Announcement of an Exempt Purchase

The University needs high quality unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), UAV accessories, and drone camera accessories are required for conducting planned aerial field research as part of CABBI grant.

This purchase is exempt from the usual selection processes of the Procurement Code because the procurement expenditure is for performing sponsored research and other sponsored activities under grants and contracts funded by the sponsor or by sources other than State appropriations. (30 ILCS 500 / 1-13(b)(8)) This order request will replace equipment we need to appropriately conduct our field research and be in compliance with new DoD regulations that require a switch from Chinese to US manufacturers: DoD Blue UAS Cleared List-approved drones (2x) and multispectral cameras, necessary accessories, and travel expenses for on-site training.