North Dakota State University is seeking a complete, NDAA/ASDA‑compliant unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that includes the platform, payloads, ground control station, software, accessories, training, warranty, and ongoing support. The solicitation requires adherence to strict U.S. government security and sourcing rules (NDAA § 1824, ASDA, GSAM 537.70, OMB M‑26‑02) and mandates that the system be capable of VTOL operation, at least 120 minutes endurance, 3 kg payload, 6‑mile communication range (preferably 10 mi), and full integration with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site’s Vantis system. Proposals must be submitted electronically via NDBuys by 2 pm CT on 24 April 2026, with a mandatory question‑and‑answer period ending 15 April 2026. Evaluation will be 75 points technical and 25 points cost; the lowest‑priced responsive offer receives full cost points. The contract will be a firm‑fixed‑price purchase with a minimum one‑year warranty and required training for at least three NDSU personnel.
• Mandatory compliance attestations (NDAA, ASDA, GSAM, OMB) and a critical‑components country‑of‑origin list.
• Technical requirements: ≥ 120 min endurance, 3 kg payload, 6 mi C2 range, RTK GNSS, encrypted links, U.S.‑based data processing.
• Delivery & training to be completed by mid‑June 2026; system must be operational on the Vantis test site by 1 June 2026.
• Award decision will be based on a weighted technical‑cost score; no award has been made yet.