Drone technology seems to be finding its way into a large number of industries providing innovative solutions to a variety of otherwise costly or high risk tasks. This week we look at two Requests for Information (RFI) from Airservices Australia seeking industry input on potential drone applications. Airservices Australia is Australia’s Air Navigation Service Provider, and is responsible for providing safe, efficient, secure and environmentally responsible services to the aviation industry. With safetly as its priority, drones could offer solutions and alternatives to flight inspection services or the use of airspace.
Drone/UAV based Flight Inspection Services. To ensure the efficacy of core navigation systems and infrastructure, Airservices regularly conducts flight calibration inspections on our network of navigational aids using specially equipped aircraft. Through this RFI, Airservices is seeking to understand the current landscape of emerging technologies in the Flight inspection of navigational equipment. Airservices is seeking industry input to understand the capability, capacity and expected timeline of/for market participants to deliver an operationally viable Flight Inspection Services (FIS) Solution to meet Airservices requirements. This RFI closes on the 12 Oct 20. Please note that this Airservices RFI must be responded to via the Airservices Engage platform, and not Austender.
Integrated Drone Surveillance System. Airservices’ responsibilities also include ensuring safe, efficient and reliable use of Australian airspace. With ever increasing use of airspace, particularly low-level, new airspace technologies such as drones need to be safely integrated into Australia’s overall air traffic management ecosystem. Through this RFI, Airservices seeks to understand industry’s ability to provide a drone surveillance system that can be remotely managed and integrated with a number of different surveillance systems (active, passive or other), in order to provide comprehensive coverage across controlled aerodromes.This RFI closes on the 14 Oct 20. Please note that this Airservices RFI must be responded to via the Airservices Engage platform, and not Austender.
It is important to note that RFIs are not a guarantee of any future procurement and are not a prerequisite to participating in any related future procurement should there be one. RFIs are a government tool to seek industry expertise prior to determining and future procurement pathway. However the advantages to participating are:
– RFIs are not a judged entry, so responses can suit the time you have available and your expertise in the the subject at hand
– The information you provide may influence any related procurement activity, providing future advantage when the Approach To Market is released
– Your participation creates a branding/profiling opportunity as an industry expert to the relevant government agency
So if an RFI is released within your industry it is worth your while taking the time to respond. Airservices is also offering one on one industry meetings to discuss these RFIs.
If you are after further advice on this topic or any opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us. You can also subscribe to this newsletter for regular weekly updates.
