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Contract Opportunity

The Department of State, Office of Acquisition Management, intends to procure, on a noncompetitive basis from Quantum Systems Inc., Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to support INL and other programs. The Government intends to award a 2-year IDIQ to streamline the acquisition process and acquire these items directly from the small business manufacturer. The IDIQ will allow for technology refresh and support services.

This notice is not a request for proposals and a solicitation will not be available. This acquisition is expected to be conducted under the authority of FAR 6.302-1 (Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements).

Basis

Quantum System (QS) drones were recently purchased via existing Department of State contracts (19AQMM23D0091 and SAQMMA16D0136) to support a variety of INL programs. IDIQ contract 19AQMM23D0091 was awarded using competitive procedures via a solicitation posted to SAM (19AQMM22R0150).

Since 2023, INL has procured approximately 84 QS’ drones at an overall cost of approximately $40 million, including training, spare parts, and other support. In addition, over 300 QS drones are being used by partner nations’ security forces. The QS’ drones are currently operationally for INL programs.

The change to a new UAS system will cause the government millions of dollars in loss of equipment and personnel trained. INL has invested heavily to build a support base for QS’ drones including, but not limited to, training, software, logistics, and maintenance support. Additionally, the government will have to set up a brand-new technological infrastructure in Colombia to introduce a new system.

In switching to a new platform, INL expects duplication in the cost of software, logistics, maintenance and spare parts, and training. INL expects it will take at least one (1) year to retrain partner nations’ personnel and otherwise standup a mid-range drone program utilizing a different platform.

Submission of Capability Statements

Responsible sources may submit a capability statement or other response which shall be considered by the Department.

To be considered, responses to this notice must be received by the Department no later than 9:00 am ET time on April 29, 2024. Responses and questions, if any, must be submitted via email to FernandezJM@state.gov. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted nor acknowledged.

Information submitted in response to this notice is strictly voluntary. The Government will not pay for costs incurred in responding to this notice.

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