FAA Issues Request for UAS Test Site Proposals

The FAA issued a much-anticipated screening information request (SIR) that seeks proposals from public entities including state and local governments and universities to operate six test ranges for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). The agency is also soliciting public input on a draft privacy policy that test site operators will be required to follow as part of their contracts.

The agency announced the test-site solicitation late Thursday, exactly one year after President Obama signed into law the 2012 FAA reauthorization act. In that legislation, Congress directed the FAA to establish the test site program within six months of the law’s enactment to conduct research into integrating UAS in the national airspace system.

The FAA initiated the test-site selection process last spring, but held off issuing the SIR while it considered privacy issues arising from the surveillance capabilities of unmanned aircraft. In a separate solicitation published in the Federal Register, the agency is seeking public comment within 60 days on a draft privacy policy. According to that notice, the policy will be incorporated into an “other transaction agreement,” or contract that test site operators will enter into with the FAA.

In selecting the six test sites, the FAA said it will evaluate proposals on criteria including geographic and climatic diversity, location of ground infrastructure, population density and air traffic density. The agency said applicants have 80 days to submit their proposals.

“Today’s announcement by the FAA is an important milestone on the path toward unlocking the potential of unmanned aircraft and creating thousands of American jobs,” Michael Toscano, president and CEO of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International said on Thursday. “States across the country have been eager to receive this FAA designation because they recognize the incredible economic and job creation potential it would bring with it.”