Unmanned aircraft system package

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) Heritage Trust Botany and Plant Conservation Program is seeking bids for an unmanned aircraft system package to be delivered to their facility in West Columbia, SC. The procurement specifically requires a Blue UAS registered fixed-wing eBee TAC Public Safety drone with advanced technical capabilities, including 90-minute flight operation, 55-kilometer range, RTK/PPK capability, and AES-256 encryption. The solicitation demands a comprehensive package featuring the drone, an Aeria X camera payload system, and additional accessories such as a backpack, spare maintenance kit, batteries, and RC backup kit. Bidders must provide 8 hours of customized in-person training for up to four SCDNR staff members, to be completed within 90 days of product delivery. The bid submission deadline is February 19, 2025, at 10:00 am EST, with all technical questions due by January 30, 2025, at 12:00 noon EST. The contract term will run from February 20, 2025, to March 31, 2025, with mandatory delivery within 30 days of purchase order receipt. Vendor selection will be based on being the lowest responsible and responsive bidder who meets all technical and operational requirements.

The solicitation includes preferences for South Carolina resident vendors, resident contractors, and resident subcontractors, indicating a potential advantage for local businesses. Vendors must submit three references from previous training engagements with other public safety agencies and provide manufacturer's warranty documentation upon delivery. The procurement mandates that all technical support must be provided within 48 hours of request and sustained for a minimum of one year after purchase. While no specific budget range is disclosed, the detailed specifications suggest a sophisticated and potentially high-value procurement targeting specialized drone technology for conservation and land management purposes. The SCDNR has explicitly stated that only fixed-wing drone solutions will be accepted, highlighting their specific operational needs for faster aircraft with longer flight times and greater photogrammetry coverage. Bidders must submit their proposals either by hard copy to the SCDNR Columbia office or through the SCEIS online portal system, with offers required to remain valid for 90 calendar days after the opening date.