RFQ 10819381-1 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), Office of Correctional Safety (OCS), issued RFQ 10819381-1 on March 5, 2026, to procure an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) starter kit with comprehensive training and warranty support for tactical operations including warrant execution, fugitive capture, and search and rescue missions. The procurement encompasses three line items: three unmanned aircraft systems, training services, and warranty coverage from April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2029. The UAS must meet strict technical specifications including dimensions of 31" to 32" unfolded (width/length) with a 5"-6" height, weigh less than five pounds, provide a minimum 35-minute flight time, operate at speeds up to 45 miles per hour, achieve an IP55 weather rating, and feature 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity with a start time under one minute. The thermal infrared camera must deliver 640x512 resolution with radiometry capabilities and a 200-degree gimbal with 90-degree upward and 110-degree downward ranges. The ruggedized controller must support up to five hours of continuous operation with a 1750 NITS integrated screen, IP54 rating, HDMI and USB-C ports, integrated sunshade, spotlight capability illuminating targets 100 feet away, speaker system, infrared night vision filter, and strobes visible up to five statute miles. The software must support 2D and 3D mapping without GPS or internet connectivity, onboard modeling, planar scanning, multi-battery mapping, 3D flight planning on all axes, and Remote ID compliance. Deliverables include comprehensive operation manuals, a one-day virtual onboarding course for two participants, a minimum four-day in-person tactical UAS instructor course for two law enforcement participants, seven-days-per-week technical support from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., three-year warranty on the airframe, cellular refresh warranty, and extended warranties for all parts. All hardware, accessories, software, and updates must be manufactured and developed in the United States. Bidders must submit questions by March 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with RFQ responses due March 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., delivery required within seven calendar days after receipt of order. The award will be made on an "all or none" basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all administrative and technical requirements, with Intent to Award on March 23, 2026, and final Award on April 1, 2026.

The procurement provides optional Small Business (SB), Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE), and Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) preferences, with a 5 percent SB preference for certified small businesses and a DVBE incentive ranging from 1 to 5 percent based on confirmed DVBE participation levels. Subcontracting is limited to a maximum of 40 percent of contract value, and only U.S.-headquartered firms conducting business within the United States are eligible to respond; foreign and international firms are not permitted. Mandatory documentation includes a completed Bidder Declaration (GSPD05105), California Seller's Permit information, Payee Data Record (STD 204), California Civil Rights Laws Certification, Iran Contracting Act Verification, and Postconsumer Recycled Content Certification. Pricing must be all-inclusive with freight prepaid by the contractor, and all shipping costs must be included in the quoted price without separate line items. No specific pricing information, set-aside amounts, incumbent contractor details, or budget range is disclosed in the solicitation documents. The State reserves the right to reject any or all quotes received and does not commit to award a Purchase Order through this RFQ. Responses should be submitted via email to Robin Adams at robin.adams@cdcr.ca.gov or by phone at (279) 223-3193, with physical delivery to the Office of Correctional Safety at 2880 Sunrise Boulevard, Rancho Cordova, CA 95742.