Please note: This is a Sole Source Notification. Compatibility of existing equipment: Our partner institution, USDA-ARS Range Management Research Unit, Jornada Experimental Range (JER), maintains the same Freefly Astro Max UAS (unmanned aerial system). This allows for cross-training of personnel on the same UAS system, a knowledge base on repair and use of the UAS system, and continuity of collected data type and resolution. Additionally, cameras and sensors purchased in this order are specifically designed for use and compatibility with the Freefly UAS system. Unique design/performance: The Freefly UAS system has payload and operating capacity that meet or exceed performance standards of other UAS systems. Available payload, camera and sensor attachments uniquely meet research requirements. The Freefly UAS system is NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) and BLUE (U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Innovation Unit certified UAS for use in military and government applications) compliant and certified. This allows for UAS deployment on federal property and in federal facilities, where, in part, this UAS system will be deployed on a regular basis.
