ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Region I Planning & Development Council (PDC) is soliciting sealed bids for an advanced drone system. The PDC will receive sealed bids at 241 Mercer Springs Road, Suite 21, Princeton, WV 24740, until 2:00 p.m. on April 11, 2025, wherein such bids will be opened and read aloud. Any bids received after 2:00 p.m. will not be accepted. Any questions or clarifications should be addressed to Justin Watkins at [email protected] or by calling 304.431.7225 ext. 212. The selected drone will support various industrial, surveying, and research applications, and must be capable of accommodating multiple payload sensors for diverse data collection needs.
Key Requirements:
• Flight Time: Minimum of 45 minutes of uninterrupted flight time under optimal conditions.
• Obstacle Detection & Avoidance: Integrated 360° obstacle detection and avoidance system for autonomous
operation and safety in complex environments.
• Night Vision FPV Camera: Equipped with a first-person view (FPV) camera capable of providing clear vision in
low-light or night-time conditions, ensuring operational efficiency during night-time missions.
• Payload Capacity: The drone must be able to securely accommodate and operate multiple payload sensors,
including but not limited to:
o LiDAR
o Thermal
o RGB Cameras
o Photogrammetry Sensors
• RTK Capable: Must support Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning for enhanced geospatial accuracy in
mapping and surveying tasks.
• IP Rating: Minimum IP50 rating for both the drone and its controller, ensuring robust protection against dust
and environmental exposure.
• Controller Compatibility: The drone’s controller should provide seamless integration with the drone system,
offering real-time telemetry, telemetry data storage, and autonomous flight planning capabilities.
Additional Specifications:
• Autonomous Flight Capabilities: Ability to autonomously follow pre-defined flight paths, georeferenced way
points, and provide return-to-home functionality.
• Data Integration: Compatibility with industry-standard data processing and analysis software for immediate
integration with LiDAR, photogrammetry, and thermal datasets.
• Power and Charging: Efficient charging system with extended battery life and quick turnaround for mission
uptime.
• Service & Support: Comprehensive warranty, technical support, and post-purchase training options.
Vendor Submission Guidelines:
All vendors are requested to submit the following documents as part of their Bid:
1. Technical Specifications Sheet outlining the drone’s features, payload capabilities, and performance
metrics.
2. Detailed Pricing for the drone system, including any optional accessories or software packages.
3. Company Profile, including experience in providing drone systems for similar applications.
4. Warranty and Support Terms, including details on post-purchase training, technical support, and any
ongoing maintenance packages.
5. Delivery Timeline outlining the expected delivery schedule from award of contract to final product delivery.
6. References from previous customers who have used similar drone systems in comparable operational
environments.
Evaluation Criteria:
Bids will be evaluated based on, but not limited to, the following criteria:
• Compliance with Technical Specifications
• Cost-Effectiveness
• Reputation and Experience of the Vendor
• Support and Warranty Terms
• Timeline for Delivery
The PDC is an equal opportunity employer and will afford full opportunity for minority and/or women-owned business enterprises and will not discriminate against any interested firm or individual on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, genetic information, or disability in the contract award.
The PDC reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids.
Jason Roberts, Executive Director
Region I Planning & Development Council
ID: 859743