NSU Drone for ARGO Lab

Northwestern State University's Business Affairs Purchasing Section has issued Invitation for Bid (ITB) #7672 for comprehensive drone equipment procurement for the ARGO Lab. The university seeks to acquire two Albatross UAV Max RTF drones with extensive technical upgrades, including Lidar capabilities, long-range kit, multi-camera integration, ADSB-In, RTK GPS, along with accompanying accessories such as carrying cases, batteries, charger, and first-year product support. Additional equipment in the bid includes one NextVision DragonEye 2, one Sony RX1R ii camera, and one Rugged Ground Control Station. The primary objectives for these drones encompass STEM outreach, education, drone training, and academic research, with a specific requirement that the equipment must enable interchangeable sensor payload integration. The bid is scheduled to be opened on October 9, 2025, at 2 pm Central Daylight Time, with potential contract renewal options extending up to 36 months. Vendors must provide comprehensive training and support as part of their bid submission.

The procurement allows for potential Louisiana vendor preferences of up to 10% for products manufactured or assembled within the state, potentially benefiting local businesses. The university will utilize Net 30 payment terms and maintains a tax-exempt status. All shipping, handling, and installation costs must be included in the bid price, with equipment to be shipped FOB to NSU Central Receiving in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Northwestern State University reserves the right to award the bid either on an individual item basis or as a complete package to a single vendor. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the equipment and required technical specifications suggest a potentially significant investment in advanced drone technology for academic and research purposes. The bid does not appear to have explicit set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises, but offers flexibility in vendor selection and potential local economic benefits through state manufacturing preferences.