Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Aerial Ignition Services

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is issuing an Invitation for Bid (IFB) to establish a blanket contract(s) for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) aerial ignition services to support TPWD's prescribed burn operations across the state of Texas. The qualified contractor(s) will provide the necessary equipment and personnel to utilize UAS combined with aerial ignition technologies to ignite prescribed burn areas in designated state park locations. Services will be performed on an "as needed" basis over the initial contract term of August 2024 through August 2025, with options to renew for up to two additional one-year periods. The IFB outlines detailed technical specifications for the required UAS, ignition platform, and supporting software, as well as minimum qualifications for the contractor's pilot-in-command and key personnel. Contractors must submit pricing on a per-day basis for performing services across various geographic zones and districts within Texas. TPWD intends to select the contractor(s) that provide the best value for each individual project based on factors such as price, qualifications, delivery schedule, and past performance.

The IFB does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. The current incumbent vendor is not identified. The total award value is not provided, but the IFB indicates that TPWD will establish multiple contracts to support the prescribed burn operations across the state on an "as needed" basis.