RFQ 10819381 - Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), specifically the Office of Correctional Safety (OCS), is seeking to procure Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) manufactured exclusively in the United States for law enforcement operations. The procurement involves a comprehensive UAS starter kit with precise technical specifications, including a drone weighing less than five pounds, 35-minute minimum flight time, and advanced thermal infrared camera capabilities. The solicitation requires a complete package containing the drone, three batteries, charging cables, carrying case, and controller, with specific operational requirements such as less than one-minute start time and advanced software capabilities including 2D and 3D mapping without GPS or internet. Key deliverables include the UAS equipment, comprehensive training programs consisting of a virtual onboarding course for two participants and a 4-day Tactical UAS Instructor course, and technical support through a help desk available seven days per week. The procurement timeline includes key dates: bidder questions are due by August 29, 2025, at 2:00 pm, RFQ responses are due by September 10, 2025, at 2:00 pm, with an intended award date of September 24, 2025, and a contract performance period from October 1, 2025, through June 30, 2028. Evaluation criteria will focus on technical specifications, training capabilities, manufacturing origin, and compliance with all stated requirements.

The solicitation is restricted to firms headquartered and doing business within the United States, explicitly excluding foreign and international firms from responding. There are preferences for California small businesses and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBE), with potential incentives for DVBE participation and a maximum subcontracting limit of 40%. Bidders must complete mandatory documentation, including a Bidder Declaration, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Declarations, and Postconsumer Recycled-Content Certification, and disclose any use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI). The procurement includes a comprehensive three-year full warranty covering complete replacement of core components like gimbal cameras and airframes, even for user errors, with the warranty extending from the purchase order date through June 30, 2028. While the specific budget is not explicitly stated, the 4004(C) form indicates a total bid amount of $0.00, suggesting this might be an internally funded project or have a predetermined budget. The contract will provide a complete UAS solution with extensive technical support, training, and long-term equipment reliability for correctional safety operations.