1202SA25T9800 - Drone Amplified - JOFOC.pdf

UNITED STATES FOREST SERVICE (USFS)

INCIDENT PROCUREMENT OPERATIONS (IPO)

JUSTIFICATION FOR OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION (JOFOC)

IGNIS AERIAL IGNITION

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a ‘Justification for other than full and open competition’:

This document is a JOFOC prepared by the USFS, IPO.

2. Nature and/or description of the action being approved:

This justification provides rationale for contracting by other than full and open competition for the purchase of IGNIS Aerial Ignition systems from Drone Amplified, Inc., 1811 South Pershing Road, Lincoln, Nebraska 68502-4840, on a sole source basis.

3. A description of the supplies or services required to meet the agency’s needs (including the estimated value):

Current and future versions of the IGNIS Aerial Ignition system for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). IGNIS is designed for aerial ignition, primarily for prescribed burns and wildfire management. It utilizes a drone-mounted system to drop spheres that ignite upon impact, creating controlled fires to manage fuel and contain wildfires. The system enhances safety, efficiency, and control in fire management operations. The contract will also acquire integration, design, testing, parts, and repair services to successfully maintain and modify systems for mission requirements. Drone Amplified, Inc., is the manufacturer and sole source for the IGNIS system, which is the only USFS-approved aerial ignition system.

The estimated total potential contract value is $25,000,000.00.

4. An identification of the statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition:

Pursuant to FAR 6.302-1, other than full and open competition may only be used by the agency when the property or services needed by the agency are available from only one responsible source and no other type of property or services will satisfy the needs of the agency. This requirement meets the definition of a commercial item in accordance with FAR 2.101.

5. A demonstration that the proposed contractor’s unique qualifications or the nature of the acquisition requires use of the authority cited:

Drone Amplified, Inc., is the manufacturer and sole source for the IGNIS Aerial Ignition system.

The USFS already owns multiple IGNIS Aerial Ignition systems. It is the intent of the USFS to procure current and future UAS fleet with commonality. This is due to the economical and logistical benefits of operating a standardized fleet of UAS that share common maintenance, parts, training, airworthiness approvals, etc.

The USFS desires uniform fleets for several reasons. One of high importance is expediting system swaps for maintenance events. This is especially important for fire and aviation, where turnaround times are critical. Fleet commonality aides in streamlining maintenance procedures.

This can be a cost savings, as well as allowing maintenance operations to become more proficient (one system causes less maintenance training and more proficient maintainers). The cost of maintenance also decreases when operating a common fleet. Support of an additional system would require a separate inventory of parts and additional storage, increasing costs to support any new system.

The USFS also trusts in pilot standardization, enabling pilots to fly common system with the same training. This increases efficiency and reduces training costs, reduces risk of learning and flying multiple systems, thus increasing pilot effectiveness.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure that offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable, including whether a notice was or will be publicized as required by Subpart

5.2 and, if not, which exception under 5.202 applies:

Notice of Intent to Sole Source, with this justification, will be publicized in accordance with FAR Subpart 5.2.

7. A determination by the contracting officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable:

It is anticipated that the Contracting Officer will find the price fair and reasonable pursuant to

FAR 15.4.

8. A description of the market research conducted (see Part 10) and the results or a statement of the reason market research was not conducted:

Reviewed System for Award Management, the Federal Procurement Data System, and the Small Business Administration's Dynamic Small Business Search. Knowledgeable individuals were contacted in Government and industry regarding market capabilities to meet requirements. The Interagency Contract Directory (ICD) of contracts and other procurement instruments was queried. Notice of Intent to Sole Source will also be posted in accordance with FAR Subpart 5.2.

9. Any other facts supporting the use of other than full and open competition:

Drone Amplified, Inc., is the manufacturer, sole source, and only USFS-approved aerial ignition system.

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed, in writing, an interest in the acquisition:

Drone Amplified, Inc., has expressed interest in this requirement.

11. A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services required:

Market research will continue to be conducted to determine if any other vendors have the capability to meet future requirements of the USFS.

http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/05.htm#P55_9235 http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/05.htm#P55_9235 http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/05.htm#P66_10348 http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/regs/far2afmcfars/fardfars/far/10.htm#TopOfPage

Technical Officer: I certify that the supporting data presented in this justification is accurate and complete.

Daniel M. Matthews National UAS Fleet Specialist

Contracting Officer: I certify that this justification is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Steven B. Peterson Contracting Officer

CONCUR: I have reviewed this justification and find it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Matthew Olson

Branch Chief, Aviation Contracting

APPROVED: I have reviewed this justification and find it to be accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Ben McGrane

Chief of the Contracting Office