Unmanned Aerial System for Mosquito Control

Volusia County, Florida has issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) #25-B-114JRD for a comprehensive Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) specifically designed for mosquito control operations. The procurement seeks one large treatment UAS with a minimum 40-pound payload capacity capable of applying mosquito abatement products to targeted habitats through granular, liquid, and ultra-low volume (ULV) spray methods. The system must meet stringent technical specifications, including terrain-following capabilities, emergency return-to-home functions, obstacle avoidance, and comprehensive flight recording features. Key deliverables include the UAS hardware, payload systems, batteries, ground control station, software licensing, and associated training services. The bid requires full compliance with Florida state regulations (Chapters 934.50 and 60GG-2.0075) and Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Critical submission deadlines include a question submission deadline of May 29, 2025, and a final bid response deadline of June 12, 2025, at 3:00 pm, with electronic submissions required through the County's eProcurement Portal. Evaluation criteria will consider factors beyond lowest price, including total cost, delivery timeline, warranty, training quality, and vendor past performance.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned in the procurement documents. The county reserves the right to award the contract to the most responsive and responsible bidder based on comprehensive evaluation criteria. While no incumbent vendors were identified, the specifications suggest the county is seeking to establish a new technological capability for mosquito control operations. The pricing sheet includes multiple line items covering the UAS system, which indicates a potential comprehensive investment. Although exact budget ranges were not specified, the detailed specifications for a large treatment UAS with multiple payload capabilities, ground control station, training, and support services suggest a significant procurement investment. The awarded contractor will be required to provide technical support for a minimum of three years, deliver the system within 30 days of purchase order issuance, and offer a minimum one-year warranty. The system's sophisticated requirements, including precise application tracking, satellite imagery integration, and comprehensive flight logging, indicate a technologically advanced solution for mosquito control management.