UAS RFI SOO Final.pdf

SOO– FEMA Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Aircraft Services

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SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE

STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVE (SOO)

UNMANNED AERIAL SYSTEM (UAS)

1.0 BACKGROUND

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) mission is to help people before, during and after disasters. To execute this mission, FEMA executes programs and activities that supports the reduction of loss of life and property and protects the Nation from all hazards, including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters, by leading and supporting the Nation in a risk based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.

The Response Directorate within FEMA coordinates and provides the core Federal disaster response capability needed to save lives, reduce suffering, and protect property in communities throughout the Nation that have been overwhelmed by the impact of a major disaster or emergency, regardless of cause. The Response Directorate must ensure that Federal emergency response systems and capabilities are properly poised to lean forward to support States and communities overwhelmed by disasters and emergencies.

To support declared or undeclared emergencies, disaster response operations and other national events and incidents, within the United States, its territories and possessions, FEMA may need to provide search and rescue that utilizes mapping, confined space accessibility, transport cargo, maneuver steep hills, video recording and picture capabilities, collect data and equipment to and from affected areas with an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). To meet this need, FEMA requires a contracted source of air transportation for various types of UAS aircraft, corresponding but not limited to types described in this Statement of Objective (SOO).

A contract of this type will enable FEMA to proactively support the emergency response needs associated with natural, technological, man-made disasters and other national events and incidents in a timely and efficient manner. The Air Operations Program Office (AOPO) will oversee, organize, and/or unify all FEMA aviation-related efforts and seek to employ innovative capabilities and technologies to reduce disaster risk, stabilize community lifelines during response, and provide unfailing support to survivors and communities enabling them to respond, build back, and become more resilient.

FEMA Directive 104-21-0006 designates the AOPO primary responsibility for aviation-related policy, doctrine, and coordination for the Agency.

Insufficient AOPO staffing and FEMA’s lack of organic UAS capabilities prevents the Agency from leveraging the rapidly expanding technological advancements of UAS to address critical emergency management responsibilities for the nation. Without robust and coordinated UAS operations available to all phases of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery, and across all applicable Agency directorates, FEMA cannot

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2.0 SCOPE/OBJECTIVES

These scope/objectives are to fully establish and integrate the following three primary lines of effort and requirements of a UAS to effectively coordinate air operations and aviation-related services across all Agency offices, directorates in disasters and during surveillance and all phases of response.

1. Imagery:

UAS required to fly at 1000’ of elevation with still and video capabilities. System must have the ability to record picture/video as well as stream video feed back to the user. Imagery capabilities should include infrared and thermal.

2. Logistics/Lift:

UAS required to fly at 1000’ of elevation with a minimum 30-minute flight time. UAS should be able to deliver a minimum payload of 200 pounds.

3. Confined Space:

UAS needs to be able to enter a confined space, such as a collapsed structure entering through areas such as small voids or broken windows. Features need to include position-hold in GPS-denied areas, propeller guards, obstacle avoidance, picture/video recording and video streaming capabilities.

3.0 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

The Continental US (including Alaska), Hawaii, and all U.S. territories and possessions (to include Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam).

4.0 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The anticipated period of performance is for one (1) base year and four (4), one (1) year options.

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5.0 INDUSTRY CAPABILITY SECTION – QUESTION/ANSWER

A. System Specifications:

1. What are the required specifications and capabilities of a UAS (e.g., payload capacity, flight range, endurance)?

2. Are there specific sensors or equipment needed for surveillance (e.g., cameras, thermal imaging)?

B. Acquisition Costs:

1. Are there any additional prices for accessories or optional upgrades (e.g., higher resolution cameras or specialized software or are prices all inclusive)?

C. Operational Costs:

1. Is there a service cost for maintenance and repairs (e.g., over a 12-month period)?

2. How many hours a week can a UAS be operational?

3. Is there a service cost associated with fuel, (battery replacements, etc.)?

D. Personnel Costs:

1. What positions are needed to fulfill this type of requirement?

2. Is there a labor cost for operators and support staff?

3. How many personnel are required to effectively operate and maintain a UAS?

E. Regulatory Compliance:

1. Is there a cost associated with obtaining permits and complying with aviation regulations?

2. Are there any licensing fees for operating the UAS commercially?

F. Insurance and Liability:

1. Are there any potential liability costs if the UAS malfunctions or causes damage?

G. Support and Logistics:

1. Will there be remote maintenance or support contracts required for the UAS?

2. Are there capabilities to coordinate with internal FEMA and State partners in ground support for evacuation and/or deployments?

H. Cost Justification:

1. Are there any projected cost savings or benefits associated with a UAS?