28, 2025, with questions required to be submitted via email by October 8, 2025. The evaluation will focus on technical expertise, proposed methodologies, and alignment with agricultural technology development goals.

The RFP includes provisions for bidder preferences, specifically allowing claims for Disabled Veteran Owned Business or Certified Business categories. Potential bidders must submit various compliance forms including Tax Clearance Certificates, Bidder Preference documentation, Boycott of Israel certification, Sexual Harassment disclosure, and Immigration Reform and Control compliance. The contract will utilize a phased payment structure: 50% paid upon contract execution, 40% paid when an operational test range is demonstrated, and the final 10% paid in six $50,000 increments over the contract's final three years. All items purchased for the test range will be owned and maintained by the successful bidder, with a focus on developing UAS technology that directly benefits Kansas's agricultural industry. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the multi-year contract and phased payment approach suggest a substantial investment in advancing agricultural UAS technology. The ultimate goal is to collaborate with Kansas-based research institutions and create a cutting-edge test range for unmanned aircraft systems in agricultural applications.