Aviation Department UAS Purchase

Project Overview Minnesota State on behalf of Minnesota State University, Mankato Aviation Department seeks to acquire a professional‑grade Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) equipped with multiple advanced sensors to support the growing needs of our upper‑division UAS curriculum. As the UAS industry evolves toward increasingly complex, data‑driven operations, our academic programs must ensure students gain hands‑on experience with the same technologies and workflows used by government agencies, research institutions, and commercial operators. Technical/Functional Requirements Delivery, Set-Up and Training Timeline: Provide delivery of product and set-up and training services by 5/8/26 is preferred, but no later than 6/26/26. A contract will be required (the university will draft it). Quantity: 1 complete UAS package (aircraft, sensors, software, and ground control components). Acceptable Model(s): Wingtra Ray or equivalent system. Must meet or exceed all functional and performance specifications. Minimum required technical specifications: Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) capability with fixed-wing cruise for extended coverage. Minimum 55 minutes endurance with standard sensor payload. System must support multiple, swappable payloads and include: a) Multispectral Sensor; b) LiDAR Sensor Parachute or equivalent safety system allowing flight over people in accordance with FAA regulations. Minimum two flight batteries (pairs allowed if required by aircraft). Compatible battery charger(s) capable of safely charging included batteries. Software licenses that support sensor functionality (minimum 1 year). Standard manufacturer’s warranty (minimum 1 year). On-site setup, training and introduction to basic operations to be conducted on-site by qualified staff. One year of customer support services by qualified staff. (Introductory plan is sufficient.) Provide a detailed, itemized quote. Include all shipping rates, trip charges and any and all fees. Must list one final total on bid document. (Do not list mileage, meals, hotel, travel accommodations, or reimbursement requests. If there are charges for these, please include that with a trip charge, set-up, or training fee.) Must be located within one hundred-fifty (150) miles from the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato. We require on-site work on campus. This equipment will have a high operational demand for instructional use and research projects. Currently, there are no redundant systems available if the product is not functioning properly. Support needs to be readily available from a local business for any and all repairs to occur within the same course registration period to avoid any administrative refunds to students. Contract Terms Minnesota State desires to enter into a contract with the successful Respondent(s) effective April 10, 2026 or on the date the last recognized signature is obtained, whichever occurs later. The length of such contract(s) will be a minimum one (1) year, dependent upon license, software, customer support, etc. not to exceed five (5) years. If Minnesota State and Respondent are unable to negotiate and sign a contract by April 1, 2026 then Minnesota State reserves the right to seek an alternative Respondent(s). Inquiries and Submission Instructions Minnesota State accepts all questions and bid submissions exclusively through Minnesota State's e-procurement system. Hard copy submissions, emails, or submissions through any other medium will not be considered. Each Respondent is solely responsible for the timely delivery of its questions and bids by the RFx date and time deadlines. Failure to meet the deadlines shall be grounds for rejection.