Post-Hurricane Damage Assessment Using Drone Technology & Aerial Data Analytics Request for Information

Pinellas County Government is conducting a Request for Information (RFI) solicitation number 25-0798-RFI focused on obtaining comprehensive information about drone-based technologies and professional services for post-hurricane damage assessment. The county seeks advanced aerial surveillance methodologies to expedite and enhance structural damage inspections in areas impacted by high winds, storm surge, and flooding. Specific deliverables include capabilities for identifying high water marks, mapping debris, assessing structural compromise, and analyzing flood extents, with the ultimate goal of supporting emergency management, building inspections, and property assessment functions following declared disaster events. Vendors are required to provide detailed information across seven key areas: drone and sensor capabilities, data collection and processing methodologies, substantial damage assessment techniques, reporting formats, personnel qualifications, pricing structures, and reference case studies. Critical dates for this RFI include a question submission deadline of July 22, 2025 at 10:00 am and a proposal submission deadline of August 5, 2025 at 3:00 pm, with electronic submissions required through OpenGov's procurement portal.

The RFI includes several compliance requirements that may restrict potential respondents, including a Foreign Countries of Concern Affidavit that prohibits contractors owned or controlled by specific countries such as China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria. Additionally, vendors must complete a Human Trafficking Affidavit and a Common Carrier Attestation, demonstrating compliance with Florida Statutes regarding ethical contracting practices. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the RFI suggests potential pricing models could include per-flight-hour rates, per-square-mile assessments, and potential subscription or retainer-based service arrangements. The county is particularly interested in vendors with FAA certifications, advanced flight planning capabilities, AI/ML damage classification technologies, and GIS platform integration. Importantly, this RFI is not a formal solicitation for bids or proposals, but rather an exploratory process intended to gather information that may inform a future procurement opportunity for comprehensive post-disaster aerial damage assessment technologies.