Freefly Astro Max (NDAA/Blue) Drones for ARS

1 US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Statement of Work Date: 4 September 2026 -- 1 of 10 -- 2 Contents Project ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 General Information .................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 1.0 Scope of Work .................................................................................................................................................................................. 3 2.0 Background ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Contractor Requirements .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3 3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks....................................................................................................................................................... 3 4.0 Government Furnished .................................................................................................................................................................... 5 5.0 Deliverables / Schedule .................................................................................................................................................................... 5 6.0 Travel ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel .............................................................................................................................................................. 5 8.0 Security Requirements ..................................................................................................................................................................... 5 9.0 Data Rights ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 10.0 Section 508 – Electronic and Information Technology Standards ................................................................................................. 6 Attachment .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 -- 2 of 10 -- 3 Project Freefly Astro Max (NDAA/Blue) Drones General Information 1.0 Scope of Work The USDA-ARS SEWRL in Tifton, Georgia requires contractor assistance to procure new replacement drones The contractor shall provide: 1. Two (2) Freefly Astro Max NDAA/Blue compliant medium lift drones; 2. One (1) RTK ground station compatible with the Freefly Astro Max drones. 2.0 Background The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Research Service (ARS) Southeast Watershed Research Lab (SEWRL) in Tifton, GA conducts several research projects using small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS or drones). Drones are used to capture remote sensing imagery of experimental agricultural plots and fields. The data from sUAS are used to evaluate numerous characteristics of cropping systems, including features related to water, soil and crop phenology. Currently SEWRL has only one functional National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) compliant drone which can be used to capture multispectral imagery, and which is now obsolete, compromising the ability of the unit to reliably continue research and meet our deliverable expectations. Contractor Requirements 3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks 3.1 The contractor shall provide the following equipment: A. Astro Max (NDAA/Blue) (Qty: 2) a. Up to 43 minutes flight time i. 31 minutes with LR1 Payload ii. 20 minutes with max payload (3kg) b. 3kg max payload c. Booms fold up to ½ the diameter d. Standard Remote ID enabled e. Optional LTE connectivity (North America only) f. Pilot Pro Controller (Qty: 2) i. Freefly Pro Controller ii. High resolution rockers for precise camera / gimbal control iii. Configured with robust long-range radio hardware: 1. Doodle Labs RF, NDAA and DIU Blue (2.4 GHz) iv. Internal battery with external power inputs to support hot swapping for maximum uptime v. Emergency kill-switch vi. Discreet physical buttons for all key user actions vii. Includes custom configured, pre-installed 8" Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 tablet viii. Realtime drone and gimbal speed limits ix. Custom padded neck strap B. Astro Compact Travel Case (Qty: 2) a. Holds everything needed to fly Astro i. Astro with 2 SL8 batteries installed and legs folded ii. Pilot Pro radio controller iii. Pair of SL8 Chargers iv. Set of spare props (1 each CW & CCW) (Sku: 910-00900) v. Basic tools b. Custom cut foam, tested to protect against drops from 1 meter c. Submersible and dust tight (MIL-STD 810G) d. Airline checkable e. SKB Rolling Case - 3i-2217-10 f. Case dimensions: 24.52" x 19.5" x 12.22" / 62.28 x 49.53 x 31.04 cm -- 3 of 10 -- 4 g. Weight of Astro in case: i. As shipped/checked (no SL8s): 36.16 lbs / 16.40 kg ii. Full kit (with two SL8s): 40.66 lbs / 18.44 kg C. LR1 Payload (Qty: 2) a. High‑resolution mapping payload with integrated 61 MP Sony ILX‑LR1 camera and 3‑axis gimbal b. Includes 24 mm lens, USB drive, and rugged travel case c. Weighs 970g / 34.2oz d. Supported lenses: 24 mm (included), 35 mm, 50 mm, 75 mm e. Typical Astro flights with Mapping Payload are 28-34 minutes (depending on speed / conditions / lens), per pair…