Drone light show and digital mapping

The U.S. Embassy in Rabat is procuring a high-profile drone light show and architectural mapping display at the Chellah UNESCO World Heritage Site to commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S.-Moroccan friendship on June 9, 2026. The contractor must execute a 12- to 14-minute choreographed drone performance using 700 drones to project eight to ten three-dimensional figures aligned with the event’s theme, accompanied by a fully custom soundtrack, while simultaneously delivering three hours of immersive architectural projection mapping across the historic Chellah façade using four KVANT 18K laser projectors. All operations are subject to stringent restrictions due to the site’s protected heritage status, requiring the contractor to obtain and manage all necessary flight and site-use authorizations from Moroccan civil and military authorities without impacting the archaeological integrity of the location. The contract value is DH606,600 inclusive of VAT, covering the full scope of technical execution, equipment, permits, and on-site staffing with no itemized breakdown provided. This procurement was awarded as a sole-source acquisition under FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) because DRONE CAST COMPANY SARL is the only vendor with proven, demonstrated capability to execute such a complex, large-scale event at the Chellah site, having previously delivered a successful 3-hour architectural mapping show there. The selection was基于 unique technical expertise, established regulatory access, operational continuity, and an endorsement by the primary event vendor, Avant Scene, rather than competitive pricing. The contractor's prior success at the same location, ability to navigate sensitive permitting environments, and unmatched experience with 700-drone integration and 3D laser mapping on heritage structures eliminated viable alternatives. There is no formal contract clause structure, line-item pricing, or detailed inspection criteria, and no standard representations or certifications from the vendor were provided, suggesting reliance on direct performance guarantees and risk mitigation through vendor track record. The U.S. Embassy in Rabat, operating under the Department of State, is responsible for acceptance and administration at the performance site, with no designated COR/COTR named. The contract is strictly performance-based, centered entirely on the one-day event, with no options, FOB terms, or extended delivery schedules referenced.