Homeland Security lab seeks to test seven drone types to aid first responders

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) is seeking information from potential vendors capable of supplying specific Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for the Blue List UAS SAVER project.

The Blue UAS Cleared List is a list of United States- and ally-manufactured UAS vetted by the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to be policy-approved by the Department of Defense (DoD). All UAS on the Blue List have undergone cybersecurity testing by DIU or their contractors. Each device on the list is granted authority to operate from the DIU.

Over the past decade, first responders have begun integrating small unmanned aerial systems as a resource for a variety of operational needs. UAS, often referred to as “drones,” are used by first responders in support of public safety activities such as search and rescue, firefighting, and post-incident reconstruction.

UAS provides first responders with an aerial view of their environment and can be outfitted with various sensors tailored to different applications.

The NUSTL intends to conduct testing and evaluation of the following UAS models and requires two of each of the seven specified drones listed below:

• Ascent AeroSystems, Spirit UAS (K257)
• Flight Wave Aerospace Corporation, Edge 130
• Freefly Systems, Astro
• Inspired Flight, IF800 TOMCAT
• Parrot Drones, PARROT ANAFI USA GOV
• Skydio, Skydio X2
• 1Skydio, Skydio X10
• Teal Drones Inc., Teal 2

The anticipated delivery deadline for the drones is March 8.