Autonomous Navigation and Control Software Development

The contract seeks development of autonomous control software enabling untethered operation in unstructured agricultural environments, with core functionalities including path planning, real-time obstacle avoidance, and mission execution without human intervention. The software must leverage ROS for modular system architecture, SLAM for environment mapping and localization, and GPS-denied navigation techniques to operate effectively in areas where satellite signals are unreliable or unavailable. The work focuses on robust performance in dynamic, cluttered farm settings where traditional navigation systems fail, requiring adaptive algorithms capable of handling uneven terrain, vegetation, and changing weather conditions. All development must adhere to open standards and be designed for integration with existing agricultural robotics platforms. This is a small business set-aside subcontract under NAICS code 541512, issued by the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Applied Food and Molecular Biology Division, with performance tied to Wooster, Ohio. The solicitation closed on April 14, 2026, and the opportunity was posted in May 2026, indicating it may be a correction or placeholder date. The award will be restricted to small businesses as defined by SBA guidelines, emphasizing domestic innovation and specialized technical expertise in autonomous robotics for agrifood applications. No point of contact is listed publicly, and the place of performance is fixed, requiring the contractor to operate on-site or deliver systems that meet operational specifications in the designated agricultural research environment.