GSA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Policy

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
        Washington, DC  20405

OAS 5615.1
September 20, 2021

 

GSA ORDER

Subject: GSA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Policy

1.  Purpose. This order describes the policy for GSA’s ownership and use of UAS, commonly known as drones.

2.  Background. Government aircraft is defined in 41 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 102-33 as any “manned or unmanned aircraft operated for the exclusive use of an executive agency,” including aircraft hired as commercial aviation services (CAS) when the aircraft in question is used exclusively by the Government. With one minor exception, this means that Government aircraft that are small drones are subject to the same regulations as Government-owned airplanes and helicopters. This has important implications for GSA’s ownership and use of Government aircraft, including drones.

3.  Scope and Applicability.

    a.  This order applies to GSA personnel who use, supervise, manage, control, and/or oversee the utilization of UAS while conducting official Government business, as well as the personnel who are involved with the procurement of UAS and UAS services. 

    b.  This order applies to GSA contractors who use, supervise, manage, control, and/or oversee the utilization of UAS while conducting official business for GSA.

    c.  This order applies to the GSA Office of Inspector General (OIG) to the extent that the GSA OIG determines it is consistent with GSA OIG’s independent authority under the Inspector General Act and it does not conflict with other GSA OIG policies or the GSA OIG mission.

    d.  This order applies to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) to the extent that the CBCA determines it is consistent with its independent authority under the Contract Disputes Act and other authorities and it does not conflict with the CBCA’s policies or mission.

    e.  This order does not apply to GSA personnel participating in assisted acquisitions for UAS or UAS services for other agencies through an assisted acquisition or governmentwide contract vehicle.