Solicitation Number: ITN FFS 26 27 36

Solicitation Title: Florida Forest Service Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program

Addendum Number: One (1)

This Addendum provides the Department’s answers to written questions received by the deadline in the above-referenced solicitation.

Question Answer

Section 2.2. Is there a required or desired delivery date for the two platforms, or a date by which the Department needs them operational? The ITN timeline ends at award recommendation and states no performance schedule.

This is a scoring criterion for this ITN.

Please refer to Section 4.1, Volume II, Tab B, 1) – Project Management and Scheduling Plan.

Section 2.4. The Statement of Need specifies two platforms. Does “unit” mean one air vehicle, or an air vehicle together with its ground control system, payloads and support equipment? Should pricing assume two complete systems or two airframes sharing one ground control system?

Each “unit” refers to the air vehicle with all support equipment and systems necessary for the platforms to be fully operational. Pricing assumes 2 separate, complete systems with independent ground control and support systems.

Section 1.5. May respondents propose option pricing for additional airframes, ground control systems or payloads beyond the two units, for the Department’s use during the term?

The Department welcomes pricing options for any additional systems that exceed the minimum/mandatory requirements for responses, as listed in this ITN.

Section 1.5. The Contract is expected to run three years with three one-year renewals. Are the renewal years intended to cover sustainment, software and support for the delivered units, or does the Department anticipate additional deliveries during those years?

Yes, renewals are intended to cover sustainment, software, and support for the life of the contract. Additional deliveries are contingent upon legislative appropriation each fiscal year.

Attachment E. Attachment E addresses certifications for the expenditure of federal funds. Will this Contract be funded in whole or in part with federal funds, and if so, do additional federal flow-down requirements apply?

This contract is not intended to be funded with any federal funds; however, if in the future federal funds are utilized the awarded contractor shall be notified of any additional requirements.

Changes to contract requirements or unit specifications will be subject to negotiation and mutual acceptance by all parties.

Section 2.1. Will the two platforms be assigned to a specific Florida Forest Service district or operate statewide, and is there an anticipated annual flight-hour utilization the Department can share for maintenance and support planning?

The platforms will be utilized for statewide operations. There is not an anticipated annual flight-hour utilization the department can share outside of the minimum requirements stated or listed by the manufacturer.

2.4.1(b). Is the minimum range of 20 miles a radius from the launch point, a total distance flown, or a command-and-control link distance? If it is a link distance, does the Department accept range extension by SATCOM or by a relay asset?

The minimum range of 20 miles is intended to be measured as a radius from the launch point that has active command-and-control from mission start to end.

2.4.1(d). Does “dual payload compatibility” require two payloads carried and operated simultaneously on the same flight, or the ability to configure the aircraft with either of two payloads between flights?

Dual payload compatibility is intended to require that the unit, at minimum, operate EO & IR sensors simultaneously during the same flight.

The EO & IR sensors may be contained within one (1) payload to meet those minimum requirements.

2.4.1(i). For secure video livestreaming, what endpoint must the stream reach, what protocol or standard does the Department require, and how many simultaneous viewers must be supported?

At minimum, the secure livestreaming video must reach the Florida Forest Service NOVA workspace. The department welcomes additional options for secure livestream endpoints.

2.4.1(j). For onboard downlink capability, does the Department require a specific SATCOM provider or network? Are airtime and subscription costs expected to be included in the respondent’s pricing, and if so for how many hours per year?

Th Department does not require a specific SATCOM provider or network.

All relevant costs should be included in the respondent’s submission, per Section 4.1, Volume I, Tab B – Price Response – Project Fees.

2.4.1(c) and 60GG-2.0075. Should respondents provide the Rule 60GG-2.0075 Tier classification and compliance matrix with the Reply, or is submission upon award, as Exhibit A section 2 states, the Department’s preference?

Compliance to 60GG-2.0075 must be provided with respondent’s Reply.

2.4.1(f), 2.4.2 and Tab C.3. Can the Department identify the “NOVA mapping software and architecture” version currently in use by the Florida Forest Service? Does Florida Forest Service plan to use an existing license/purchase of MapNova, or does MapNova use as it pertains to this RFP need to be included in scope/pricing by submitters?

The Department will always utilize the most up-to-date version of NOVA, which is currently V4.3. The Department will utilize an existing license of MapNOVA and will continue to procure separately from this contract.

2.4.1(f). What specifically must be compatible:

file formats and georeferencing of EO/IR imagery and video products, a live data feed

Both EO & IR file formats must be georeferenced to perform orthomosaic stitching and IR files must contain the into NOVA, or an API integration? radiometric data to perform hotspot detection within NOVA. Video files must contain telemetry data and can be live-fed into the NOVA workspace. API integration must be available.

2.4.2. The acceptance criteria includes

integration tests with NOVA mapping software and architecture. Will the Department provide an integration specification, API documentation and a non-production test environment to the awarded Contractor, and at what point in the schedule?

Yes, the department will provide the awarded contractor with the necessary information and contacts upon execution of the contract.

Tab C.3. Which ESRI products and versions are in use, and what ESRI outputs does the Department expect – georeferenced imagery, hotspot and perimeter feature services, hosted layers, or another form?

The Department primarily utilizes ArcGIS Pro V3.5, but is subject to update to the newest version (V3.7).

The Department utilizes the most recent version of FieldMaps (currently V26.1.1). All data manipulation and exportation will primarily be performed in NOVA.

2.4.2. Is the Department willing to make

Florida Forest Service technical staff responsible for NOVA and ESRI available during the development phase for interface definition, and would that participation be scheduled in the project plan?

The department will provide the necessary personnel responsible for NOVA and ESRI, as it relates to this ITN, during all necessary phases of the project plan.

Is the Florida Forest Service providing a storage repository for storage and retrieval of EO/IR sensor data collected during flight for use by NOVA for processing, or is the submitter expected to provide a data repository as part of this RFP response?

Yes, Florida Forest Service will provide the storage repository for all necessary data.

2.1 and 2.4.1(c). The Department operates under Part 107 certifications, Part 91 waivers and Public Aircraft Operator status. Under which construct does the Department intend to operate the two EVTOL platforms?2.4.6(a).

In the optional scope, the Contractor provides regulatory assistance to submit and receive all necessary waivers for full operational clearance. Which waivers does the Department consider necessary?

The Department intends to operate these systems under all applicable Part 107 certifications and Part 91 Waivers, currently held by the Department.

Additional waivers the department may seek assistance with include; waivers for Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight operations outside of a TFR, operations up to 1,199’ in Class G airspace and operations within Controlled airspace.

2.4.6(a). Where the applicant of record must be the Department, will FDACS or Florida Forest Service execute and submit the applications prepared by the Contractor, and who is the responsible Florida Forest Service official for that coordination?

Yes, the Florida Forest Service will execute and submit all applications prepared by the contractor to the FAA.

The FFS UAS Operations Manager is the responsible official for that coordination.

20 2.4.6(a). Does “full operational clearance” include a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization

Yes, “full operational clearance” is intended to include operations within for operations in controlled airspace, and does it include operations within a Temporary Flight Restriction over an active incident?

controlled airspace and within a TFR over an active incident.

2.4.1 and 2.4.6. Does the Department require the platforms to be capable of launching for initial attack before a TFR is established, and are Special Governmental Interest procedures part of the intended concept of operations?

The department requires the platform to be capable of launching prior to the establishment of a TFR. Operations of the platform must be capable under a Special Government Interest Waiver.

5.1. For the onsite demonstration at 8392

Croom Rital Road, Brooksville, FL, will the Department provide the airspace authorization, site access and any required waivers for a respondent’s demonstration flight, or is the respondent responsible for obtaining them?

The Department will provide site access. If the demonstration flight(s) cannot be performed under the current waivers held by the Department, the respondent is responsible for obtaining the correct/applicable authorizations.

2.4.2. Section 2.4.2 contemplates a

respondent that does not yet have a fully functioning UAS meeting all of Section 2.4.1 at the time of reply. Will such a respondent be evaluated on the same basis under Volume II Tab B, and will a documented development plan with milestones be scored as meeting the technical criteria?

All respondents will be evaluated under the scoring criterion under Volume II:

Technical Response.

2.4.2. Does the Department have a required

date by which the final product must receive full FLORIDA FOREST SERVICE approval, or by which prototype and production demonstrations must occur?

This is a scoring criterion for this ITN.

Please refer to Section 4.1, Volume II, Tab B, 1) – Project Management and Scheduling Plan.

2.4.2. Which Florida Forest Service State

Forest does the Department anticipate using for prototype and production demonstrations, and what facilities, airspace coordination and personnel will Florida Forest Service provide?

The Florida Forest Service anticipates utilizing the Withlacoochee State Forest for demonstrations but is subject to change. Necessary Airspace coordination and personnel will be provided by FFS.

2.4.2. Beyond the kick-off meeting, technical

schematics and prototype demonstration listed in 2.4.2(a) through (c), does the Department have a preferred cadence for design reviews and Florida Forest Service participation, and does it wish that cadence proposed by the respondent?

All response requirements are listed in section 2.4.2 and will be evaluated based on the criterion listed in Volume

II.

2.4.3(a). Will Florida Forest Service provide the in-state training facility, classroom and flight area, or is the respondent responsible for securing a Florida location? Is a specific site preferred, such as the Withlacoochee Forestry Center or the Brooksville site?

Training dates and location(s) will be coordinated with the FFS UAS Operations Manager upon award of the contract.

2.4.3(a). Are the eight students expected to hold FAA remote pilot certificates and current Florida Forest Service UAS qualifications

Yes, all FFS students will hold valid remote pilot certificates and FFS UAS Qualifications prior to training.

before training begins?

2.4.3(a). Should the training program include an instructor-qualification track so Florida Forest Service can train additional pilots internally, and should recurrent training be priced for the contract term?

The minimum training plan/program requirements are listed in Section 2.4.3 and is evaluated according to Section 4.1, Volume II, Tab C, 1).

2.4.3(a). Are the seven sessions to be delivered once as an initial cadre course, or annually during the contract term?

The minimum training plan/program requirements are listed in Section 2.4.3 and is evaluated according to Section 4.1, Volume II, Tab C, 1).

2.4.5(a). Does the 12-month warranty period begin at delivery, at Florida Forest Service acceptance, or at completion of training?

The 12-month warranty period begins when Florida Forest Service places the units into service.

2.4.5(b). Please define damage caused by software or battery failure. 2.4.3(b) and Tab C.2. What turnaround time does the Department expect for depot repair, and does it require loaner or replacement aircraft availability during extended repair?

“Damaged” in 2.4.5(b) is intended to mean any alteration to the unit/system(s) considered to be Minor (does not effect structural strength), Substantial (Structural failure or deformation that adversely affects the aircraft's strength, performance, or flight characteristics), or Major (Extreme structural compromise exceeding standard repair limits, often rendering the airframe entirely unsafe or total loss).

Tab C.2. Which maintenance actions does the Department intend Florida Forest Service personnel to perform, and does it expect the Contractor to certify Florida Forest Service maintainers?

Tab C.2 is a scoring criterion, and respondents will be evaluated upon their reply.

Appendix I.1 and Exhibit A.1.1. Appendix I classifies the data as moderate under FIPS 199 and Rule 60GG. Exhibit A section 1.1 classifies the same solution and data as High Impact. Which classification governs this procurement?

The Department will classify the solution and associated data as moderate impact, consistent with Appendix I.1. However, vendors should note that this classification may change depending on the nature of the data ultimately collected, stored, transmitted, or analyzed by the UAS solution. If the program later incorporates sensitive operational telemetry, real time incident intelligence, or other data types that require greater confidentiality, integrity, or availability protections, the Department may reclassify the system to high impact and apply the corresponding controls under FIPS 199 and Florida Administrative Rule 60GG.

Section 1.3(2), Appendix I.2(g) and Exhibit A.1.6. Three different support requirements appear: continuous 24/7 availability without

The Department clarifies the following:

a. 24/7 continuous availability refers to the operational availability of exception; customer support Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM ET; and continuous service with 24-hour availability.

Which governs, and does it apply to technical support, to emergency response, or to both?

the system, including uptime, monitoring, logging, and incident detection.

b. Customer support Monday– Friday, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM ET refers to routine support functions, including non urgent troubleshooting and administrative support.

c. “Continuous service with 24 hour availability” refers to the vendor’s obligation to provide incident escalation and emergency response capabilities at any time.

d. Thus:

i. System availability → 24/7

ii. Emergency/incident response

→ 24/7

iii. Routine customer support →

Minimum business hours (M–F, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM ET)

Appendix I and Exhibit A. Appendix I and Exhibit A are written for a SaaS solution, referencing Azure AD single sign-on, hourly transaction logs, daily backups with two-hour restore, and annual disaster recovery testing.

Are these requirements intended to apply only to portions of the offering that are persistent cloud-hosted products?

Yes. Requirements referencing Azure AD SSO, daily backups, disaster recovery testing, and SaaS SLAs apply only to portions of the proposed solution that are vendor hosted or cloud based. If a component is entirely on premises or operates solely within the ground control station environment, only the applicable security requirements from Appendix I (e.g., data protection, role based access control, logging, safeguarding, breach notification) apply.

Exhibit A.3. Rule 60GG-4 cloud requirements are stated to apply to vendor-provided cloud components. If a respondent proposes no cloud component, is Exhibit A section 3 inapplicable in full?

If the respondent proposes no vendor provided cloud component, then Exhibit A section 3 does not apply. Only the security controls relevant to the actual architecture proposed will be enforced.

Exhibit A.1.10. The reply is to include the most recent SOC report, preferably SOC 2 Type II within the last 12 months. Will the Department accept, in the alternative, a SOC 2 Type I report, an independent readiness assessment, or ISO 27001 certification, together with a committed audit schedule and delivery of the Type II report before deployment of the solution?

Yes. While the Department prefers a SOC 2 Type II report issued within the past 12 months, the following are acceptable alternatives:

a. SOC 2 Type I report

b. ISO 27001 certification

c. Vendors must also provide:

i. A committed timeline for delivering a SOC 2 Type II report before deployment

ii. Management’s assertion, auditor’s opinion, system description, subservice organizations, and any corrective action plans

Exhibit A.2. Does the Department require the aircraft to appear on the Defense Innovation Unit Blue UAS Cleared List or an equivalent list, or is compliance with Rule 60GG-2.0075 and Section 848 of the FY2020 NDAA sufficient?

No. The Department does not require the aircraft to appear on the Defense Innovation Unit Blue UAS Cleared List.

Compliance requirements are:

a. Florida Administrative Rule 60GG

2.0075 (UAS Minimum Security)

b. Section 848 of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)

These requirements—which prohibit drones and critical components produced by manufacturers in Foreign Countries of Concern—are sufficient.

Appendix I.1(c)(a). Where the solution includes no Department user-facing application, is the Azure AD single sign-on requirement satisfied by role-based access control within the ground control station software?

If Department users do not directly authenticate into a vendor hosted system, Azure AD SSO is not required for that component. In such cases, role based access control within the Ground Control Station software is sufficient, provided it meets the Department’s security expectations around:

a. Credential management

b. Access logging

c. Change control

d. Least privilege enforcement

If at any point users are expected to log in to a vendor hosted portal or cloud system, Azure AD SSO becomes mandatory.

Appendix I.1(b). The Contractor and its personnel must complete a Non-Disclosure Agreement within three business days of contract execution. May a copy of that agreement be provided to respondents before Reply submission, so its terms can be reviewed?

Yes. Vendors may request a copy of the Department’s Non-Disclosure Agreement from the Procurement Officer prior to submission. The ITN requires completion of the NDA within three business days of contract execution, but there is no restriction on providing it to respondents earlier for review.

Tab B. Does the Department require a specific price sheet or template, or may respondents submit their own itemized format covering the five categories listed?

Respondents shall submit their own price response.

Tab B. Does the Department wish respondents to propose the milestone payment schedule, or will FDACS specify milestones during negotiation?

This will be subject to negotiations.

Tab E.2. “Subcontractors License No.”

appears on Attachment H. What licensure does the Department contemplate for subcontractors performing engineering, manufacturing or flight operations work?

Any applicable licensure should be listed on Attachment H.

4.1. “Sequentially number all pages” — should numbering run continuously across both volumes, or restart within each volume?

No preference.

4.1. In what file format should the digital copy

be provided, and does the Department require a single bookmarked PDF per volume or separate files per tab?

Single bookmarked PDF per volume.

3.9. For hand or courier delivery to the Mayo

Building, what are the Purchasing Office’s receiving hours, and will the Department provide a date-and-time-stamped receipt?

Hand deliveries are accepted at the Mayo Building Lobby Security Desk located at 407 S. Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday excluding any state holidays or other closures. The Department does not provide a receipt. However, a Respondent may email Bids@FDACS.gov to confirm receipt of their Reply.

There is a discrepancy regarding the number of references requested for the ITN listed in the subject line.

• Page 14, Tab E: Requires three customer references and states that providing fewer makes the response nonresponsive.

• Page 28, Attachment G: Says four references are required, but lists fields numbered 1–3.

• Section 1.7: Places the ITN and its attachments at the same precedence level, so it does not resolve this conflict.

Three (3) references are required. An updated Attachment G – References has been provided.

This Addendum is hereby incorporated into and made a part of the above noted Invitation to Negotiate. All other terms, conditions, and specifications of this Invitation to Negotiate will remain the same. All questions regarding this Addendum should be submitted in writing to the Procurement Officer at Bids@FDACS.gov or contact the Procurement Office at (850) 617-7181.

Failure to file a protest within the time prescribed in Section 120.57(3), Florida Statutes, or failure to post the bond or other security required by law within the time allowed for filing a bond shall constitute a waiver of proceedings under Chapter 120, Florida Statutes. Protests must be filed with the Department’s Agency Clerk. Filings may be made physically at:

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services The Holland Building

600 South Calhoun Street Tallahassee, Florida 32399 mailto:Bids@FDACS.gov mailto:Bids@FDACS.gov

ATTACHMENT G

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Bureau of General Services

REFERENCES

As per the requirements of bid special condition References, each bidder is required to submit the names, addresses, and telephone numbers for the required three (3) references. References shall be listed below.

In order for your bid to be considered responsive this form must be completed and included in your bid package.

1. CLIENT NAME:

MAILING ADDRESS:

CITY: STATE: ZIP:

TELEPHONE NUMBER: ( )

2. CLIENT NAME:

3. CLIENT NAME:

FDACS-01222 Rev. 09/12

WILTON SIMPSON

COMMISSIONER