SSJ Dragon Eggs 3.22.23.pdf

Soliciting from a Single Source United States Department of Agriculture

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.106-1(b)(1)

1. Identification of the agency and the contracting activity.

USDA Forest Service, National Forest in Florida

2. The nature and/or description of the action being approved.

National Forest in Florida proposes to enter a sole source contract with Helifire, LLC dba Field Support

3. A estimated value).

The US Forest Service uses Aerial Ignition devices to conduct and manage prescribed fires on Government land. The plastic spheres are used for ground ignition. The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Standards for Aerial Ignition PMS 501 establishes standards for approved aerial ignition operations to ensure that all aerial ignition operations are performed in a safe and efficient manner. NWCG has approved four (4) aerial ignition devices: Premo Mark III Aerial Ignition Device, SEI Red Dragon, and Drone Amplified Ignis Version 2. New purchases of Aerostat PSDS Mark V equipment are not authorized. Each device uses plastic spheres specifically made for use with that device.

The Raindance device comes from Australia. Previous experience within the Forest Service fire Community demonstrated it has taken up to two (2) years to receive a device from Raindance due to the item being held up in custom because it is a fire ignition device.

Premo Mark III and SEI Red Dragon are made by the same company, SEI Industries. One of main difference in the two devices is size. The Red Dragon is smaller and more compact than the Premo Mark

III.

The Drone Amplified Ignis Version 2 uses standard Dragon Eggs ignition spheres. The Dragon Eggs are small fire ignition spheres that contain high-grade potassium permanganate powder and, when injected with glycol, cause a chemical reaction. These potassium fire starters have a 20-40 second delayed ignition, depending on ambient temperature. This combustion consists of a sustained flame with flare-like ning for approximately two minutes and allowing fire propagation to effectively take place during burn operations.

The National Forest in Florida currently has four SEI Red Dragon Dispensers which operates with Dragon Eggs spheres. Each dispenser uses plastic spheres specifically made for use with that device. It is more cost effective to use devices rated for the dispensers the Forest has than to purchase multiple dispensers.

Based on a quote received from Helifire, LLC dba Field Support Services the 200 boxes of Dragon eggs (orange/white) will cost $75,093.61.

The statutory authority permitting other than full and open competition.

FAR 13.106-1(b)(1) Soliciting from a single source.

5. A statement demonstrating the unique qualifications of the proposed contractor or nature of the action requiring the use of the authority.

According to the NWCG Standards for Ground Ignition Equipment PMS 443, three manufacturers make plastic spheres that can be used for ground ignition. These spheres all contain about 3 to 4 grams of potassium permanganate. The pink and white Premo Fireballs by SEI Industries Ltd. and the white spheres manufactured for Aerostat, Inc. are 1¼ inches in diameter. The orange-and-white plastic spheres manufactured by SEI Industries Ltd. are 1 inch in diameter and the red-and-clear plastic spheres The orange-and-white Dragon Eggs plastic spheres manufactured by SEI Industries Ltd and distributed by Field Support Services.

The National Forest in Florida currently has four SEI Red Dragon Dispensers require the 1-inch diameter spheres specifically made for use with that device. It is more cost effective to use devices rated for the dispensers the Forest has than to purchase multiple dispensers.

6. A description of efforts made to ensure offers are solicited from as many potential sources as is practicable.

As previously stated, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Standards for Aerial Ignition PMS 501 establishes standards for approved aerial ignition operations. NWCG also provides a list of approved ground ignition equipment. According to NWCG Standards for Ground Ignition Equipment PMS 443, SEI Industries manufactures the Dragon eggs. A letter was provided from the Aerial Fire Fighting Division Director of SEI Industries confirming that Field Support Services (FSS) located at 3039 Amwiler Rd., Suite 128, Atlanta, GA is the exclusive distributor for Dragon Fire Ignition products in USFS Regions 8 & 9.

7. A determination by the Contracting Officer that the anticipated cost to the Government will be fair and reasonable.

Price reasonable based on the comparison with similar items in the related industry (i.e., prices), market research, and the Government Estimate. Helifire, LLC dba Field Support Services price was comparable to past purchases.

8. A description of the market research conducted and the results or a statement of the reason Market Research was not conducted.

Market Research was conducted by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG). The NWCG standards for Aerial Ignition established the standards for approved aerial ignition operations for use by all cooperating natural resource agencies. NWCG defines procedures and equipment to ensure that all aerial ignition operations are performed in a safe and efficient manner, provide a framework within which areas, regions, states, and local units can provide supplemental, site-specific guidance, and establish a method to evaluate and approve aerial ignition devices not currently approved.

Helifire, LLC dba Field Support Services Sales@helifire.com Office: 770-454-1130 Address:

3039 Amwiler Rd. STE 128 Atlanta GA 30360

Due to the Forest currently having four of the Red Dragon machines purchasing other aerial incendiary devices and plastic spheres would render additional cost and Safety Hazard to the flight crew and ground personnel and enhance their safety.

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

N/A

10. A listing of the sources, if any, that expressed a written interest in the acquisition.

Helifire, LLC dba Field Support Services is the only source and has provided a quote.

11. A statement of actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers to competition if subsequent acquisitions are anticipated.

An agency/bureau may wish to evaluate an aerial ignition system not covered in the NWCG Standards for Aerial Ignition (SAI), PMS 501. While all natural resource agencies are strongly encouraged to use the devices and procedures approved in the guide, guidelines are given for new proposed aerial ignition system approval.

Certifications & Approvals

Supporting data that form the basis for and included in this justification are certified accurate and complete.

William Lucas

Forest Aviation Officer/Military Liaison

The information contained in this single source solicitation is certified accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.

David Mitchell

Contracting Officer