IFB #25-35-so small tactical robot

The Cumberland County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB #25-35-SO) for a small tactical robot designed specifically for the Bomb Squad's remote identification and hazardous device disposal operations. The procurement seeks a highly specialized robotic system with comprehensive technical requirements, including variable drive speeds, multiple climbing modes, rubber tracks, a multi-axis robotic arm, diverse camera systems (including pan-tilt-zoom), LED lighting, and a two-way audio system. The robot must be one-man portable, weighing up to 64 pounds, compact enough to fit in a patrol SUV (dimensions 18" height, 36" length, 18" width), and capable of maintaining a mission time of at least 3 hours per battery charge. Key technical specifications include a permanently mounted robotic arm, rechargeable batteries, a lightweight remote controller, and a firing channel for disrupter tools. The bid solicitation was posted on April 24, 2025, with vendor questions due by May 1, 2025, and final bids required by May 9, 2025. The contract will have an initial one-year term with potential for two additional one-year renewals, and will be awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, with the County reserving the right to reject any or all submissions.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the procurement documents. The bid does not appear to have limitations on vendor types or require specific certifications beyond the technical capabilities of the tactical robot. While no incumbent vendors were identified, the solicitation indicates a clear preference for a high-performance robotic system that can enhance officer and public safety during potentially dangerous explosive device scenarios. The procurement does not specify a precise budget range, but the complex technical requirements suggest a significant investment in specialized emergency response technology. The evaluation will focus on the robot's ability to meet the extensive operational specifications, with the primary selection criterion being the lowest price from a bidder capable of meeting all technical and performance requirements outlined in the IFB.