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

8930 JAMS, JELLIES, AND PRESERVES

Jams, Jellies, and Preserves

8935 SOUPS AND BOUILLONS

Soups and Bouillons

8940 SPECIAL DIETARY FOODS AND FOOD SPECIALTY PREPARATIONS

Special Dietary Foods and Food Specialty Preparations

8945 FOOD, OILS AND FATS

Food, Oils and Fats

8950 CONDIMENTS AND RELATED PRODUCTS

Condiments and Related Products

8955 COFFEE, TEA, AND COCOA

Coffee, Tea, and Cocoa

8960 BEVERAGES, NONALCOHOLIC

Beverages, Nonalcoholic

8965 BEVERAGES, ALCOHOLIC

Beverages, Alcoholic

8970 COMPOSITE FOOD PACKAGES

Composite Food Packages

8975 TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Tobacco Products

H183 QUALITY CONTROL- TEXTILES, LEATHER, FURS, APPAREL AND SHOE FINDINGS, TENTS AND FLAGS

Quality Control Services: Textiles, Leather, Furs, Apparel and Shoe Findings, Tents and Flags

H184 QUALITY CONTROL- CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, AND INSIGNIA

Quality Control Services: Clothing, Individual Equipment, and Insignia

H189 QUALITY CONTROL- SUBSISTENCE

Quality Control Services: Subsistence

H289 EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS TESTING- SUBSISTENCE

Equipment and Materials Testing: Subsistence

K084 MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT- CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, AND INSIGNIA

Modification of Equipment: Clothing, Individual Equipment, and Insignia

K089 MODIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT- SUBSISTENCE

Modification of Equipment: Subsistence

L083 TECHNICAL REPRESENTATIVE- TEXTILES, LEATHER, FURS, APPAREL/SHOE FINDINGS, TENTS/FLAGS

Technical Representation Services: Textiles, Leather, Furs, Apparel and Shoe Findings, Tents and Flags

W084 LEASE OR RENTAL OF EQUIPMENT- CLOTHING, INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT, AND INSIGNIA

Lease or Rental of Equipment: Clothing, Individual Equipment, and Insignia

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