NIGP 03596: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Uav), Drones

NIGP 03596 Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), Drones is an Item code under which state and local governments procure rotary and fixed-wing aircraft systems, thermal imaging packages, training services, tethered platforms, and related support equipment primarily for law enforcement tactical operations, emergency response, wildlife management, prescribed burn support, and public event entertainment. Recent state and local solicitations show active procurement across multiple use cases: California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation purchasing complete UAS starter kits with thermal cameras and instructor training; Texas Department of Transportation procuring fixed-wing systems for infrastructure assessment; Georgia Department of Natural Resources establishing contracts for aerial ignition equipment supporting prescribed burns; and municipalities from Draper City, Utah to DeBary, Florida contracting drone light show providers for public celebrations. The issuing-body mix spans state agencies (departments of corrections, transportation, natural resources, environmental protection), county governments (Orange County Florida, Gwinnett County Georgia, Kane County Illinois), cities (Hayward California, Kennesaw Georgia), special districts (St. Johns River Water Management District Florida, Forest Preserve District Kane County Illinois), transit authorities (Jacksonville Transportation Authority), and higher-education institutions (Texas A&M University, University of Maine system partner).

Recent activity concentrates in California, Texas, Georgia, and Florida, with scattered procurement across Illinois, Utah, Nevada, Maine, and other states. Representative current opportunities include the City of Hayward's RFP 26-059 for Drone as First Responder services with responses due July 13, 2026; Texas Department of Transportation's procurement for Flying Sun 500 Fixed Wing UAS (response deadline July 28, 2026); Orange County Florida's ITB for autonomous drones including one Astro Max and two Skydio X10 units with delivery by September 29, 2026; California Department of Corrections RFQ 10838023-2 for two Skydio X10 UAS packages restricted to certified small businesses (response deadline May 27, 2026); and the State of New Jersey's statewide law enforcement equipment contract (T3163) adding drones/UAVs as a new category with question deadline extended to May 27, 2026 and quote submissions due June 24, 2026. Procurements emphasize NDAA compliance, thermal imaging capability, U.S. manufacturing requirements, small-business set-asides in several states, comprehensive insurance (typically $1–$2 million general liability minimums), and trainer certification for law enforcement and emergency-response use. Contract structures range from equipment purchases with three-year warranties to multi-year service agreements with work orders issued as-needed and pre-qualification lists open to multiple vendors.