Unmanned Aerial Systems

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB 25-32) seeking to procure up to 18 Skydio X10 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Kits to support Wildland Fire Management operations across multiple Washington counties. The solicitation requires factory-new UAS kits with specific technical specifications, including a quadcopter configuration, 40-minute maximum flight time, and an operational temperature range from -20C to +45C. The proposal is due by March 21, 2025, at 5 PM Pacific time, with product delivery expected by June 1, 2025. Bid evaluation will be comprehensive, utilizing a 125-point scoring system with 50 points allocated to the total cost proposal. Evaluation criteria will comprehensively assess specifications, vendor qualifications, references, experience, and overall cost, with the primary objective of enhancing aerial surveillance and situational awareness during wildfire events.

The solicitation demonstrates a commitment to diverse business participation, offering additional preference points for Washington small businesses, veteran-owned businesses, and vendors meeting specific environmental standards such as low mercury content or use of recycled materials. While no minimum diverse business participation is mandated, the DNR encourages subcontractor involvement. The procurement will be funded through state dollars and subject to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources' standard terms and conditions. The UAS kits are intended to provide critical technological support for fire management operations, enabling real-time data collection and improved safety protocols. Although a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the procurement of 18 advanced UAS kits suggests a significant investment in technological capabilities for wildland fire management across Washington's diverse counties.