Small open development multi-copter platforms

The National Research Council of Canada is seeking to acquire a minimum of five small autonomous multi-copter unmanned aerial systems to serve as open, versatile research and development platforms for the Center for Drone Innovation within the Drone and Flight Autonomy Laboratory. These systems must meet mandatory technical criteria to enable advanced research in aerial applications, autonomy, flight control algorithms, and custom payload integrations. The procurement is governed by Canadian federal acquisition regulations and Ontario law, with all contractual obligations subject to strict inspection and acceptance protocols. Offerors must comply with all specifications outlined in the Statement of Requirement and Technical Criteria, and failure to meet any mandatory requirement will result in non-compliance and disqualification. The contract requires delivery of the systems by October 30, 2026, and the period of performance extends one year from delivery and acceptance, during which warranty support, spare parts availability, maintenance documentation, and dedicated technical assistance must be provided. Packaging must adhere to environmentally preferable standards, using reusable, returnable, or recyclable materials except for excluded items like packaging tape, and all shipments must be accompanied by accurate packing slips and any signed inspection vouchers if applicable. The solicitation number is 26-58045, with proposals due by July 9, 2026, and must be submitted in three distinct electronic sections: Technical Offer, Financial Offer, and the mandatory Offer Submission and Offeror Declaration Forms. Offers must be signed by an authorized representative and include a valid Business Number. Evaluation will be based solely on lowest evaluated price among compliant offers, with mandatory technical requirements acting as pass/fail gates. Contractors must maintain complete financial and operational records accessible to the Government of Canada for audit purposes throughout the contract term and for seven years after final payment or resolution of claims. Payment terms stipulate undisputed invoices will be settled within 30 days of receipt in acceptable form via direct deposit or wire transfer, with applicable taxes paid by the Government and a 15 percent withholding for non-resident contractors unless a valid CRA waiver is presented. Contractors must certify compliance with anti-forced labor, international sanctions, reciprocal procurement, and Canadian electrical safety standards, and remain bound by integrity and code of conduct requirements throughout the contract lifecycle.