Drone Inspection Services

Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) in Florida is seeking electrical contractors to provide comprehensive drone inspection services for utility poles through Request for Proposal (RFP) 25-051-MC. The procurement targets drone-based inspections of transmission circuits at 230 or 69 kV, with specific focus on circuit assessments and power system damage evaluations during tropical storms or high wind events. The project requires RGB and thermal UAV data collection, asset inventory documentation, and comprehensive condition reporting across 947 utility poles. Evaluation criteria will include pricing (30 points), experience and qualifications (20 points), procedure evaluation (20 points), references (14 points), and technical/contractual exceptions (16 points). Key submission deadlines include questions due by 7/22/2025 and proposals due by 7/29/2025 at 2:00 PM EST. Proposing contractors must submit comprehensive documentation within a 50-page proposal limit, demonstrating technical capabilities, safety records, and detailed drone inspection methodologies. The initial contract term is one year with potential for four additional one-year renewal options.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly noted in the documentation. The RFP is classified as a Service Tier A project for contracts under $250,000 per repair or service, with no bid or performance bonds required. While no incumbent vendors were identified, the contract includes provisions for annual software licensing and emergency service hourly rates. The pricing structure is firm for the first contract year, with potential negotiated updates for subsequent years. Contractors must provide comprehensive insurance coverage and demonstrate expertise in utility pole drone inspection technologies. Although specific budget ranges were not explicitly stated, the project scope suggests a potential contract value commensurate with inspecting 947 utility poles, likely falling within a moderate infrastructure assessment budget. The contract appears designed to establish a flexible, technology-driven approach to utility infrastructure monitoring and assessment.