Notice Only: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) Services

The State of Oregon, specifically the Department of Administrative Services Procurement Services (DAS PS), is issuing a Notice of Intent to Participate in a cooperative procurement for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (Drone) Services under the NASPO ValuePoint Interstate Cooperative Procurement program. The procurement targets state agencies and members of the Oregon Cooperative Procurement Program (ORCPP), including Marion County and the City of Salem, seeking to establish Participating Addenda with the top four awardees providing services to Service Zone #10. The primary objective is to obtain best value and favorable pricing for drone services through collective purchasing power, with an estimated annual purchase volume of approximately $984,500. Potential services likely include aerial surveying, mapping, inspection, and other drone-related technological capabilities. Purchasing agencies will have flexibility in contractor selection, using either a brand name justification or best value analysis process. The notice was posted on July 29, 2021, with a deadline for questions, comments, and protests set for August 5, 2021, accessible through the OregonBuys eProcurement system.

The contract opportunity appears open to various state and local government entities without specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors will be required to meet responsibility requirements specific to Oregon's Participating Addendum and comply with state laws and regulations. The procurement allows for the use of certified distributors to meet potential aspirational targets. While specific pricing details are not provided, the estimated annual purchase volume suggests a significant market opportunity for drone service providers. The cooperative procurement approach enables participating agencies to leverage a pre-negotiated contract with standardized terms and conditions, potentially reducing administrative overhead and securing more competitive pricing. The Participating Addenda will not be exclusive, providing agencies with multiple contractor options and flexibility in selecting drone service providers that best meet their specific operational needs.