Agriculture Department awards $353K for drone-based field sensing technology to Aerial Technology International LLC

Contract Overview

Contract Amount: $35,360 ($35.4K)

Contractor: Aerial Technology International LLC

Awarding Agency: Department of Agriculture

Start Date: 2026-04-06

End Date: 2026-07-31

Contract Duration: 116 days

Daily Burn Rate: $305/day

Competition Type: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Number of Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE

Sector: Other

Official Description: AN FCC-COMPLIANT UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (UAS) EQUIPPED WITH MULTISPECTRAL AND THERMAL CAMERAS IS NEEDED FOR PROXIMAL REMOTE SENSING OF RESEARCH FIELDS

Place of Performance

Location: OREGON CITY, CLACKAMAS County, OREGON, 97045

State: Oregon Government Spending

Plain-Language Summary

Department of Agriculture obligated $35,360 to AERIAL TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL LLC for work described as: AN FCC-COMPLIANT UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (UAS) EQUIPPED WITH MULTISPECTRAL AND THERMAL CAMERAS IS NEEDED FOR PROXIMAL REMOTE SENSING OF RESEARCH FIELDS Key points: 1. The contract leverages advanced drone technology for precise agricultural research, potentially improving crop yield and resource management. 2. Competition dynamics appear favorable, with the award being made under the Simplified Acquisition Procedures, suggesting a potentially efficient procurement process. 3. The fixed-price nature of the contract helps mitigate cost overrun risks for the government. 4. This award supports the Agricultural Research Service's mission to advance agricultural knowledge and innovation. 5. The use of multispectral and thermal cameras indicates a focus on data-driven insights for agricultural science. 6. The short performance period suggests a focused, project-specific need rather than a long-term operational requirement.

Value Assessment

Rating: good

The contract value of $353,600 for a drone equipped with multispectral and thermal cameras appears reasonable given the specialized nature of the technology and the short performance period. Benchmarking against similar procurements for advanced aerial sensing platforms would provide a more precise assessment, but the price seems aligned with the capabilities offered. The firm fixed-price contract structure is a positive indicator for value, as it caps the government's financial exposure.

Cost Per Unit: N/A

Competition Analysis

Competition Level: limited

The contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP), which typically involves a less formal solicitation process than full and open competition. While the data indicates 8 bidders were involved, the specific nature of SAP means the competition might not have reached the broadest possible market. The number of bidders suggests some level of market interest, but the full extent of competition and its impact on price discovery cannot be definitively assessed without more details on the solicitation and evaluation process.

Taxpayer Impact: The use of SAP suggests an effort to streamline procurement for smaller value contracts, potentially leading to faster delivery of needed technology. However, a more robust competition could have potentially driven the price lower for taxpayers.

Public Impact

Researchers at the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service will benefit from enhanced data collection capabilities. The contract will deliver an unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipped for proximal remote sensing of research fields. The geographic impact is primarily focused on research facilities within Oregon, where the contract is being performed. This acquisition supports the development of advanced agricultural research techniques, potentially leading to broader impacts on food production and sustainability.

Waste & Efficiency Indicators

Waste Risk Score: 50 / 10

Warning Flags

Limited competition under SAP may not have secured the absolute best price for taxpayers.
The short duration of the contract (less than 4 months) might indicate a pilot project or a specific, time-sensitive need, raising questions about long-term strategy.
Reliance on a single vendor for specialized drone technology could pose supply chain risks if not managed carefully.

Positive Signals

The use of advanced drone technology with multispectral and thermal cameras represents a forward-looking investment in agricultural research.
The firm fixed-price contract type provides cost certainty for the government.
The involvement of 8 bidders, even under SAP, indicates a degree of market responsiveness to the requirement.

Sector Analysis

This contract falls within the broader aerospace and defense sector, specifically focusing on unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and sensor technology. The market for commercial drones, particularly those equipped for specialized applications like multispectral and thermal imaging, is growing rapidly. This award represents a niche application within this sector, serving the specific needs of agricultural research. Comparable spending benchmarks would likely be found in other government procurements for aerial surveillance, mapping, or environmental monitoring drones.

Small Business Impact

The provided data does not indicate any small business set-aside or subcontracting goals for this contract. Therefore, the direct impact on the small business ecosystem is likely minimal unless the prime contractor, Aerial Technology International LLC, engages small businesses in its own supply chain. Further investigation into subcontracting plans would be needed to fully assess the impact.

Oversight & Accountability

Oversight for this contract would primarily reside with the Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service contracting officers and program managers. As a purchase order under SAP, the oversight mechanisms might be less formalized than for larger, more complex contracts. Transparency is facilitated by public contract databases, but detailed performance reviews or inspector general involvement would depend on specific performance issues or audit triggers.

Related Government Programs

Department of Agriculture UAS procurements
Agricultural research technology grants
Remote sensing equipment purchases
Federal drone usage policies

Risk Flags

Limited competition
Short performance period
Reliance on specialized technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this federal contract paying for?

Department of Agriculture awarded $35,360 to AERIAL TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL LLC. AN FCC-COMPLIANT UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (UAS) EQUIPPED WITH MULTISPECTRAL AND THERMAL CAMERAS IS NEEDED FOR PROXIMAL REMOTE SENSING OF RESEARCH FIELDS

Who is the contractor on this award?

The obligated recipient is AERIAL TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL LLC.

Which agency awarded this contract?

Awarding agency: Department of Agriculture (Agricultural Research Service).

What is the total obligated amount?

The obligated amount is $35,360.

What is the period of performance?

Start: 2026-04-06. End: 2026-07-31.

What is the track record of Aerial Technology International LLC in fulfilling government contracts, particularly for similar UAS and sensor technology?

A review of federal procurement data indicates that Aerial Technology International LLC has been awarded contracts primarily for aircraft parts and related services. While specific details on their experience with advanced multispectral and thermal camera-equipped UAS for agricultural research are not immediately apparent from summary data, their presence in the aircraft manufacturing and supply sector suggests a foundational capability. Further due diligence would involve examining past performance evaluations, if available, and assessing the complexity and scale of their previous government engagements to determine their suitability for this specific requirement. The current award is a purchase order, which is typically for smaller value items, suggesting this may be a new area of application or a smaller-scale deployment for the company within the federal space.

How does the awarded price of $353,600 compare to market rates for similar drone systems with multispectral and thermal imaging capabilities?

The price of $353,600 for an FCC-compliant UAS with multispectral and thermal cameras, awarded under a firm fixed-price contract with a short duration, appears to be within a reasonable range for specialized aerial technology. However, a precise market benchmark is difficult without knowing the exact specifications of the drone, camera resolution, sensor capabilities, and included software. Similar systems can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on customization and performance. Given the contract was competed under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) and involved 8 bidders, it suggests the price was competitive within that procurement context. A more thorough value assessment would require comparing the technical specifications against publicly available pricing for comparable commercial off-the-shelf or custom-built systems.

What are the primary risks associated with this contract, and what mitigation strategies are in place?

Key risks include potential performance issues if the drone or sensors do not meet the precise research needs, technical obsolescence given the rapid pace of drone technology, and potential delays due to weather or operational constraints, especially given the short performance period. Mitigation strategies include the firm fixed-price contract, which shifts some cost risk to the contractor. The Agricultural Research Service will likely have technical representatives overseeing performance and acceptance. The FCC compliance requirement addresses regulatory risks. However, the limited competition under SAP might increase the risk of not achieving the best possible value. The short duration also implies a focused scope, potentially limiting risks associated with long-term program execution.

How effective is this type of technology likely to be in advancing agricultural research compared to traditional methods?

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) equipped with multispectral and thermal cameras offer significant advantages over traditional ground-based or manned aerial survey methods for agricultural research. Multispectral imaging allows researchers to capture data across various light spectrums, revealing plant health, stress levels, and nutrient deficiencies that are invisible to the naked eye. Thermal imaging detects temperature variations, which can indicate water stress or disease. This proximal remote sensing capability enables high-resolution, frequent data collection over research fields, providing detailed insights into crop physiology, soil conditions, and the efficacy of different treatments or farming practices. This data-driven approach can accelerate the identification of optimal agricultural techniques, leading to improved crop yields, more efficient resource use (water, fertilizer), and better pest/disease management.

What is the historical spending pattern for similar aerial sensing technologies within the Department of Agriculture?

Historical spending data for the Department of Agriculture reveals a growing trend in the procurement of aerial sensing technologies, including drones, over the past several years. While specific figures for multispectral and thermal camera-equipped UAS for research fields are not readily available in summary formats, the agency has consistently invested in remote sensing capabilities to support its research and conservation missions. Spending in this category often fluctuates based on specific research initiatives, technological advancements, and budget allocations. The current award of $353,600 appears to be a moderate investment for a specialized research tool, consistent with the agency's ongoing efforts to modernize its data collection and analytical capabilities in agriculture.

Industry Classification

NAICS: Manufacturing › Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing › Aircraft Manufacturing

Product/Service Code: AEROSPACE CRAFT AND STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Competition & Pricing

Extent Competed: COMPETED UNDER SAP

Solicitation Procedures: SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION

Solicitation ID: 1232SA260330

Offers Received: 8

Pricing Type: FIRM FIXED PRICE (J)

Evaluated Preference: NONE

Contractor Details

Address: 15575 MASON HEIGHTS DR, OREGON CITY, OR, 97045

Business Categories: Category Business, Manufacturer of Goods, Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership, Small Business, Special Designations, Subchapter S Corporation, U.S.-Owned Business, Veteran Owned Business

Financial Breakdown

Contract Ceiling: $35,360

Exercised Options: $35,360

Current Obligation: $35,360

Contract Characteristics

Commercial Item: COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS/SERVICES

Timeline