Question and Answer Documen1~4.docx

Question and Answer Document

1. Given the minimum payload capabilities of 4 lbs and required maximum drone dimensions, the two drones that match the Drone Specs are WISPR Ranger Pro and Freefly Astro Max. However, the WISPR Ranger Pro is an older generation UAV and does not use smart batteries. Should the preference be for WISPR, in its place we would like to suggest WISPR’s newer SkyScout, which is NDAA compliant (and expected to join the Blue List in the next several weeks). However, it has a slightly lower maximum payload of 3.75 lbs (vs the 4 lbs in the Drone Specs). Nonetheless, its well-integrated payload options cover the range of sensors of interest to the OWM: zoom, thermal, mapping, and LiDAR. Would including an option with 3.75 lbs max payload be acceptable, or is the preference to adhere to the 4 lbs requirement?

Yes, IDNR will accept a maximum payload of 3.75 lbs, since it would still be able to carry the required payloads.

1. Generally, one camera does not support well the combination of 8x optical zoom and high-precision photogrammetry (electronic shutter in zoom cameras vs mechanical shutter in mapping cameras). However, the mapping capabilities of the zoom camera we will propose (Gremsy VIO F1) may be sufficient for OWR’s needs. In our detailed quote attachment, we plan to include pricing for a separate mapping camera, but at qty 0. Would the OWR prefer to include a separate precision mapping camera in the overall quote, would our informational approach (qty 0) be sufficient for that requirement, or would that be a future consideration?

Yes, IDNR understands that a combo optical zoom camera is not designed for high-precision photogrammetry, and the current specifications call for a zoom capable camera. This zoom capable camera is desired for IDNR to utilize the camera for inspection purposes, and is all that is necessary for this bid. A high precision mapping camera is not required for this procurement, but may be a consideration for future procurements.

1. Regarding NDAA compliance, the popular Herelink Blue controller is US made and meets the basic NDAA 889 requirement. It does use, however, the Pinecone S1 SoC radio, which is manufactured in China. NDAA Section 889 prohibits equipment from 5 core Chinese companies (Huawei, ZTE, Hytera, Hikvision, and Dahua), and Pinecone Electronics or its owner, Xiaomi, are not on the list of prohibited manufacturers. Still, we have run into purchases where U.S. government-funded projects were not allowed to use the Herelink Blue controller and additionally required higher encryption security, moving the requirements to the Blue List cleared, and thus more expensive, category.

All drones we plan to present for this solicitation work well with the Herelink Blue controller, and at least two (with the exception of WISPR Ranger Pro) also offer controllers that move the entire package into the Blue List cleared category. Functionally, the Herelink Blue is adequate for mapping and inspection. In comparison, the other two Blue controllers (Freefly Pilot Pro and WISPR SkyBoss for SkyScout) are considered professional grade and feature better screens, longer battery run time (~4 hours with Herelink Blue vs 6-7 hours), and more durable and ruggedized designs.

Is the Herelink Blue drone configuration sufficient to meet the compliance requirement for this solicitation or is the preference for a Blue configuration?

If the Herelink Blue Controller, or any other controller proposed, is made in the United States, and does not have any components made by a prohibited company it would meet the required specifications. This procurement does not require drones and components to be Blue List Cleared.