New multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

Auburn University's Procurement and Business Services has issued a Request for Bid (AU-2020-0000045) for a new multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for the Engineering Department. The procurement seeks a single, non-refurbished UAV with specific technical requirements, including a minimum 30-minute flight time and 1.6kg payload capacity. The bid requires comprehensive accessories such as landing gear, two propeller sets, six batteries, a remote control, 64GB micro SD card, multi-charger, and the latest firmware. The UAV must be equipped with two specialized sensors: an RGB sensor with 5k resolution at 30FPS, minimum 20MP, 3-axis gimbal, and 15mm lens, and a thermal sensor with integrated electro-optical/infrared capabilities, 640x512 thermal resolution, 12MP visible sensor resolution, and 30Hz max thermal frame rate. Additional requirements include a professional carrying case, a remote control monitor with a 7.8-inch multi-touch display, WIFI/4G connectivity, GPS/GLONASS enablement, and 4-hour battery life. The bid also includes tool and reporting software for thermal image analysis. The solicitation was opened on 8/27/2020 and closed on 9/9/2020, with all items required to be delivered within one month of bid acceptance.

The procurement follows Alabama state bid laws and is conducted through the JAGGAER Sourcing Event Portal, with bid openings made public via a conference call. Bidders are required to submit a completed and notarized disclosure statement. While the document does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations, it follows standard state procurement guidelines. No information is provided about incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure requiring integration. The bid documentation does not specify a precise award value or budget range for the UAV system. Potential vendors must carefully review the technical specifications and ensure complete compliance with the detailed requirements outlined in the Request for Bid. The procurement appears to be open to qualified vendors who can meet the comprehensive technical and operational specifications for the multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle and associated equipment.