MassDOT UAS RFI.pdf

Ten Park Plaza, Suite 4160, Boston, MA 02116 Tel: 857-368-4636, TTY: 857-368-0655 www.mass.gov/massdot

MassDOT Request for Information on U.S.-Based Manufacturers of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS)

Introduction and Purpose The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Aeronautics Division is issuing this RFI to conduct market research on U.S.-based manufacturers of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), commonly known as drones.

The division is specifically seeking information regarding both multi-rotor and fixed-wing UAS platforms, as well as the associated sensor payloads for future demonstration opportunities.

This RFI is for planning and informational purposes only and does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP), Invitation for Bid (IFB), or any form of a binding solicitation. MassDOT may use information gathered from this RFI for development of a potential future procurement or demonstration event.

Background MassDOT Aeronautics is committed to making air transportation safer and more efficient. The division utilizes its Drone Operations Program to support various state agencies by conducting infrastructure inspections, asset mapping, and construction monitoring. We are interested in exploring cutting-edge technologies to enhance our capabilities in these areas and prepare for advanced operations, including Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS).

Information Requested MassDOT Aeronautics invites responses from qualified U.S.-based drone manufacturers that can demonstrate fixed-wing and/or multi-rotor systems with advanced sensor capabilities. Submissions should be organized and address the following questions

1. Company and Product Information •Provide a brief overview of your company, including your history, core competencies, and notable clients.

•Confirm that your company's drone manufacturing is based within the United States.

•Provide detailed specifications for the multi-rotor and fixed-wing systems you propose for demonstration, including:

• Maximum payload capacity.

• Endurance (flight time).

• Operational range.

• Key flight and safety features (e.g., sense-and-avoid).

• Any unique features that distinguish your platform.

•Describe your process for system integration, ongoing maintenance, and technical support.

2. Sensor Capabilities •Detail the types of sensor payloads compatible with your drones (e.g., RGB, thermal, LiDAR, multi-spectral).

•For each sensor, describe its specific applications and technical specifications (e.g., resolution, accuracy).

•Specify how sensor data is collected, stored, and integrated into post-processing workflows.

3. Demonstration Proposal •Describe a potential demonstration scenario for MassDOT Aeronautics. The proposal should address how your systems would perform a realistic task, such as a bridge inspection, highway mapping, or asset inventory.

•Outline the required resources, personnel, and timeline for executing a demonstration.

•Indicate your flexibility in accommodating a demonstration at a specific location in Massachusetts.

Pricing and Experience

•Provide general pricing information for your multi-rotor and/or fixed-wing platforms, as well as associated sensor payloads.

•List any experience your company has with state or local government agencies, particularly in a transportation or infrastructure context.

•Include any case studies or references that highlight the successful use of your technology.

4. Regulatory Compliance •Describe how your drones comply with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, particularly for commercial operations.

•Specify your experience with obtaining FAA waivers (e.g., BVLOS) or other regulatory approvals for complex operations.

Calendar Questions and formal inquiries due by Thursday October 16, 2025, 3:00pm

Responses to questions posted On or before October 18, 2025

Submissions due Thursday October 23, 2025, 3:00pm

Submission of Bid Questions The “Bid Q & A” function in COMMBUYS allows Respondents to ask written questions and receive written answers regarding this Bid. To locate the Bid Q & A, log into COMMBUYS, locate the Bid, acknowledge receipt of the Bid, and scroll down to the bottom of the Bid Header page. The “Bid Q & A” button allows Bidder’s access to the Bid Q & A page.

All questions must be submitted through the Bid Q & A page. Questions must be asked prior to the Deadline stated. Respondents are responsible for verifying that their questions are recorded in COMMBUYS and appear on the Bid Q & A page. Content entered must be suitable for public viewing. Respondents must not include inappropriate content, including but not limited to, information that could be considered personal, security sensitive, inflammatory, incorrect, or collusory.

Steps for Respondents to Submit a Response

1. Launch the COMMBUYS website by entering the URL (www.COMMBUYS.com) into the browser.

2. Enter Bidder login credentials and click the Login button on the COMMBUYS homepage. Respondents must be registered in COMMBUYS to submit a Quote. Each contractor has a COMMBUYS Seller Administrator, who is responsible for maintaining authorized user access to COMMBUYS.

3. Upon successful login, the Vendor home page displays with the Navigation and Header Bar as well as the Control Center. The Control Center is where documents assigned to your role are easily accessed and viewed.

4. Click on the Bids tab

5. Clicking on the Bid tab opens four sections:

a. Request for Revision

b. Bids/Bid Amendments

c. Open Bids

d. Closed Bids

6. Click on the blue Open Bid hyperlinks to open and review an open bid

7. A new page opens with a message requesting you acknowledge receipt of the bid. Click Yes to acknowledge receipt of the bid. Respondents should acknowledge receipt to receive any amendments/updates concerning this bid.

8. After acknowledgement, the bid will open.

The top left half of the page contains the following information:

a. Purchaser

b. Department

c. Contact for this bid

d. Type of purchase

i. Open Market

ii. Blanket

e. Pre-Bid Conference details (if applicable)

f. Ship-to and Bill-to addresses

g. Any attachments to the bid, which may include essential bid terms, response forms,etc.

The top right half of the bid includes the following information:

h. Bid Date

i. Required Date

j. Bid Opening Date – date the bid closes and no further quotes will be accepted

k. Informal Bid Flag

l. Date goods/services are required

9. The lower half of the page provides information about the specific goods/services the bid isrequesting.

10. Click Create Quote to begin.

11. The General tab for a new quote opens. This page is populated with some information fromthe bid. Fields available to update include:

a. Delivery days

b. Shipping terms

c. Ship via terms

d. Is “no” bid – select if you will not be submitting a quote for this bid

e. Promised Date

f. Info Contact

g. Comments

h. Discount Percent

i. Freight Terms

j. Payment Terms

It is important to note that the bid documents (RFR and attachments) may specify some or all these terms and may prohibit you from altering these terms in your response. Read the bid documents carefully and fill in only those items that are applicable to the bid to which you are responding.

Update these fields as applicable to the bid and click Save & Continue to save any changes and create a Quote Number.

12. The page refreshes and messages display. Any message in Red is an error and must be resolved before the quote can be submitted. Any message in Yellow is only a warning and will allow processing to continue.

13. Click the Items tab. The Items tab displays information about the items requested in the bid. To view additional details about an item, click the item number (blue hyperlink) to open.

14. The item opens. Input all your quote information and click Save & Exit.

15. Click on the Attachments Tab. Follow the prompts to upload and name all required attachments and forms and bid response documents in accordance with the instructions contained in the solicitation or bid documents. After uploading each individual file or form, click Save & Continue. After you have uploaded all required documents click Save & Exit. Be sure to review your attachments to make sure each required document has been submitted.

16. Click on the Terms & Conditions Tab. This tab refers to the terms and conditions that apply to this bid. The terms and conditions must be accepted before your quote can be submitted. If your acceptance is subject to any exceptions, those exceptions must be identified here. Exceptions cannot contradict the requirements of the RFR or required Commonwealth standard forms and attachments for the bid. For instance, an RFR may specify that exceptions may or will result in disqualification of your bid.

17. Click the Summary tab. Review the information and update/correct, as needed. If the information is correct, click the Submit Quote button at the bottom of the page.

18. A popup window displays asking for verification that you wish to submit your quote. Click OK to submit the quote.

19. The Summary tab redisplays with an updated Status for the quote of Submitted.

20. Your quote submission is confirmed only when you receive a confirmation email fromCOMMBUYS. If you have submitted a quote and have not received an email confirmation,please contact the OSD Help Desk at COMMBUYS@mass.gov.

If you wish to revise or delete a quote after submission, you may do so in COMMBUYS: (1) for a formal bid, prior to the bid opening date, or (2) for an informal bid (which may be viewed upon receipt), prior to the opening of your quote by the issuing entity or the bid opening date, whichever is earlier.

Respondents may not submit Multiple Quotes in response to a Bid unless the Bid authorizes Multiple Quote submissions. If you submit multiple quotes in response to a bid that does not allow multiple quotes, only the latest submission prior to the bid opening date will be evaluated.

Respondents experiencing technical problems accessing information or attachments stored on COMMBUYS should contact the COMMBUYS Helpdesk at COMMBUYS@state.ma.us or the COMMBUYS Helpline at 1-888-MA-STATE.

Respondents may only make inquiries and request clarification concerning this RFI by submitting questions via the COMMBUYS Q&A button under this RFI bid number. Responses to inquiries and clarification questions will be provided electronically to all interested parties via a posting on COMMBUYS. Respondents may not communicate directly or indirectly with any employee of MassDOT regarding this RFI, except as specified in this RFI.

mailto:COMMBUYS@mass.gov