PSC Code 1550 covers unmanned aircraft systems commonly known as drones, designed for various specialized applications within federal government operations. This category includes drones intended for use as targets, training aids, surveillance platforms, missile evaluation tools, and photographic reconnaissance devices. Unlike piloted aircraft or guided missiles converted to drone use, this PSC specifically includes only complete unmanned aircraft units. Government agencies utilize these drones to enhance mission capabilities in areas such as intelligence gathering, defense training, and operational testing, allowing for safer and more efficient execution of complex tasks without risking human pilots. This PSC facilitates procurement of advanced drone technology critical to modern military and security operations.

Includes for PSC 1550

This PSC code covers the following products and services:

Drones specifically designed for such uses as targets, training, surveillance, missile evaluation, and photographic reconnaissance.

Excludes for PSC 1550

This PSC code does NOT cover the following:

Piloted aircraft and guided missiles converted to drone use.

Additional Notes for PSC 1550

Important notes and guidance for using this PSC code:

This class includes only complete drones. End items, assemblies, parts, attachments, or accessories for use in or on drones are classified in classes other than this class.

Typical Buyers & Agencies for PSC 1550

Typical buyers under PSC 1550 include Department of Defense branches such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and specialized agencies like the Missile Defense Agency and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). These agencies require advanced unmanned aircraft to support training exercises, intelligence and surveillance missions, missile testing, and reconnaissance activities. Other federal entities involved in homeland security and border protection may also procure drones under this PSC to enhance situational awareness and operational readiness. The specialized nature of these unmanned systems necessitates targeted procurement strategies to meet precise technical and mission-specific requirements.

Common Contract Types for PSC 1550

Contracts awarded under PSC 1550 frequently include firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, depending on the complexity and scope of the procurement. Competitive bidding, sole-source contracts, and task orders against existing contracts are common procurement methods. Typical use cases involve purchasing fully assembled unmanned aircraft systems tailored for specific mission profiles, system evaluations, or pilot training. Government agencies also use these contracts to acquire technology upgrades, modifications, and performance testing services related to drone platforms within the scope of complete drone units.

Plain-Language Breakdown for PSC 1550

Includes complete unmanned aircraft systems used for surveillance, training, and reconnaissance.
Excludes piloted aircraft and guided missiles converted to drone use.
Primarily purchased by DoD branches and defense-related agencies for mission-critical applications.
Common contract types include fixed-price and IDIQ contracts tailored to drone system acquisitions.
Closely aligned with aerospace manufacturing and defense R&D NAICS codes.
Focuses on end items rather than drone parts or accessories, which fall under separate classifications.

Related Categories for PSC 1550

Other categories at the same level as 1550

1510 AIRCRAFT, FIXED WING

Aircraft, Fixed Wing

1520 AIRCRAFT, ROTARY WING

Aircraft, Rotary Wing

1540 GLIDERS

Gliders

1555 SPACE VEHICLES

View details for SPACE VEHICLES

1560 AIRFRAME STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

Airframe Structural Components

8305 TEXTILE FABRICS

Textile Fabrics

8310 YARN AND THREAD

Yard and Thread

8315 NOTIONS AND APPAREL FINDINGS

Notions and Apparel Findings

8320 PADDING AND STUFFING MATERIALS

Padding and Stuffing Materials

8325 FUR MATERIALS

Fur Materials

8330 LEATHER

Leather

8335 SHOE FINDINGS AND SOLING MATERIALS

Shoe Findings and Soling Materials

8340 TENTS AND TARPAULINS

Tents and Tarpaulins

8345 FLAGS AND PENNANTS

Flags and Pennants

8405 OUTERWEAR, MEN'S

Outerwear, Men's

8410 OUTERWEAR, WOMEN'S

Outerwear, Women's

8415 CLOTHING, SPECIAL PURPOSE

Clothing, Special Purpose

8420 UNDERWEAR AND NIGHTWEAR, MEN'S

Underwear and Nightwear, Men's

8425 UNDERWEAR AND NIGHTWEAR, WOMEN'S

Underwear and Nightwear, Women's

8430 FOOTWEAR, MEN'S

Footwear, Men's

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