Why Veteran-Owned Drone Teams Are the Secret Weapon for Fast, Compliant Infrastructure Projects

Brian Layhew
Oct 27
3 min read

Ever been stuck in procurement limbo, chasing signatures, checking compliance boxes, and wondering if your chosen vendor will actually deliver what you need on time, on budget, and with zero drama? Maybe you’ve seen projects stall because someone missed a detail, or watched bids get tossed for not meeting set-aside requirements. If you work in public works, engineering, or infrastructure, you know the pain: the pressure to get it right, the maze of regulations, and the need to prove you picked the right partner when the audit comes.

That’s the real world. And it’s exactly why who you choose to work with matters.

SDVOSB: Making Compliance Simple

Here’s the deal: Federal law says at least 3% of all federal contract dollars should go to SDVOSBs. In 2023, that meant over $24 billion in set-aside projects with money that only goes to businesses like ours. Illinois and lots of local agencies do the same. If you’re in charge of procurement, you know how tough it is to check every box. Working with a certified SDVOSB makes it a breeze.

Illinois encourages agencies to work with veteran-owned businesses
Many RFPs require or really want SDVOSB involvement
Some city, county, and federal projects are only open to SDVOSBs

Set-Asides: Your Shortcut to Winning Bids

Set-aside contracts aren’t just paperwork. They’re a real edge. In 2023, SDVOSBs won over 70,000 federal contracts, many in public works and infrastructure. Agencies that meet SDVOSB goals look better in audits and compliance reviews, too. When you work with us, you’re making your procurement process smoother and faster, and your department looks good.

Veteran-Owned Means You Can Rely On Us

Let’s be honest. You want partners who deliver, no missed deadlines, no drama. Military experience brings that. Veteran-owned businesses are 30% more likely to still be around after five years. More than 80% of public sector buyers say veterans are more reliable and responsive. At 9 Line Aerial Media, we’ve finished 200+ projects and have an 80%+ client retention rate. We run on discipline, clear communication, and a mission-focused mindset.

Need Legal Sign-Off? We’ve Got It Covered

Worried about needing a surveyor’s stamp? No problem. We work directly with licensed surveyors for any project that requires legal sign-off. That way, you get SDVOSB compliance and certified deliverables, all in one package. No extra vendors, no stress.

Cost-Effective and Fast

Working with SDVOSBs isn’t just about compliance. It’s about getting things done faster and avoiding headaches. Agencies report up to 18% faster procurement cycles and 12% fewer project overruns when they work with SDVOSBs. Our pricing is clear and competitive, and most of our projects are delivered in 24 hours or less, ready for your GIS, CAD, or planning workflows.

Why 9 Line Aerial Media?

Full SDVOSB certification means your compliance is covered
$5M liability coverage, so risk is managed
FAA Part 107 certified pilots on every mission
The latest tech: LiDAR, photogrammetry, 2D/3D modeling, and more
Personal service, direct access, and 30-minute communication response times
If you need a surveyor, we bring them to the table

Bottom line: If you’re not using an SDVOSB, you’re missing out on compliance wins, reliability, and big savings. You make procurement easier, support veteran entrepreneurship, and get the highest quality drone mapping and surveying.

Ready to check every box and get your project moving? Contact Brian@9lineaerialmedia.com

Additional Resources