NIGP 97506: Aerial Device Rental or Lease

NIGP 97506 Aerial Device Rental Or Lease, an Item code, encompasses drone and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) rental and lease services that state and local governments are now procuring for emergency response, public safety operations, and municipal service delivery. Recent solicitations show cities acquiring both specialized drone-as-first-responder platforms with command-and-control integration and general fleet aerial equipment through rental and lease-to-purchase arrangements. The work spans technology procurement, operational deployment, system integration with existing emergency dispatch and evidence platforms, cybersecurity compliance (including CJIS alignment and U.S. data residency), and ancillary services such as operator training, maintenance, and telematics support. Issuing bodies include municipal departments of public works and emergency services, with city governments appearing as primary buyers in current activity.

Fort Worth, Texas posted a Request for Information on September 24, 2026 (due October 14, 2026) seeking qualified vendors and solutions for a citywide Drone as First Responder program with anticipated 90-second response-time objectives, coverage modeling, and phased implementation over three years; respondents must address NDAA compliance, DIU Blue UAS status, CentralSquare CAD and Axon Evidence.com integration, and five- and ten-year total cost of ownership. Atlanta, Georgia issued an Invitation for Bid on July 21, 2026 (due July 28, 2026) for rental and lease-to-purchase fleet and off-road equipment including light-duty through heavy-duty assets and associated maintenance, inspections, repairs, telematics, operator training, and delivery services across public works, utilities, construction, waste management, and emergency response functions. Geographic activity centers on Texas and Georgia; both solicitations signal municipal appetite for turnkey aerial device solutions with performance guarantees and integrated support rather than equipment-only procurement.