1202SA25R9800 - RFI - Seeding.pdf

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE (USFS)

INCIDENT PROCUREMENT OPERATIONS (IPO)

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

AERIAL SEEDING PAYLOADS

SUBMITTAL OF INFORMATION:

This RFI is for market research only and does not constitute a solicitation for proposals. The information provided may be utilized by the USFS in developing its acquisition strategy and requirements documents.

It does not commit the Government to pay any cost incurred in the submission of responses or in making necessary studies or designs, nor to contract for supplies or services. No funds have been authorized, appropriated, or received for this contemplated effort. Any cost incurred shall be at the Offeror’s own risk. Live demonstrations of aerial seeding systems that are currently integrated with approved USFS unmanned aircraft may be requested at a future date. Responses shall include potential Offeror’s Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), be in PDF format, and emailed to the Contracting Officer by 1200 hours MT, September 3, 2025, at steven.b.peterson@usda.gov.

DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this notice is to obtain information regarding potential Offerors capable of providing aerial seeding devices from approved USFS agency fleet for the purpose of aerial seeding our National Forests and Grasslands. The Government is seeking information regarding seeding payloads that are integrated with any of the following Unmanned Aircraft (UA):

Freefly Systems Alta X Freefly Systems Astro Vision Aerial Switchblade

BACKGROUND:

The Government is interested in the development of systems to seed National Forests and Grasslands with the use of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). This may include dispersed seed delivery for tree, grass, shrub, pod/disc distribution, etc. Provide written documentation of the capability to perform UAS seeding.

Include UAS and seeding device payload specifications. If equipment does not appear to meet minimum agency mission needs or integrations to approved USFS agency fleet, you will not be considered to perform the demonstration, should they occur. If you cannot perform the tasks, provide a description and rationale for what it may take to integrate the payload with agency UA to accomplish the task (funding, additional time, additional resources such as multiple payloads, UAS, or pilots, etc.). The government is interested in UAS and payload configurations that could meet or exceed the requirements of this RFI.

Any demonstration requests will require FAA-qualified Remote Pilot(s) controlling the aircraft. Proof of qualification will be required before approval of any demonstration.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT:

Seeding devices will be used in conjunction with USFS-approved UAS to treat the National Forests and Grasslands in a predictable and controlled manner in real-time settings. The UAS mounted device should be able to initiate seeding in a set pattern and rate whether preplanned or under full control by the operator to manipulate the results.

Design: The seeding device may use existing commercially produced seeding equipment but shall be capable of starting and stopping aerial seeding operation remotely, preferably through the flight mailto:steven.b.peterson@usda.gov application. The payload may use on-board power from the aircraft or be self-powered. All on-board power draws will require an outline of power draw and voltage use of the payload during a maximized operational mission. Multiple size and variety seeds dispersal will be preferred and prioritized for demonstration however unique types of seeding devices will be addressed. Manufacturer maximum available aircraft payload requirements shall be met. All submissions will require "No Technical Objection" issued by the aircraft manufacturer for the payload/aircraft configuration.

Seeding Device Operation: The user interface and controls should be clearly marked as to their function.

Rate of application may be preset and/or changeable during flight. Seeding rate shall be controlled by flight speed and application rate through the seeding payload, fully controllable by an operator and user interface in combination with flight speed. The ability to preprogram the seeding device and UAS with the ability to quickly load the program is desired. The operator should be able to change the program during flight and must be able to end the program immediately.

Seeding Device Mounting: The seeding device should be securely attached to the UAS but also able to be easily disconnected. Components should not be easily bumped out of adjustment. Attachment points (pins, bolts, cables) need to have adequate strength to keep the device secure while under load.

Visibility: The ability to view the machine operation via on-board camera from the UAS is preferable. The operator must be able to know the position of the UAS, whether by line of sight, camera, and/or GPS.

Parts and Maintenance: Machine components must be securely fastened so no part can fall from the UAS.

Replacing components should not be required frequently. Hoses and tubing must be secured (clamp, compression fitting) according to the tubing and fitting style used. Hoses need to be compatible with their contents. The seed hopper shall be covered and adequately secured to prevent spilling during flight.

A tool kit containing the necessary tools to perform field repairs of the machine should be provided.

Recommended spare parts should be noted and readily available.

Capacities: Hopper capacities should be balanced to maximize flight time while dispersing seed at an average rate of application relative to the seed manufacturer. The quantity of seed should be optimized for battery cycle, and it will be preferred to have the capability to calibrate the system for different seed applications.

Storage: The payload should be delivered with a case to protect the machine and any accessories while in transportation/storage.

Emergency Operation: Capability of fencing, tracking, and lost link actions should be described.

Safety: Pinch points or hazards during device operation should be minimized or eliminated to prevent injury during operation or bench testing.

UAS Operation: Each UAS has different capabilities. Those capabilities need to be described.

Support: The vendor must be able to support the system whenever the need arises. An operator’s manual with pictures, diagrams, part names and identification, operating and maintenance procedures, emergency operating procedures, parts list, recommended spare parts, capacities, weight, tool kit contents, and vendor contact information is needed. A training program in an electronic format must be provided (training can be developed when the evaluation is near completion to prevent reworking the training if machine modifications are made).