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

The USDA-ARS Cropping Systems Research Laboratory requires an NDAA-compliant blue list compatible UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) that is capable of capturing high-resolution RGB and thermal imagery for the plant stress and germplasm development unit. The system must meet specific requirements, including being NDAA-compliant, having a startup time of approximately 30-45 seconds, and achieving a maximum horizontal speed of approximately 35-45 mph. The system must also support various camera packages, including a wide-angle RGB camera, a narrow-angle RGB camera, and a radiometric thermal camera. Additionally, the system must have onboard compute powered by an embedded AI/ML processor and support autonomous flight in GPS-denied or high-EMI environments. • The system must meet IP55 environmental protection standards for dust and water resistance. • The system must be capable of operating in challenging weather and low-light environments. • The system must support transmitter power up to approximately 33-35 dBmi (2.4 GHz) and 33-34 dBmi (5 GHz). • The system must include a user-friendly mission planning software and be compatible with current photogrammetry software.