About this opportunity
AI summaryThe City of Los Angeles Harbor Department requests proposals from qualified onshore U.S. contractors to provide remote pilot in command drone operator services. The selected contractor will staff the unmanned aircraft console at the Threat Detection Center, verify aircraft and dock readiness, review weather conditions, monitor calls and camera feeds, ensure console equipment operates properly, maintain battery reserves, and document anomalies. The contract will run for a one-year term starting after approval by the Board of Harbor Commissioners. Applicants must submit questions via email to Susana Eldridge at [email protected] by November 12, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Complete proposals are due by December 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., submitted digitally online or by email. Submissions must include a signed transmittal letter, firm qualifications and cost details, staff resumes, a Consultant Description Form, an insurance verification letter, and completed CEC Forms 50 and 55.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- City of Los Angeles Harbor Department
Scope of work
- Provide remote pilots in command services to staff the unmanned aircraft console at the Threat Detection Center
- Employ and provide qualified remote pilots as personnel
- Support Unmanned Aircraft System operations across the Port complex under Port Police operational control
- Support fixed docking enclosure operations launching on demand for Drone as First Responder capabilities
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Firm qualifications, experience, and references | Not specified |
| Organization, personnel, and staffing | Not specified |
| Technical approach and work plan / project management | Not specified |
| Rates, fees, and budget control | Not specified |
| Clarity and comprehensiveness of the proposal | Not specified |
Minimum qualifications
- Registration on RAMP at the time proposals are due for all consultants and subconsultants
- Compliance with RAMP demographic reporting requirements for for-profit companies per Mayor's Executive Directive 35
- Must agree to requirements exactly as set forth in the RFP
- Part 107 certification compliance for operators
Documents to include with your response
- Cover transmittal letter signed by an authorized principal
- Table of Contents (optional)
- Narrative covering firm qualifications, experience, and at least three client references
- Key personnel and technical staff descriptions, project organization chart, and resumes in an appendix
- Technical approach, work plan, and project management proposal
- Cost proposal including hourly rates, equipment/software/hardware costs, and related expenses
- Small/Very Small Business Enterprise and Local Business Preference Programs Consultant Description Form (Exhibit B)
- Insurance verification letter
- CEC Form 50 (Bidder Certification)
- CEC Form 55 (Prohibited Contributors)
Key dates
- Request for Proposals Published
- Thursday, November 5, 2026
- Questions Due
- Thursday, November 12, 2026 by 3:00 p.m.
- Response Posted
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026
- Proposals Due
- Wednesday, December 9, 2026 by 3:00 p.m. PT
How to submit
- Method
- Electronic submission
- Instructions
- One digital copy of proposal as one complete file in searchable PDF format submitted on or before 3:00 p.m. PT on December 9, 2026
Contract details
- Term
- Expected to be one year from the date of execution of the agreement
- Place of performance
- Threat Detection Center (TDC), Port of Los Angeles, California
- Insurance and bonding
- General Liability; Automobile Liability; Workers' Compensation; Aircraft Liability/Unmanned Aerial Systems liability not less than $2,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, submitted electronically via KwikComply. Carriers rated A-, VII or better.