Description
The Florida Forest Service (FFS) is seeking a highly qualified vendor to design, fabricate, and deploy two electric vertical‑take‑off‑and‑landing (eVTOL) fixed‑wing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for its Wildland Firefighting Program. The contract will run for an initial three‑year term with up to three one‑year renewal options. The vendor must provide complete systems—including airframe, dual EO/IR payloads, optional LiDAR or multispectral payloads, secure communications, sense‑and‑avoid, ADS‑B, and satellite downlink—plus training for eight FFS operators, preventative maintenance plans, spare‑parts kits, software support, and a 12‑month warranty. The Department will involve FFS in all design and development phases and may require assistance obtaining FAA waivers.
• Deliver two eVTOL fixed‑wing UAS meeting minimum 2.5‑hour endurance, 20‑mile range, FAA Part 107/Part 91 compliance.
• Provide dual EO/IR payloads with future‑payload expandability (LiDAR, multispectral, communications relay).
• Integrate with NOVA mapping software and ESRI products; include AI‑assisted mission planning.
• Supply on‑site training (5 × 8‑hour day sessions, 2 × 5‑hour night sessions) for eight operators.
• Deliver preventative maintenance plan, two spare‑parts kits, and a spare power source per unit.
• Offer software updates, warranty (≥12 months), and optional regulatory assistance for FAA waivers.
• Contract term: 3 years initial, with up to three 1‑year renewals subject to performance and funding.