RFI - Tethered Drone Systems
ID: RFI_CBP_TetheredDoneSystems_FY25Type: Sources Sought
Overview

Buyer

HOMELAND SECURITY, DEPARTMENT OFUS CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTIONAIR AND MARINE CONTRACTING DIVISIONWASHINGTON, DC, 20229, USA

Original Source

https://sam.gov/opp/8749fe13c9fa4ae9984342f8b66dd330/view
Timeline
    Description

    The Department of Homeland Security, specifically the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is conducting market research for Tethered Drone Systems to enhance the capabilities of the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) program within the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP). The primary objective is to gather information on the technological capabilities of vendors that can support critical surveillance operations for border security, focusing on solutions that can be deployed from vehicles or vessels, demonstrate long operational durations, and integrate advanced imaging technologies. This initiative is vital for addressing current gaps in surveillance capabilities and enhancing situational awareness regarding illegal activities along the U.S. borders. Interested vendors must submit their responses by December 27, 2024, and may have the opportunity to participate in a no-cost field demonstration in the second quarter of FY25. For further inquiries, vendors can contact SUAS PMOD at SUAS-PMOD@cbp.dhs.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    SUAS PMOD
    SUAS-PMOD@cbp.dhs.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    2024-11-25 RFI - Tethered Drone Systems.docx
    The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is conducting market research for Tethered Drone Systems to enhance the Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) program within the U.S. Border Patrol. The objective is to gather information about the current technological capabilities of vendors that can support surveillance operations critical to border security. This inquiry does not involve a proposal for contract award and is solely for planning and informational purposes. CBP seeks to identify solutions that can be easily deployed from vehicles or vessels, demonstrate long operational durations, and integrate advanced imaging technologies, including electro-optical and infrared systems. Vendors are requested to provide detailed responses regarding their drone systems, covering operational capabilities, hardiness, deployment configurations, wireless connectivity, interoperability, and past performance. A no-cost vendor demonstration may occur in the second quarter of FY25, where participating vendors could showcase their systems in simulated operational environments. Responses to this inquiry must be submitted by December 27, 2024, along with supporting documents. This initiative underscores CBP's commitment to enhancing its operational effectiveness through innovative aerial surveillance technologies.
    2024-12-16 SUAS Tethered Drone RFI Questions and Answers.xlsx
    The document outlines a Request for Information (RFI) from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding tethered drone systems. Key inquiries revolve around operational specifications, such as secure submission locations, weight and space limitations, power sources for the tether system, and vehicle compatibility. CBP seeks clarity on the maximum dimensions and FAA regulations compliance, particularly concerning unattended operations. The document also addresses vendor requirements for response submissions, specifically that responses be no longer than six pages, excluding certain attachments. It requests detailed information about the vendor's systems and capabilities, emphasizing the importance of operational feasibility during demonstrations and integration with CBP IT systems. Lastly, the CBP expects flexibility in power supply options and compatibility with various vehicles and vessels. This RFI represents CBP's initiative to enhance operational effectiveness through advanced drone technologies, addressing both technical specifications and regulatory adherence.
    Attachment A - Tethered Drone Systems - Vendor Company Data.docx
    This document acts as a Vendor Company Data attachment for a Request for Information (RFI) concerning Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS), specifically focusing on tethered drone systems. It outlines the necessary company information and capabilities required from vendors interested in participating in federal contracting opportunities. Key sections include vendor identification, company socio-economic status, manufacturer status, and available contract vehicles for streamlined acquisition. Vendors are asked to detail their capabilities relevant to the RFI, along with any potential challenges they foresee in fulfilling the requested capabilities. This document serves as a crucial tool in gauging vendor readiness and compliance with federal contracting requirements, emphasizing the capacity to deliver in the specified technological sector while maintaining socio-economic diversity in vendor selection. Overall, it facilitates an organized approach to vendor evaluation and selection in the context of government procurement processes.
    Attachment B - Tethered Drone Systems - Vendor Demonstration Agreement.pdf
    The Vendor Demonstration Agreement outlines the conditions under which a vendor may conduct product demonstrations or displays for the Government without incurring costs. It emphasizes that such demonstrations are strictly for showcasing products and do not obligate the Government to make purchases. The vendor is responsible for all necessary supplies and must secure approval for any Government assets used. The agreement states that Government personnel will not endorse the vendor's products and there is no liability for damage to products submitted for demonstration. The vendor must indemnify the Government from any claims arising from the demonstration activities and cannot seek compensation for provided materials. Additionally, any Government-furnished property remains the Government's property, and the vendor assumes responsibility for it. This agreement serves to clarify the terms of engagement between vendors and the Government, ensuring that responsibilities and risks are clearly delineated to facilitate a risk-free demonstration process for the Department of Homeland Security and related agencies.
    Lifecycle
    Title
    Type
    RFI - Tethered Drone Systems
    Currently viewing
    Sources Sought
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