Drone Cleaning Services

The City of Austin is issuing a Request for Information (RFI 2200 RBB5001) on drone-based exterior cleaning services for Austin Water, with responses due September 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Central Standard Time. This is an information-gathering exercise to inform a future competitive solicitation, not a binding bid; responses cannot form a contract, though respondents may request notification if the City issues a formal solicitation.

The City seeks industry input on feasibility, standards, and pricing for drone cleaning services across multiple height tiers (up to 50 feet, 51–100 feet, 101–150 feet, and over 150 feet), including pre-cleaning inspections, post-cleaning documentation, mobilization and demobilization, hourly labor rates for operators, weekend and holiday services, equipment standby time, and environmental services such as environmentally responsible cleaning agents (Citra Shield or approved equivalent), sodium hypochlorite solutions, runoff containment, and wastewater disposal. Service hours are available Tuesday through Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 11110 El Salido Parkway, Austin, Texas 78750.

Respondents must provide comprehensive pricing including unit pricing per square foot or per structure, hourly rates for pilots and crew, mobilization costs, equipment rental and chemical costs, environmental compliance and waste-disposal fees, and optional value-added services. Contractor qualifications must include appropriate licensing and certifications and a minimum of three completed projects within the past five years involving drone-based exterior cleaning of similar vertical infrastructure on an established full-time business basis.

The City reserves discretion to make single or multiple awards based on overall low cost, individual line items, categories, or any other criteria deemed advantageous. All pricing must be all-inclusive of administrative, overhead, per diem, and transportation costs to the Austin area. The City will provide a contract manager, site access, water sources, and detailed site maps; contractors are responsible for all equipment, personnel, compliance documentation, and operational expenses. Ryan Braziel, Procurement Specialist IV, is the primary contact at (512) 978-2039 or ryan.braziel@austintexas.gov.