FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

Invitation to Negotiate No: ITN FFS 26 27 36

Title: Florida Forest Service

Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program

Casey J. Drake, Procurement Officer 407 S. Calhoun Street, SB-8 Mayo Building

Tallahassee, FL 32399-0800 Bids@FDACS.gov

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 Agency Clerk, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, The Holland Building, 600 South Calhoun Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399.

mailto:Bids@FDACS.gov

SECTION 1.0 INTRODUCTORY SECTION

1.1 Statement of Purpose

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (Department), Florida Forest Service (FFS), issues this Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for responses from highly qualified vendors with demonstrated expertise in the design, fabrication, and deployment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for use by the FFS UAS Wildland Firefighting Program. This ITN and all activities leading toward the anticipated issuance of the Contractual Services Agreement are conducted pursuant and subject to Chapter 287, Florida Statutes (F.S.), and Rule Chapters 60A-1, 60GG-2, and 60GG- 4, Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.).

This ITN will be administered through the Vendor Information Portal (VIP) at https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids. The Department will utilize the VIP as the centralized procurement website for electronic posting of agency solicitations, decisions and intended decisions in accordance with Rule 60A-1.021, F.A.C.

Vendors interested in submitting a Reply must comply with all terms and conditions described in this solicitation. The Department intends to make a single award, or to make no award, as determined to be in the best interest of the State.

1.2 Timeline

The following timeline will be strictly adhered to in all actions relative to this ITN unless modified by the Department by written addenda published to the VIP. All required actions must be completed by the date and time indicated on the timeline. It is the responsibility of the Vendor to monitor the VIP. All times listed are Eastern Time (ET).

EVENT DATE/TIME LOCATION

Release of ITN September 21, 2026 Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids

Last day for Vendors to Submit Questions

September 29, 2026

5:00PM

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Email: Bids@FDACS.gov Anticipated Posting of Written Responses to Vendors Questions

October 2, 2026 Vendor Information Portal https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids

Sealed Replies Due October 15, 2026

5:00PM

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services - Mayo Building

407 S. Calhoun Street, SB-8 Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800

Public Opening October 16, 2026 10:00AM Teleconference Number: (877) 273-4202

Conference Room Number: 585 608 901 Written Reply Evaluation

Phase (Anticipated) October 19 - 23, 2026

Vendor Demonstrations / Negotiations (Anticipated) November 2 - 6, 2026

Public Meeting / Award Recommendation

(Anticipated)

November 9, 2026

2:00PM

Teleconference Number: (877) 273-4202 Conference Room Number: 585 608 901

ITN FFS 26 27 36 Page 2 of 51 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvendor.myfloridamarketplace.com%2Fsearch%2Fbids&data=05%7C02%7CStephanie.Bergozza%40fdacs.gov%7C4f2dd97316664dbe96c608dd96e32378%7C62557d98bd114a888a7b57bc3df0190b%7C0%7C0%7C638832624470069313%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=hwfp6TpS973080G7he7dIma8cxcidOSanzY%2F%2BpFbdqY%3D&reserved=0 https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids

1.3 Definitions

The following terms used in this ITN, unless the context otherwise clearly requires a different construction and interpretation, have the following meanings:

1) Best Value: The highest overall value to the State based on factors that include, but are not limited to price, quality, design, and workmanship.

2) Business Day and Hours: Contractor must maintain continuous availability to meet departments expectations and be available 24/7 without exceptions, including holidays.

3) Contract: The formal written agreement resulting from this ITN between the awarded Vendor and the Department.

4) Contract Manager: The Department’s employee, or their designee, responsible for performance oversight and operational management of the Contract. The Contract Manager will be designated in the Contract.

5) Contractor: The Vendor who receives the award of this ITN and will be performing contractual duties as the prime Contractor under the Contract.

6) Department (FDACS): The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

7) Electro Optical & Infrared (EO&IR): An Electro-Optical & Infrared (EO/IR) camera is an integrated imaging system that combines visible-light sensors (Electro-Optical) and thermal or heat-detecting sensors (Infrared). This dual-sensor setup provides 24/7 visibility, capturing high-resolution daylight color video and producing clear imagery in total darkness or through obscurants like smoke and fog.

8) Electronic Vertical Takeoff and Landing (EVTOL): An electronic (or electric) vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is a vehicle that relies on battery-powered electric motors to hover, ascend, and land vertically.

9) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The national aviation authority of the United States, operating as an agency within the Department of Transportation, and is responsible for regulating civil aviation, managing air traffic, and ensuring the safety of aircraft and airports.

10) Ground Control Systems (GCS): A bidirectional interface, allowing operators to send flight commands and payload instructions while receiving real-time telemetry, GPS status, and video feeds.

11) Light Detection and Randing (LiDAR): A remote sensing technology that uses pulsed lasers to measure distances and create highly accurate, 3D representations of environments. By emitting laser beams and timing how long they take to bounce off surfaces, it calculates exact spatial coordinates (X, Y, Z) of objects.

12) Material Deviations: A deviation from the requirements and specifications of this ITN, which the Department, at its discretion, has determined is not in substantial accord with this ITN, provides a significant competitive advantage to one (1) Vendor over other Vendors, or has a potentially significant effect on the quantity or quality of the services sought, or on the cost to the Department. Material deviations cannot be waived.

13) Minor Irregularity: A variation from requirements and specifications of this ITN that does not give the Vendor a significant competitive advantage or benefit not enjoyed by other Vendors

ITN FFS 26 27 36 Page 3 of 51 and does not adversely impact the interests of the Department.

14) Public Aircraft Operator (PAO): Flights operated by or on behalf of a U.S. federal, state, local, or tribal government entity, provided the flights perform a core governmental function (such as law enforcement, search and rescue, or firefighting) and are not used for commercial purposes. For a flight to qualify as a Public Aircraft Operation, it must satisfy specific statutory criteria defined in 49 U.S.C. 40102(a)(41) and 49 U.S.C. 40125.

15) Reply: All materials submitted by a Vendor in response to this ITN.

16) Respondent: The person, entity, or Vendor submitting a Reply in response to an ITN.

17) Responsive Reply(ies): A Reply, submitted by a Responsive and Responsible Vendor that conforms in all material respects to this solicitation.

18) Situational Awareness (SA): the ability to perceive your environment, understand the meaning of those elements, and predict how they will change in the near future. It breaks down into three key phases: perception (noticing what is happening), comprehension (understanding what it means), and projection (anticipating what happens next).

19) Type 3 & 4 UAS: Drones categorized by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).

They are categorized based on their size, payload capacity, and mission capabilities.

20) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS): The entire ecosystem required to safely operate an uncrewed aircraft, commonly known as a drone. It consists of the aircraft itself, a remote-control station, the communication and data links, and the human operator.

1.4 Procurement Officer

The Procurement Officer for this ITN is:

Casey J. Drake, Procurement Officer Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Email: Bids@FDACS.gov

The Procurement Officer is the sole point of contact for questions and all other matters relating to this solicitation.

**ALL EMAILS TO THE PROCUREMENT OFFICER SHOULD CONTAIN THE SOLICITATION

NUMBER IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF THE EMAIL. **

Respondents to this solicitation or persons acting on their behalf may not contact, between the release of the solicitation and the end of the 72-hour period following the agency posting the notice of intended award, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and state holidays or other closures, any employee or officer of the executive or legislative branch concerning any aspect of this solicitation, except in writing to the Procurement Officer or as provided in the solicitation documents. Violation of this provision may be grounds for rejecting a response.

1.5 Contract Award Amount and Contract Term

The Contract resulting from this solicitation is expected to begin upon execution and remain in effect for an initial term of three (3) years and potentially three (3) additional one-year renewal options. The Department budget for the UAS Program is contingent on Legislative appropriation each fiscal year. The Department reserves the right to negotiate allowable renewals of the contract based on available funding levels and specified contract deliverables.

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Renewal of the Contract shall be in writing and shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the existing Contract. All renewals are contingent on satisfactory performance by the Contractor and availability of funds.

1.6 Mandatory Requirements

The Department has established certain requirements with respect to submissions to be submitted by Respondents. The use of “shall”, “must”, or “will” (except to indicate simple futurity) in this ITN indicates a requirement or conditions from which a material deviation may not be waived by the Department. The words “should” or “may” in this ITN indicate desirable attributes or conditions but are permissive in nature. Deviation from, or omission of, such a desirable feature, will not in itself cause rejection of a Reply.

1.7 Conflicts and Order(s) of Precedence

All replies are subject to the terms of the following provisions of this ITN, which are hereby incorporated by reference, and in case of conflict shall have the following order of precedence:

1) Addenda, in reverse order of issuance,

2) ITN, including attachments and appendices,

3) PUR 1001, General Instructions to Respondents, and

4) PUR 1000, General Contract Conditions.

1.8 No Social, Political, or Ideological Interests Considered

In accordance with Section 287.05701, F.S., the Department will not request documentation of or consider a Vendor’s social, political, or ideological interests when determining if the Vendor is a responsible Vendor or give preference to a Vendor based on the Vendor’s social, political, or ideological interest.

1.9 Cooperation with Inspector General

By submission of a Reply, the Respondent understands and will comply with its duty, pursuant to Section 20.055(5), F.S., to cooperate with the Inspector General in any investigation, audit, inspection, review, or hearing.

SECTION 2.0 SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 Background & Objectives

The Florida Forest Service’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Program originated around 2019 and operates under FAA Part 107 certifications, Part 91 Waivers, and Public Aircraft Operator (PAO) status. Since that time, the UAS Program has experienced very positive and exponential growth, quickly becoming one of the Nation’s largest, state-owned, Forestry & Firefighting UAS fleets. The current fleet is comprised of 60, Type 3 & 4 Quadcopters that supports forestry practices, wildland firefighting, and all-hazard emergency responses. To support the continuing expansion of the UAS Program, acquiring larger UAS platforms is a necessity. The main objective is for these proposed systems to deliver timely, actionable data and intelligence over large incidents. Achieving this objective requires that FFS seek, two (2), Electronic Vertical Takeoff and Landing (EVTOL), fixed wing, platforms with extended endurance, range, and payload capacity.

2.2 Statement of Need

The Contractor shall design, deliver, demonstrate, and support two EVTOL fixed‑wing UAS platforms that meet Technical Specifications, Information Security Requirements, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Minimum Security Requirements of Rule 60GG‑2.0075, F.A.C., and Cloud Computing (Rule Chapter 60GG‑4, F.A.C.) contractual elements. The Contractor shall provide

ITN FFS 26 27 36 Page 5 of 51 https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2934/file/PUR%201001%20General%20Instructions%20to%20Respondents.pdf https://www.dms.myflorida.com/content/download/2933/file/PUR%201000%20%28General%20Contract%20Conditions%29.pdf training, documentation, preventative maintenance plans, spare parts kits, software support, and warranty services, and collaborate with FFS on product development and demonstrations at a designated State Forest site.

2.3 Questions Being Explored in this ITN

• How will the Respondents’ proposed services meet the needs of the Department?

• How will a Respondent implement a process to include the FFS in all aspects of the design, fabrication, and deployment of the UAS Program?

• How can current or new technology be utilized for use by the FFS UAS Wildland Firefighting

Program?

• How will the Respondent produce and support the FFS UAS Program in a cost-effective and efficient manner for the Department, and the State?

• How will Respondents meet the Department’s expectations and requirements?

2.4 Scope of Project

EVTOL Fixed Wing UAS Requirements

2.4.1 Technical Specifications

The following are mandatory requirements that each unit must meet:

a) EVTOL fixed‑wing aircraft configuration.

b) Minimum flight time ≥ 2.5 hours; minimum range ≥ 20 miles.

c) Legal to fly under FAA Part 107 and Part 91 Waivers.

d) Dual payload compatibility (minimum EO/IR).

e) Future Payload compatibility (example: LiDAR, Multispectral, Comms relay etc.).

f) Imagery & Videography (EO/IR) compatible with NOVA mapping software and architecture.

g) Sense-and-Avoid/Detect-and-Avoid (SAA/DAA) architecture.

h) Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast (ADS-B) In & Out.

i) Secure video livestreaming capabilities.

j) Onboard downlink capabilities (e.g., SATCOM).

k) Multi-Ground Control Systems (GCS) support.

l) AI‑assisted data collection and mission planning system.

m) Effectively operational in Florida environmental conditions (heat, humidity, wind).

2.4.2 Product Development and Design

If the Contractor does not currently have a fully functioning UAS which meets all technical requirements specified in Section 2.4.1. at the time of the ITN Reply submission, the FFS will be included in all phases of development of the UAS FFS Wildland Firefighting Program to include at a minimum:

a) Coordination/kick-off meeting with all parties to establish a project schedule and communication plan;

ITN FFS 26 27 36 Page 6 of 51

b) Technical schematics, development, and product integration plan; and

c) a demonstration of prototypes and established product versions.

FFS will participate in all phases of product development and design. The Contractor shall propose prototype and production demonstrations at an FFS State Forest, in coordination with the FFS UAS Operations Manager. Acceptance criteria include verified compliance with the technical and security requirements; successful mission demonstrations;

integration tests with NOVA mapping software and architecture; and submission of required documentation and security attestations. The Contractor shall be required to have full FFS approval of the final product prior to execution of the UAS FFS Wildland Firefighting Program.

2.4.3 Training, Maintenance, and Support

a) The Contractor will provide a minimum of five (5) 8‑hour training sessions for daytime operations and two (2) 5-hour training sessions for nighttime operations, for eight (8) FFS selected and approved UAS students. Training must be provided at an in-state (FL) location where students will receive instruction for hands-on flights, security controls, maintenance procedures, and data acquisition & integration with FFS supported software (NOVA Mapping and ESRI products).

b) Supply a preventative maintenance plan and schedule, along with two spare‑parts kits and 1 spare power source, per unit.

2.4.4 Security, Software, Requirements, and Support

Provide software support, maintenance, and updates, and assist FFS in implementing such updates in accordance with Appendix I.

2.4.5 Warranty, Workmanship Certification

a) The Contractor shall provide no less than a 12-month warranty on each unit. This warranty must cover any manufacturer defect or hardware failure

b) If a unit is damaged due to a software or battery failure, the Contractor will provide all repairs at no cost to the Department, regardless of the warranty status of the unit.

2.4.6 Optional Scope of Project

a) The Contractor will provide regulatory assistance to submit and receive all necessary waivers with the FAA for full operational clearance of the units.

b) The FFS will provide feedback for enhancements and modifications for the UAS that can be integrated into a long-term product solution. The Contractor will be expected to provide a proposed solution for the enhancements and modifications based on the FFS feedback.

SECTION 3.0 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS

3.1 Advertisement

This ITN is hereby advertised on the State of Florida VIP. To find the ITN or other related information, enter Agency “Department of Agriculture” and click on “Advertisement Search” at the bottom of the web page. If unable to download the document(s), contact the Department’s Procurement Officer listed in Section 1.4.

ITN FFS 26 27 36 Page 7 of 51

3.2 Special Accommodations

Any person with a disability requiring special accommodations at the public opening shall contact the Procurement Officer listed in Section 1.4, Procurement Officer, at least five (5) working days prior to the event. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact this office by using the Florida Relay Services which can be reached at (800) 955-8771 (TDD) or visit https://www.ftri.org/relay for assistance.

3.3 General Instructions to Respondents (PUR 1001)

Any terms and conditions set forth within this ITN document shall supersede all conflicting terms and conditions set forth within the PUR 1001, unless the conflicting term/condition is required by any section of the Florida Statutes, in which case the term/condition required by Florida Statutes shall take precedence. Specific references to MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) usage for this ITN as stated in paragraphs 3 and 5 of the PUR 1001, General Instructions to Respondents, are not applicable.

3.4 Vendor Questions

The Procurement Officer, acting on behalf of the Department, is the sole point of contact for official meetings, questions, and all procurement related matters relating to this solicitation from the date of the release of the solicitation until the Department’s Notice of Agency Decision is posted on the

VIP.

Questions related to this ITN, or requests for approved equivalents (if applicable), must be received in writing, via email, by the Procurement Officer listed in Section 1.4, within the time indicated in Section 1.2, Timeline. Verbal Questions, or those submitted after the period specified in Section 1.2, will not be acknowledged. Responses to written questions will be published on the VIP on or about the date referenced in Section 1.2.

3.5 Addenda

If the Department deems it necessary to supplement, modify, or interpret any portion of the solicitation documents or exhibits, addenda, and materials relative to this procurement will be published on the VIP as a written addendum. Any addenda issued in relation to this solicitation shall thereby become part of the final ITN specifications and requirements.

3.6 MyFloridaMarketPlace (MFMP) Registration

Each Vendor desiring to sell commodities or contractual services as defined in Section 287.012, F.S., to the State is prequalified to do so and shall register in the MFMP system. Information about the registration process is available, and registration may be completed, at the MFMP website:

https://vendor.myfloridamarketplace.com/search/bids. Interested persons lacking internet access may request assistance from the MFMP Customer Service at (866) 352-3776.

Vendors should register for the following United Nations Standard Products and Services (UNSPSC) Class/Group Commodity Code(s) pertaining to this Procurement:

• 25131705 Target or reconnaissance drones

• 25131707 Reconnaissance or surveillance aircraft

• 25131800 Specialty aircraft

• 25132100 Unmanned aerial vehicle

• 92101604 Forest or wilderness firefighting services

3.7 Vendor Substitute W-9

The Florida Department of Financial Services (DFS) requires all Vendors that conduct business with the state to electronically submit a Substitute W-9 Form to https://flvendor.myfloridacfo.com.

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Forms and answers to frequently asked questions are located on that website once a registration has been completed. DFS may assist Vendors with questions and be reached by contacting

(850) 413-5519, or FLW9@myfloridacfo.com.

The Contractor must have a valid W-9 on file with the DFS prior to issuance of a contract. This may be completed by the Vendor post-award and is not something which the Department will consider in determining the responsiveness of a Reply.

3.8 Cost of Preparation

Neither the Department, nor the State of Florida, is liable for any costs incurred by a Vendor/Respondent in preparing its Reply to this ITN.

3.9 Instructions for Submittal

Each Vendor Reply shall be prepared simply and economically, providing a straightforward, concise delineation of the Vendor’s capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this ITN. Emphasis in each Reply must be on completeness and clarity of content. In order to expedite the review of replies, it is essential that the Vendor follows the format and instructions below.

1) Replies may be sent by U.S. mail, courier, overnight or hand delivered to:

Attention: Purchasing Office 407 S. Calhoun Street, SB-8 Mayo Building Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0800

2) Electronic (email/fax) submission of Replies will not be accepted for the ITN.

3) All Replies must be submitted in a sealed envelope/package with the relevant ITN number clearly marked on the outside of the envelope/package.

4) It is the Respondent’s responsibility to assure its Reply submittal is delivered to the proper place and time as stipulated in the Timeline.

5) Late Replies will not be accepted.

Replies may be delivered by United States Postal Service (USPS) mail, courier (FedEx/UPS), or hand delivered to the Mayo Building; however, Vendors are cautioned shipment via USPS may not be guaranteed to be received by the Department on the scheduled due date / time.

REPLIES MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE PURCHASING OFFICE BY THE DESIGNATED DATE

AND TIME LISTED THAT SEALED REPLIES ARE DUE IN SECTION 1.2, TIMELINE.

POSTMARKED OR CLOCKED IN BY FEDEX, UPS OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE IS NOT

ACCEPTABLE FOR BEING RECEIVED IN THE PURCHASING OFFICE.

Replies are due, and will be publicly opened, at the time date, and location specified in Section 1.2, Timeline. Vendor Replies received late (after the due date and time) will not be accepted, nor considered, and modification by the Vendor of submitted replies will not be allowed, unless the Department has made a request for additional information. Department staff will not be held responsible for the inadvertent opening of a Reply if it is not properly sealed, addressed, or identified.

3.10 Disclosure of Reply Submittal Contents

All documentation produced as part of this solicitation shall become the exclusive property of the

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Department and may not be removed by the Vendor or its agents or returned. The Department shall have the right to use any or all ideas, or adaptations of the ideas, presented in any Reply. Selection or rejection of a Reply shall not affect this right.

SECTION 4.0 ITN RESPONSE CRITERIA AND EVALUATION PROCESS

4.1 Reply Format

The Department is accepting a combination of a physical original, and digital copies of the Respondents’ Replies to this ITN. ITN Replies must be submitted in sealed package/hard copy format and electronic copies divided into volumes containing the information below. All electronic files may be provided on a single USB drive, with volumes clearly separated.

Sealed Package Volume

Section Name Number of Copies of the Respondent Reply

Volume I

• Administrative Forms

• Price Response – Project Fees

• Redacted Technical / Respondent

(1) Original Hard Copy

(1) Digital USB Drive

Volume II

• Technical Response

• Relevant Experience

• Subcontractor Information

(1) Original Hard Copy

(1) Digital USB Drive

ITN Reply packets shall be delivered to the Department’s purchasing office before the specified due date in a sealed package labeled with the Respondent’s name and address and the ITN number. Sequentially number all pages and organize as indicated below. Emphasis of each Reply must be on completeness and clarity of content. To expedite the evaluation process, it is essential that Respondents follow the format and instructions contained herein.

The ITN Reply must include all requested forms and information. Each section should be segregated by index TAB(s), or folders labeled as such, which will include either mandatory response forms or material for weighted criteria to be scored by the appointed evaluation team.

Failure to provide all of the requested information may result in disqualification of the Respondent’s Reply, or a zero-point score for that section. The Respondent’s Reply should clearly identify each area, as listed below, with an index tab or other type of identification.

VOLUME I: FORMS AND PRICE RESPONSE

TAB A: ADMINISTRATIVE FORMS

The Respondent must provide:

1) A completed and signed ATTACHMENT A – FDACS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM. The signed original of this form must be included in the original hard copy of the Reply package.

2) A completed and signed ATTACHMENT B – CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT. The signed original of this form must be included in the original hard copy of the Reply package.

3) Florida Preference Certifications. When evaluating Vendor responses to solicitations where the total awarded points from two or more Vendors is equal, the Department shall determine the order of award in accordance with Sections 287.057(12), 287.082, 287.087, and 295.187(4), Florida Statutes.

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a) Certified Business Enterprise. The Respondent must provide a copy of its certification pursuant to Section 287.09451, F.S., to receive this preference.

b) Certification of Drug-Free Workplace Program. Pursuant to Section 287.087, F.S., whenever two (2) or more Replies that are equal with respect to price, quality and service are received by the state or by any political subdivision for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, a bid, proposal or reply received from a business that certifies that it has implemented a drug-free workplace program shall be given preference in the award process. To be considered for the drug-free workplace program preference, respondents must provide FDACS-01218 / ATTACHMENT C, CERTIFICATION OF DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM, that it has implemented a drug-free workplace program.

c) Florida Veteran Business Enterprise Opportunity Act Preference. Pursuant to Section 295.187(4), F.S., a state agency, when considering two (2) or more Replies for the procurement of commodities or contractual services, at least one (1) of which is from a certified veteran business enterprise, which are equal with respect to all relevant considerations, including price, quality and service, shall award such procurement or contract to the certified veteran business enterprise. Proof of certification pursuant to Section 295.187(5), F.S., shall accompany the proposal. Failure to submit proof of certification will result in non-application of the preference.

4) A completed and signed ATTACHMENT D – FORM PUR 7801. The signed original of this form should be included in the original hard copy of the Reply package. The Respondent must either certify (by checking in the blank next to “Yes”) or mark N/A (by checking in the blank next to “N/A”) for each certification, as applicable.

5) Vendors submitting a Reply to this ITN MUST complete the enclosed form FDACS-01522 /

ATTACHMENT E – CERTIFICATION REGARDING LOBBYING; DEBARMENT,

SUSPENSION, AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERS FOR EXPENDITURE OF

FEDERAL FUNDS, and enclose it with its Reply. The Certification for Lobbying is required for expenditures $100,000 and above. The Certification for Debarment and Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters is required for expenditures $25,000 and above.

6) Pursuant to section 287.1346(4) F.S., at the time a company submits a bid, proposal, or reply for a contract and before the company enters into or renews a contract with an agency for the provision of commodities, a member of the company’s senior management must certify in writing, that to the best of his or her knowledge the commodities the company is offering to the agency have not been produced, in whole or in part, by forced labor.

For a vendor’s bid to be considered responsive, Attachment F – Forced Labor Certification for Commodities Purchases, must be completed and included in its bid package. Companies who are recorded on the Forced Labor Vendor List are disqualified from submitting a bid, proposal, or response.

TAB B: PRICE RESPONSE – PROJECT FEES

The Respondent shall submit a Price Response, with its Reply indicating the fees for providing services as described in this ITN for the resulting Contract. Fees should be offered as follows:

Submit itemized, pricing and total cost of ownership for: (a) aircraft, payloads, and ground systems;

(b) software licenses/subscriptions; (c) training; (d) maintenance and support; and (e) spare parts/repair kits. Include multi‑year pricing, volume/term discounts, price‑protection terms, travel/ODC caps, and any service credits tied to SLA noncompliance.

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Payment terms should be milestone‑based (delivery, successful demonstration, training completion, security attestation acceptance). FDACS reserves the right to negotiate these payment terms, including additions/deletions consistent with scope, technical, security requirements, FAA compliance, and any additional offering either included with the initial written response or offered by the Vendor during oral presentations, demonstrations and/or negotiations.

TAB B shall be provided in Volume I and is not to be included in the Volume II.

TAB C: RESPONDENT’S INTERNAL INFORMATION SECURITY CONTROLS

Vendors submitting a Reply to this ITN MUST provide an attestation of the service organization’s audited internal information security controls associated with the services provided to the Department to include:

1) The Respondent may engage third parties to conduct their audit. Common audits of this type are the Service Organization Control (SOC) 1 and 2 audits, certifications to the ISO 27001 standard, and assurance engagements under the International Standard on the Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 standards.

2) the Respondent must perform an annual information inventory identifying the key data, applications, and systems maintained to provide the department service so that appropriate controls are designed and implemented to protect those critical areas from unauthorized access or manipulation. Both physical and logical security measures should be considered.

3) The attestation reporting must proactively address risks and demonstrate that the appropriate controls are in place for information technology to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the department's sensitive data and information resources.

TAB D: RESPONDENT’S DUTY TO ASSERT TO EXEMPTION FROM DISCLOSURE AS A

PUBLIC RECORD

If a Respondent considers any portion of the documents, data or record submitted in response to this solicitation to be exempted by law from disclosure as a public record, the Respondent must also provide Department with a separate “Redacted Copy” of its Reply on a USB flash drive, at the time of Reply submission.

Any Reply content submitted to the Department which is asserted to be exempted by law from disclosure as a public record shall be clearly marked “exempt,” “confidential,” or “trade secret” (as applicable), with the statutory basis for such claim of exemption specifically identified in writing on each and every such page. Failure to segregate and so clearly identify any such content shall constitute a waiver of any claimed exemption as applied to the portion of the Reply or other document in which the content is set forth.

IF A RESPONDENT FAILS TO SUBMIT A REDACTED COPY WITH ITS REPLY AS DESCRIBED

HEREIN, THE FDACS IS AUTHORIZED TO PRODUCE THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT(S), DATA,

OR RECORDS SUBMITTED BY THE RESPONDENT IN ANSWER TO A PUBLIC RECORDS

REQUEST. THE STATE OF FLORIDA DOES NOT CONSIDER PRICE TO BE CONFIDENTIAL.

VOLUME II: TECHNICAL RESPONSE

TAB A: STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE (100 points maximum)

1) Qualifications and Resources - Provide an overview of the Respondent’s qualifications which demonstrates its ability to design, fabricate, and meet the requirements of this ITN. Specify resources that are readily available, including subcontractors, to the Respondent, which will

ITN FFS 26 27 36 Page 12 of 51 enable the successful development and deployment of EVTOL units. (40 points maximum)

2) Experience – Describe prior experience relative to this project. This should include the number of years producing this type of drone technology. Include prior or existing contract resources which demonstrate ability of your firm to meet the requirements specified within the ITN. (40 points maximum)

3) Personnel - Provide a complete list of all of your key personnel assigned to this project.

Provide biographies of the proposed personnel and any proposed subcontractors, to include professional backgrounds, project roles, responsibilities. (20 points maximum)

TAB B: PROJECT MANAGEMENT PLAN AND TECHNICAL REPLY (100 points maximum)

1) Project Management and Scheduling Plan - Provide a comprehensive project management plan detailing the approach to successfully design, develop and deploy the UAS for the FFS Wildland Fire Program as specified in section 2.4.2 of this ITN. This plan should include the means and methods to be utilized throughout the project, a proposed project timeline, communication plan, comprehensive testing plan, and deployment strategy. (50 points maximum)

2) Technical Response - Provide a technical response addressing the mandatory requirements listed within section 2.4.1 of this ITN provide a detailed response to demonstrate how the existing or proposed solution meets or exceeds the listed criterion for each item (a-m). (50 points maximum)

TAB C: TRAINING, MAINTENANCE, SOFTWARE, AND SUPPORT (80 points maximum)

1) Training Plan – Provide an in-depth training plan detailing the approach for instructing FFS, UAS pilots on mission planning and executing operation of the UAS on incidents, capturing and processing imagery with the UAS, integrating into fire-traffic-area airspace, and engaging in beyond visual line of sight mission profiles. (20 points maximum)

2) Maintenance Plan – Provide a detailed maintenance schedule for the aircraft and equipment.

Maintenance schedule should include all preventative maintenance timelines and steps for completing maintenance. Provide a point-of-contact (POC) for all maintenance questions/concerns that FFS may encounter while performing all maintenance steps. (40

3) Software Implementation and Support – Provide a list of all necessary software that must be utilized to operate the proposed system. Additionally, provide a detailed plan on how Respondent will implement and support the software, and how it will integrate with FFS systems (NOVA, ESRI). Provide a point-of-contact (POC) for all software questions/concerns that FFS may encounter while operating the UAS. (20 points maximum)

TAB D: OPTIONAL SCOPE OF PROJECT (50 points maximum)

1) Describe how you would provide regulatory assistance to include the submission and receipt of all necessary waivers with the FAA for full operational clearance of the units. (30 points maximum)

2) Provide how you would develop a plan for the enhancements and modifications for the UAS that can be integrated into a long-term product solution to include the FFS feedback. (20

ITN FFS 26 27 36 Page 13 of 51

TAB E: REFERENCES AND SUB-CONTRACTORS (No points will be awarded for TAB E)

1) RESPONDENT REFERENCES

References should be three (3) customers for whom the Respondent has provided similar services to the services sought in this ITN. References must be current or former clients of the Respondent. The Department will not accept subcontractor / proposed personnel or personal references of a member of the Respondent as a substitute for customer references. References should also be included in the Respondent’s Relevant Experience / Past Performance narrative.

If the Respondent does not provide the information requested on ATTACHMENT G – REFERENCES for three (3) references, the Respondent will be deemed non-responsive, and its Reply will not be considered for award.

The Department reserves the right to contact each Respondent reference to verify the information provided and validate the Respondent’s performance. If determined by the Department, references must be verifiable within three (3) business days of initial verification attempt by the Department, exclusive of weekends, State holidays, or other official closures.

Respondent customer references that indicate any unsatisfactory work performance or workmanship will result in disqualification of their Reply.

Past performance with the Department will constitute a reference, whether listed or not, and will be used by the Department to determine the Respondent's ability to perform satisfactory services like those described in this ITN. Unsatisfactory past performance with the Department will result in rejection of the Respondent’s Proposal.

2) SUB-CONTRACTORS

To ensure that only qualified and competent subcontractors will be employed on the project, the Respondent shall submit to the Department a list of subcontractors who will perform work.

The Respondent must have determined, to its own complete satisfaction, that a listed subcontractor has been successfully engaged in this particular type of business for a reasonable length of time and is qualified both technically and financially to perform the phase of this work listed herein.

Any subcontractor(s) not listed and approved by the Department will not be allowed to proceed with any work related to this project. The Department shall have the right to examine the eligibility and technical qualifications of any subcontractor and to request additional documentation of a subcontractor’s technical and financial qualifications.

Any subcontractor(s) proposed after the execution of a Contract, must be submitted in writing to the Department for approval. Work by the proposed subcontractor must not commence until the Department has given approval.

The Department shall have the right to prohibit the use of any subcontractor that in its own discretion does not satisfactorily meet the eligibility, business experience, technical, or financial qualifications necessary to perform this work. If applicable, Respondents must complete FDACS-01221 / ATTACHMENT H – LIST OF SUBCONTRACTORS and include it in the Respondent’s Reply.

4.2 Reply Administrative Review

Each Respondent shall submit a Reply that conforms to all mandatory requirements as outlined in this ITN solicitation. Replies that do not conform to the requirements, or contain material deviations from the specifications, will be rejected as non-Responsive and not further reviewed. Material

ITN FFS 26 27 36 Page 14 of 51 requirements of this ITN are those without which adequate analysis and comparison of Replies is impossible, or those that affect the competitiveness of Replies. The Department seeks to maximize competition and reserves the right to seek clarification from responding Respondents to obtain non-material information to complete a responsiveness review. Failure of a Respondent to timely provide required information may cause a Respondent to be deemed non-Responsive and therefore be disqualified from further considerations.

Non-Responsive Replies may include, but are not limited to, those which:

1) fail to utilize, complete, and/or submit the required forms,

2) include terms and conditions contrary to the requirements of this solicitation,

3) do not contain authorized signatures, and

4) do not conform with the requirements and instructions contained in this ITN.

4.3 Evaluation Considerations

Available points for each of the evaluation criteria are specified in this ITN.

The evaluation committee members shall perform the evaluation in accordance with the evaluation criteria listed in Section 4.4, Evaluation Procedure, of this ITN. The evaluation committee’s scores will create a ranked list of Respondent Replies, based on total estimated awarded points per Vendor.

4.4 Evaluation Procedure

An Evaluation Team will utilize a point system to rank Replies in accordance with the following:

Criteria Range of Points

Volume II – Tab A: Statement of Qualifications and Experience 0 - 100 Volume II – Tab B: Project Management Plan and Technical Reply 0 - 100 Volume II – Tab C: Training, Maintenance, Software, and Support 0 - 80 Volume II – Tab D: Optional Scope of Project 0 - 50

MAXIMUM POINTS 330

SECTION 5.0 Negotiation Process

5.1 Respondents(s) Selected for Presentations and Negotiations

Once the evaluation committee has concluded scoring all Responsive Replies, a list of Replies will be tabulated in ranked order. The Department may begin oral presentations with the Respondent or Respondents who have a written technical score within a competitive range or ranked above a natural break.

The Department shall evaluate and rank the Replies to determine which Respondent, if any, to invite for presentations/demonstrations. It is the Department’s intent to invite Respondents scoring within a competitive range or above the natural break to the oral presentations and/or demonstrations; however, the Department reserves the right to invite additional Respondents to oral presentations if determined to be in the best interest of the State. Oral presentations demonstrations may include a question-and-answer session.

The purpose of this activity is to provide substantiating information and demonstrated performance to support the Respondent’s written Reply content. No part of the oral presentations / demonstrations will serve to relieve the Respondent of any quality or performance as required under the resulting Contract.

Vendors who have an active working UAS may be required to provide an onsite/live demonstration at the Florida Forest Service location at 8392 Croom Rital Road, Brooksville, Florida 34602.

ITN FFS 26 27 36 Page 15 of 51

Pursuant to Section 286.0113(2)(b)1., F.S., oral presentations as part of this competitive solicitation are exempt from public meeting requirements. A complete recording of this presentation will be made available, as well as any materials presented or received, at the completion of the procurement process in accordance with Section 286.0113(2)(c) and Chapter 119, F.S.

5.2 Negotiation Process

Negotiation, as described in this Section, is designed to determine which Respondent and Reply will provide the Best Value to the State. The order in which negotiations with the Vendor(s) commence will be determined according to the best interest of the Department. The Department may select one or more Respondents within the competitive range with which to commence negotiations. Should the Department be unable to negotiate a satisfactory contract with any of the Respondent(s) scored within the competitive range, negotiations may continue with any or all other responsible Respondents, if any, submitting responsive Replies. The Department reserves the right to negotiate with one, more, or none of the Respondent(s). Negotiations may continue until an agreement is reached or all Replies are rejected.

5.3 Negotiation Sessions

The Negotiation Committee will consist of at least three (3) persons who collectively have experience and knowledge in negotiating contracts, contract procurement, and the program areas and service requirements, in which the commodities and contractual services are sought, in an effort to obtain the best overall benefit to the State. All Negotiation Sessions resulting from this ITN will be conducted via teleconference, virtually, in Brooksville, Florida, or in Tallahassee, Florida.

The participating Respondent shall have a representative present during negotiation meetings who is authorized to make binding decisions on behalf of the Respondent. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to coordinate all parties to its Reply and to ensure that all are appropriately represented during scheduled Negotiation meetings.

During negotiations, Respondent(s) may propose alternate capabilities or services that reflect the Respondent’s optimal performance methodology while still complying with the other requirements of the ITN. The Department may request changes to proposed solutions. Additionally, the Department may consider revised pricing; Optional Technical Specifications offered in Respondents’ Replies; new/additional optional commodities and services; and/or modifications to proposed technical specifications. Before award, the Department reserves the right to seek clarifications, request Reply revisions, and request any information deemed necessary for the proper review of Replies. If the Department is unable to reach an agreement with a Respondent on contractual issues or other issues, the Department may eliminate the Respondent from further consideration.

The negotiation team may consider the evaluators’ scoring and / or any information obtained during Evaluation.

Respondents may be provided an opportunity to recommend value-added or optional services.

Respondents may provide information regarding these alternatives or services during negotiations.

These will be reviewed by the negotiation team and negotiated at the discretion of the negotiation team. The Department is under no obligation to accept these alternatives or services.

The negotiation team may request that Respondents propose alternative solutions to certain aspects of their Replies during negotiations. If the negotiation team determines that a proposed alternative solution is not acceptable, and the Respondent fails to offer another alternative that is acceptable to the negotiation team, the Respondent may be eliminated from further consideration, or the negotiation team may stop negotiation with that Respondent.

ITN FFS 26 27 36 Page 16 of 51

Negotiations will continue until acceptable terms and conditions are agreed upon through final Best and Final Offers (BAFO) or it is determined that an acceptable agreement cannot be reached.

The Department may at any time during the negotiations eliminate a Respondent from further consideration or stop negotiations with a Respondent. Additionally, the Department reserves the right to conclude negotiations at any time and proceed to contract award.

5.4 Other Rights Reserved During Negotiations

The Department reserves the right at any time during the negotiation process to:

1) Schedule additional negotiation sessions with any or all responsive Respondents.

2) Require any or all Respondents to provide additional, revised, or final Replies addressing specified topics.

3) Require any or all Respondents to provide an in person demonstration of proposed solution.

4) Require any or all Respondents to provide a written BAFO.

5) Require any or all Respondents to address services, prices, or conditions offered by any other

Respondent.

6) Arrive at an agreement with any Respondent, finalize principal contract terms with such

Respondent, and terminate negotiations with any other Respondents, regardless of the status of or scheduled negotiations with such other Respondents.

7) Decline to conduct further negotiations with any Respondent.

8) Re-open negotiations with any Respondent.

9) Take any additional administrative steps the Department deems necessary in determining the final award, including additional fact-finding, evaluation, or negotiation where consistent with the terms of this ITN.

10) Review and rely on relevant information contained in the Replies.

11) Include subject matter experts or other interested persons in negotiations with Respondents, Respondent presentations, and meetings at which negotiation strategies are discussed.

12) Check references to assess the experience and extent of success in the Respondent’s current or past projects.

13) Obtain additional financial information from the…