Florida Forest Service Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, through the Florida Forest Service, has issued Invitation to Negotiate ITN FFS 26 27 36 for the design, fabrication, and deployment of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for the UAS Wildland Firefighting Program. The project requires the delivery of two eVTOL fixed-wing UAS platforms equipped with EO/IR and LiDAR capabilities, along with spare parts kits, comprehensive training, documentation, preventative maintenance plans, and software support. A key technical requirement is the integration of these systems with NOVA mapping software and ESRI architecture. The contract period is set for 36 months, with a possible single six-month extension, and includes optional regulatory assistance for obtaining FAA waivers. The Department will make a single award based on Best Value, evaluating respondents on price, quality, design, and workmanship. Payment is structured around specific milestones, including delivery, successful demonstration at an FFS State Forest, training completion, and security attestation acceptance. Due to the sensitive nature of the data, the solution is classified as High Impact per FIPS 199 and Florida Administrative Code 60GG. Interested vendors must submit a comprehensive response by October 15, 2026, consisting of a physical original and digital copies divided into a Forms and Price Response volume and a Technical Response volume.