77th Aviation Training Drones
Key Dates
Due Date
-
Posted Date
-
Agency & Value
Agency
W7MW USPFO ACTIVITY AR ARNG
Contract Value
Not provided
Codes & Classification
Solicitation Number
W912JF26Q1AZA
NAICS
336411 - Aircraft Manufacturing
Classification Code
1550
Additional Details
Documents1
The Department of the Army, through the W7MW USPFO ACTIVITY AR ARNG, has issued a combined synopsis/solicitation for the procurement of a comprehensive First Person View (FPV) Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) training package, intended to support the 77th Aviation’s training requirements in North Little Rock, Arkansas. This opportunity, classified under NAICS code 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing) and Product Service Code 1550, is set aside for SBA-eligible entities.
The primary objective of this procurement is to acquire a complete, brand-name or equivalent FPV UAS training solution for five students. The package must meet the operational characteristics of a Department of Defense (DoD) Group 1 UAS, specifically defined as having a maximum gross takeoff weight (MGTOW) under 20 pounds, a normal operating altitude below 3,500 feet, and a speed of less than 250 knots. The reference configuration for this requirement is a package comprising the Five33 Drone Kit, Fat Shark HDO3 Goggles with ImmersionRC RapidFIRE video receivers, and TBS Mambo controllers; however, equivalent solutions are acceptable if they meet all salient characteristics.
Key requirements for technical acceptability include the provision of five complete individual kits, each featuring:
- A 5-inch propeller class quadcopter airframe with MGTOW under 20 lbs.
- An F7 processor-based flight controller and a 4-in-1 ESC rated for at least 50A continuous current.
- Brushless motors suitable for 6S LiPo batteries (approximately 1700-1800kv).
- A long-range, low-latency command and control system operating on a sub-GHz frequency (e.g., 915 MHz), with a compatible remote controller featuring an integrated screen.
- A high-quality analog FPV system, including goggles with OLED or equivalent high-contrast displays, a diversity video receiver module, a multi-power video transmitter, and a high-quality analog FPV camera.
- Power components including at least three 6S LiPo batteries per kit and a compatible multi-channel charging station.
- Ancillary items such as a backpack/case, basic repair toolkit, spare propellers, drone flight simulator software, and an operator logbook for each kit.
In addition to hardware, the contractor is required to deliver 40 hours of instructor-led training for five students. The curriculum must encompass basic flight operations, safety procedures, advanced FPV maneuvers, and field-level maintenance. Post-training, the contractor must provide ongoing support and training services, guaranteeing a response time of within 24 hours for all inquiries.
Compliance with sourcing and manufacturing regulations is critical. In accordance with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2020 (Section 848) and the American Security Drone Act of 2023, neither the UAS nor its critical components (including flight controllers, data links, and cameras) may be manufactured in a covered foreign country. Offerors must provide documentation verifying the supply chain for all critical components. While Blue List certification is not required, vendors must submit a ‘Country of Origin’ or ‘Declaration of Final Manufacturing’ statement for any critical components not Blue List certified, ensuring full compliance with applicable NDAA sections.
The place of performance for this contract is North Little Rock, Arkansas. The procurement is being managed by the DEPT OF DEFENSE, DEPT OF THE ARMY, with Michael Washington serving as the primary point of contact ([email protected]).
Interested SBA-eligible contractors should carefully review the solicitation and ensure their proposed solutions meet all technical, training, and compliance requirements. The opportunity remains active, with responses due by April 17, 2026. Further details and attachments can be accessed via the official SAM.gov listing at https://sam.gov/opp/9e2b8d0edce942a4821df2e8c75057ab/view.