AML Benton Drone

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Office of Mines and Minerals is procuring a new, unused small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS/drone) for its Abandoned Minelands (AML) program at the Benton location. The procurement requires a drone capable of rapid deployment with a horizontal speed of 45 mph and flight endurance of up to 40 minutes, featuring an IP55 ingress protection rating, a maximum service ceiling of 15,000 feet, and operational capability in temperatures ranging from -4°F to 113°F while withstanding wind gusts up to 28 mph. The system must include true 360-degree obstacle avoidance, autonomous flight functionality in GPS-denied or zero-light environments, and comply with National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requirements including AES-256 wireless encryption and encrypted internal storage. The inspection payload must include a minimum 50-megapixel high-resolution camera capable of sub-millimeter precision, a radiometric thermal camera (specifically the VT300-L sensor package per clarifications), RTK/PPK GPS attachment for precision data collection, and onboard 3D modeling and automated scan software for construction monitoring, surveying, and engineering inspections. All bids must include product literature and shipping costs on an F.O.B. basis, and the specification allows for equivalent product submissions provided bidders demonstrate product equivalency. The opportunity was posted on March 30, 2026, with a proposal due date of April 2, 2026, representing a compressed four-day bidding timeline.

The Standard Terms and Conditions document establishes the contractual framework governing vendor obligations, requiring compliance with prevailing wage standards when applicable, maintenance of general commercial liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence with $2,000,000 annual aggregate, workers' compensation insurance, and auto liability coverage. Vendors must retain books and records for three years (or five years if federal funds are utilized), obtain prior written approval for any subcontractors, and warrant that all supplies conform to specifications and are free from defects for twelve months. The contract is contingent upon appropriations availability and may be terminated for convenience with thirty days' notice or for cause immediately, with all work product becoming the sole and exclusive property of the State of Illinois. The procurement is governed by Illinois law and subject to the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, with disputes resolved exclusively through the Illinois Court of Claims. No specific set-aside designations, incumbent vendors, award value ranges, or budget allocations are disclosed in the available documentation; however, the comprehensive technical requirements and 12-month warranty obligation suggest a significant capital equipment procurement.