(FY27) UAS Ag Drones (4)

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is soliciting bids for four agricultural-use unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) complete packages under IFB 27-494DOT-FINAD-B-53491, with bids due September 14, 2026. This procurement responds to the American Security Drone Act of 2023 and OMB Memo M-26-02, which restrict foreign-made UAS; all vendors must confirm compliance with the Federal Acquisition Security Council's Covered Foreign Entity List.

Bidders must be established manufacturers or authorized dealers and must guarantee ability to furnish original product warranties and provide manufacturer-related services. The specified platform is the Hylio Pegasus HYL-30 or equivalent: a multi-rotor airframe under 55 pounds maximum takeoff weight with FAA Remote ID compliance, multi-directional obstacle sensing, GNSS/GPS support, and 20-minute minimum flight time without payload. Each package includes eight battery sets, two spare propeller sets, controllers, chargers, carrying cases, maintenance kits, and ancillary equipment. The procurement also includes twelve aircraft spray systems with 2.5-gallon minimum payload capacity and four aircraft spreader systems with 4-gallon/20-pound minimum payload capacity. All equipment must be newly manufactured, not remanufactured.

Delivery is required by November 30, 2026 to IDOT Central Office in Springfield, Illinois. The contract term runs from final execution through June 30, 2027. Pricing must remain firm for six months following execution, with freight included in the unit price. One-year warranty applies post-delivery at no cost to the State.

A Business Enterprise Program/Veterans Small Business Program Utilization Plan must accompany bids. Illinois Business Preference and Domestic Product Preference apply where applicable. Vendors must submit bids electronically through BidBuy and remain firm for 180 days from opening. Award goes to the lowest priced responsive and responsible bidder. General Commercial Liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence with $2,000,000 annual aggregate and Auto Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence are required throughout the contract term.