DRONE KIT

The South Carolina Department of Corrections is conducting a Request for Quote (RFQ) for a specialized Drone Kit, specifically an Autel Evo Max 4N Bundle, under solicitation number 5400028696. The procurement is for a comprehensive drone system with advanced technological capabilities, including a 2.3MP starlight camera, 50MP wide-angle camera, 640x512 thermal camera, and impressive operational specifications such as a 42-minute flight time and 12.4-mile transmission range. The drone kit will be delivered to the SC Department of Corrections at 4444 Broad River Road in Columbia, with a required delivery timeline of 30 days after order receipt. The bid submission deadline is 09/25/2025 at 10:00 a.m. EST, with the award scheduled for 10/2/2025 and to be posted on the state procurement website. The procurement includes not only the drone hardware but also mission-ready system preparation and 2-3 hours of on-site familiarization training, with the contract to be awarded to the lowest responsible and responsive bidder.

The solicitation includes provisions for potential preferences for South Carolina resident vendors and US/SC end-product manufacturers, with specific requirements for minority business participation. Vendors must be registered in the state's vendor system and comply with various procurement regulations, including ethics certifications, drug-free workplace requirements, and open trade representations. While a specific contract value is not explicitly stated, the procurement is for a single drone kit with fixed pricing. The opportunity appears to have no strict restrictions on vendor type beyond standard state procurement qualifications, though there are provisions that may favor local and domestic suppliers. Vendors will need to demonstrate compliance with state procurement regulations, provide appropriate documentation of their business status, and meet the technical specifications for the Autel Evo Max 4N Bundle. The procurement allows for potential advantages to resident vendors and US manufacturers, potentially creating a competitive environment for bidders meeting the specified requirements.