SEI Industries, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Red Dragon "Dragon Egg" Delayed Chemical Ignition Dispenser
The USDA Forest Service, Williams Ranger District, is seeking qualified vendors capable of providing one SEI Industries Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Red Dragon "Dragon Egg" Delayed Chemical Ignition Dispenser, with responses due by September 18, 2026. This is a Sources Sought Notice for planning and information purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or obligation to award. The Forest Service anticipates issuing a follow-on Request for Quote based on responses received.
Place of performance is the Williams Ranger District location. The equipment is intended for use during prescribed burns and wildfire incidents. Respondents must demonstrate SEI Industries authorization as a certified third-party vendor, along with core capabilities, available technology, past performance, and ability to deliver the specified equipment within a specified number of days after order receipt.
Interested vendors must submit responses by email to Shannon Meadows at shannon.meadows@usda.gov with "Sources Sought 1202SC26SS2719 Red Dragon 'Dragon Egg' Delayed Chemical Ignition Dispenser" in the subject line. Required submission elements include company name, mailing address, SAM UEID and registration expiration date, point of contact information, company size standard based on NAICS 332994, existing government contract numbers and schedules, a capability statement limited to twenty pages, and proof of SEI Industries authorization. No funds have been authorized for this effort, and the government will not pay or reimburse response costs. All submitted information becomes government property. The Forest Service reserves the right to terminate the request and change requirements as needed.
1202SC26SS2719 Department of Agriculture Forest Service
9/11/26, 2:45 PM SEI Industries, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), Red Dragon "Dragon Egg" Delayed Chemical Ignition Dispenser
The U.S. Forest Service Procurement & Property Services is issuing a sole-source Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order to Helifire LLC on or about October 12, 2026, for one Red Dragon "Dragon Egg" Delayed Chemical Ignition Dispenser for the USDA Forest Service, with a response deadline of October 9, 2026. The requirement is restricted to a single vendor; no competitive solicitation will be issued.
The dispenser will support prescribed burning and wildfire incident operations. The Red Dragon is the only aerial ignition device currently authorized for use under National Wildfire Coordinating Group Standards for Aerial Ignition (PMS 501, Chapter 3) and the only such system in USDA-FS inventory. SEI Industries manufactures the device; Helifire LLC is the sole authorized U.S. distributor. The Forest Service justifies non-competitive award on the grounds that Red Dragon equipment is proprietary, compatible only with existing SEI Industries systems in field use, and uniquely qualified to ensure operator safety, equipment performance, warranty coverage, and operational continuity during fire mission periods. Competition is restricted because alternative vendors cannot interchange with the existing system without voiding warranties and creating safety risks.
Market research included internet searches, GSA Advantage contract review, and a seven-calendar-day Sources Sought Notice on SAM.gov; one response could not verify authorized distributor status. The award supports timely operational readiness for fire seasons and USDA-FS wildfire firefighting response capability.
1202SC26Q2719 Department of Agriculture Forest Service
9/24/26, 4:35 PM