Drone Services for Emergency Response

The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is seeking drone service providers to support emergency response and storm recovery efforts through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) operations. The procurement targets experienced drone service providers capable of inspecting electrical infrastructure during major natural or man-made disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Bidders must provide Part 107-certified drone pilots who are at least 21 years old, with a minimum of three years of utility inspection experience and demonstrated ability to operate within an Incident Command System. Key qualifications include drone hardware capable of functioning in winds up to 20 mph, rapid deployment within one hour of activation, and safe operational practices around electrical infrastructure. The RFP requires providers to submit hourly rates for half-day, full-day, and overtime pilot team deployments, with additional standby rates and dispatch fees. The proposal is due on July 25, 2025, by 2:00 PM EST, with a pre-response conference to be conducted via Microsoft Teams. Potential attendees must email their names and company affiliations at least 48 hours in advance of the conference.

The contract does not appear to have specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. The procurement is structured as a pre-negotiated agreement with set prices and terms, allowing OUC to issue purchase orders for specific emergency events. The contract term will run from the last date of signing through May 31, 2027, with potential qualification for federal emergency management cost reimbursement through FEMA's Public Assistance Program. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the pricing structure is based on hourly rates for pilot deployments, suggesting flexibility in potential contract value. The solicitation requires providers to confirm they are not listed on exclusionary government databases and to demonstrate compliance with federal procurement standards. Providers must also be prepared to operate in challenging environmental conditions and provide comprehensive documentation of project experience, key personnel qualifications, and business licensing. The opportunity aims to establish a pool of qualified drone service providers ready to support critical infrastructure inspection and emergency response capabilities.