FPV drone system with lights and Picatinny rail for the Department of the Air Force

PURPOSE: The Government is conducting market research to identify qualified and capable sources able to provide a First Person View (FPV) Drone System that fully meets the mandatory technical specifications outlined in this notice. This Sources Sought is issued solely for information and planning purposes and does not constitute a solicitation. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this notice.

MANDATORY CAPABILITIES: The Government requires an FPV drone solution that meets all of the following non‑negotiable specifications. Interested vendors must demonstrate their ability to provide a system that is fully compliant with each requirement:

FPV Drone Size - Drone shall utilize no larger than 3.5-inch propellers.

NDAA Compliance - Entire system (drone, controller, goggles, video transmission, mounts) must be fully NDAA compliant.

Reinforced Aluminum Airframe - Airframe must be constructed from reinforced aluminum, providing high durability capable of withstanding rough handling, impacts, and harsh launch/landing conditions.

Integrated Lighting - Drone must include self-contained, integrated lighting suitable for low-light and indoor operations without external illumination equipment or external battery attachments.

Picatinny Rail Interface - Drone must include a bottom-mounted Picatinny rail to support payload integration and rapid attachment/swapping of mission-specific accessories.

Ruggedized Helmet Mount - System must include a ruggedized aluminum (non-plastic) helmet mount connecting the pilot goggles (NDAA-compliant goggles only) to a standard G24 NVG helmet mount, enabling rapid deployment similar to standard NVG systems.

COTS Repairability - System must allow repairs and maintenance using commercially available COTS components, not proprietary-only hardware requiring vendor servicing.

Analog FPV Video Transmission - System must use analog FPV video transmission to ensure gradual signal degradation and improved performance when flying behind trees, inside buildings, or around large obstructions.

Interior Operations Capability - Drone must include lighting and Picatinny rail features enabling operations within collapsed structures and confined spaces.

ACCESSORIES: The FPV drone system must include the following items:

1x spare frame set

10x extra standoffs

1x bottom frame bumper set

3x batteries

2x sets of propellers

1x spare screw kit

1x hard case

1x backpack

Interested vendors shall submit a capability statement that includes:

-Company name, address, UEI/CAGE Code, and point of contact information.

-A description of the company’s ability to meet all mandatory specifications listed above.

-Technical documentation demonstrating compliance.

-Estimated delivery timelines.

-Identification of any existing contract vehicles under which the product is available.

-Business size classification (e.g., Small Business, WOSB, SDVOSB).

RESPONSES:

Sources sought notice will close 14 August 2026 at 1500 Eastern Time. Submissions afterwards will not be reviewed.

POC:

Primary: Kody McPherson, kody.mcpherson.1@us.af.mil

Alternate: Megan Middleton, megan.middleton.5@us.af.mil