NDAA-compliant blue list compatible UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System)

The USDA-ARS Cropping Systems Research Laboratory is seeking a single NDAA-compliant, blue list compatible Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) capable of capturing high-resolution RGB and thermal imagery for use in plant stress and germplasm development, specifically supporting high-throughput phenotyping, plant breeding, digital agronomy, and physiology. The system must weigh between 5.3 and 5.6 pounds, achieve a maximum horizontal speed of 35 to 45 mph at sea level, and include a wide-angle RGB camera (48–52 MP), a narrow-angle RGB camera (60–68 MP), and a radiometric thermal camera with 640 x 512 pixel resolution and sensitivity under 30–40 mK, along with an integrated LED illumination source for low-light operations. The UAS must be fully compliant with National Defense Authorization Act restrictions and the Department of Defense blue list, with all components manufactured in accordance with U.S. federal requirements. This acquisition is a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 334511, restricted to small businesses meeting the 1,350 employee size standard, and will be awarded via a Firm Fixed Price Purchase Order using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable evaluation methodology. All quotations must be submitted via email to katelyn.nelson@usda.gov by 12:00 PM CST on June 17, 2026, with the subject line “Quote for 1232SA26Q0577,” and must include a firm fixed price quoted on company letterhead detailing the item, description, price, place of manufacture, and all associated costs including shipping. Offerors must provide their Sam.gov Unique Entity ID, a capability statement or technical documentation proving full compliance with all salient characteristics outlined in Attachment 2, and a statement confirming their ability to meet the schedule and requirements. Failure to submit complete pricing, adequate technical documentation, or any required certifications will result in technical unacceptability or exclusion from award consideration. The UAS must be delivered F.O.B. destination to Lubbock, Texas, with no specified period of performance but a requirement for prompt delivery. Contractual compliance includes adherence to anti-discrimination and DEI certification requirements, Buy American provisions, trafficking in persons prohibitions, cybersecurity safeguards under FAR 52.240-91, 52.240-92, and 5