Drones for Aerial Monitoring System

STATEMENT OF WORK Drones for Aerial Monitoring System U.S. Department of Commerce National Telecommunications and Information Administration Institute for Telecommunication Sciences 1. BACKGROUND The Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) provides research and development support for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) by performing basic research in radio science that provides the technical foundation for NTIA’s policy development and spectrum management activities, as well as solves telecommunications challenges for other Federal agencies, state and local Governments, private corporations and associations, and international organizations. Additionally, ITS addresses emerging telecommunications, information technology, and security challenges and contributes to the creation of telecommunications standards that support the full and fair competitiveness of the U.S. communications and information technology business sectors. 2. OBJECTIVE ITS requires two heavy-lift unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to carry the Rohde & Schwarz AMS Aerial Monitoring System payload for aerial radio frequency (RF) spectrum measurement missions. These missions include antenna far-field pattern verification, microwave link monitoring, and RF interference hunting and direction finding at elevated positions difficult or impossible to reach from the ground. 3. REQUIREMENTS The government requires two unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The specific components listed below are for the Rohde & Schwarz AMS Aerial Monitoring System and associated unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) are intended to establish a standard of quality, performance, and completeness. These references are descriptive, not restrictive. Offerors may propose equivalent products, provided that their solution meets all salient characteristics outlined below. Offerors proposing an “equal” solution are strongly encouraged to provide a point-by- point narrative explaining how their proposed system meets each salient characteristic. 3.1. Payload Compatibility and Integration 3.1.1. Each UAS shall be capable of carrying the Government-furnished R&S® Aerial Monitoring System (AMS) payload, with a total configured weight of approximately 5 kg, including the AMS frame, antenna, GNSS receiver/antenna, control PC, and battery pack. 3.1.2. Each UAS shall provide a mechanical mounting interface compatible with the R&S AMS frame. Currently, the Freefly Systems Alta X and Alta X2 is the only Blue UAS List approved drone platform with an existing R&S-certified mounting bracket. If a non- listed airframe is proposed, the contractor shall coordinate with Rohde & Schwarz to obtain or fabricate a compatible mounting bracket prior to delivery. 3.1.3. Each UAS shall provide a minimum payload capacity of 8 kg in sustained hover, providing at least 60% margin above the 5 kg nominal AMS payload weight to preserve flight time, control authority, and wind performance. 3.1.4. Because the AMS payload is self-powered via its own dedicated battery pack and control PC, the UAS is not required to provide payload power; the UAS shall, however, provide secure structural mounting and sufficient rigidity to prevent unwanted antenna movement during the 360-degree azimuth interference-direction-finding rotation. 3.1.5. The UAS airframe and landing gear shall not obstruct the AMS antenna's field of view during hover or during the 360-degree azimuth rotation maneuver. -- 1 of 4 -- 3.2. Propulsion 3.2.1. Each UAS shall be powered exclusively by an electric propulsion system (battery- powered). Gasoline, hydrogen fuel cell, or other non-electric propulsion systems are not acceptable. 3.3. Flight Performance 3.3.1. Each UAS shall demonstrate a minimum hover endurance of 25 minutes while carrying the 5 kg AMS payload. 3.3.2. Each UAS shall be capable of sustained flight at altitudes up to 400 feet (122 meters) AGL, consistent with standard FAA Part 107 operating ceiling, with the ability to operate at lower altitudes as required for microwave link and antenna pattern measurements. 3.3.3. Each UAS shall maintain stable flight in sustained winds of up to 20 knots with gusts to 25 knots. 3.3.4. Each UAS shall be capable of executing a controlled, stable 360-degree rotation in azimuth at a fixed position and altitude, at a pilot- or autopilot-controlled rotation rate not exceeding 10 degrees per second, to support AMS interference direction-finding measurements. 3.3.5. Each UAS shall support both automatic mode (autonomous, preprogrammed measurement flight requiring only a pilot) and interactive mode (real-time operator- controlled positioning). 3.4. Positioning and Measurement Stability 3.4.1. Each UAS shall provide horizontal position hold accuracy within 1.5 meters and vertical position hold accuracy within 0.5 meters during hover and programmed flight, using standard multi-constellation GNSS. 3.4.2. Each UAS shall support programmable waypoint and grid-pattern flight planning to enable repeatable, automated measurement flights, including antenna pattern cuts, microwave link measurements, and AMS automatic-mode interference hunting tasks. 3.4.3. Each UAS shall maintain stable position hold in GNSS-degraded environments near towers or other large reflective structures. 3.4.4. Each UAS shall be factory-equipped or field-upgradeable with a Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GNSS positioning system, capable of centimeter-level horizontal and vertical accuracy, as a Government option for future purchase. The contractor shall identify the RTK upgrade kit, associated ground equipment, and unit pricing as a priced option in its proposal, separate from the base UAS price. 3.4.5. Each UAS shall log GNSS position data, time-synchronized with flight telemetry, to support post-flight reconstruction of the flight path. 3.5. Data, Telemetry, and Connectivity 3.5.1. The UAS telemetry and control link shall not interfere with the AMS's internal wireless link, used in interac…