Small Air-Launched Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)

The United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Eastern Acquisitions Division and the Office of Marine and Aviation Operation using the procedures set forth in Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 12, Acquisition of Commercial Items and FAR Part 13.5, Simplified Procedures for Certain Commercial Items, intends to negotiate on a sole source basis with Anduril Industries, LLC (Anduril), 1435 Hill Place NW, Atlanta, GA 30318, for a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) contract for small air-launched Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) , in support of the UxS UAS Division, Aircraft Operations Center, 3450 Flight line Drive Lakeland, FL.

Anduril is the only source to provide the payload-equipped small air-launched UAS based on Anduril’s ALTIUS-600, with a unique capability of flying into hurricane conditions. The UAS is deployable from NOAA’s WP-3D Hurricane Hunter aircraft. There have been years of coordination between Anduril and NOAA to ensure the Altius-600 is compatible with NOAA’s launching system and that the Anduril control box follows NOAA policy.

Additionally, the positioning data from the UAS is received by NOAA for required situational awareness in the storm. Other companies do not have these extensive safety requirements. The North American Industry Classification System Code (NAICS) is 336411, Aircraft Manufacturing. This notice does not constitute a solicitation, Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or an Invitation for Bid (IFB) and it does not restrict the Government in any way regarding its ultimate acquisition approach.

However, if any other interested party believes that it can meet the requirements, it may submit a statement of capabilities, which if timely received, will be considered by NOAA. A determination by the Government not to compete this proposed requirement based upon responses to this notice is solely within the discretion of the Government. Information received will be considered solely for the purpose of determining whether to conduct a competitive procurement in the future.

Evidence must be provided of ability to provide the required services. The capability statement and any other information furnished must be in writing and must contain material in sufficient detail to allow NOAA to determine if the party can meet all of the requirements. Capability statements and related materials must be e-mailed to keith.aiken@noaa.gov by 12:00 PM Eastern Time (EST) on May 29, 2024