Notice of intent to award a sole source - dragon eggs

The USDA Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest has issued a Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source contract for specialized aerial ignition equipment. The agency intends to award a contract to Helifire, LLC dba Field Support Services (FSS) for 50 boxes of Plastic Spheres for Aerial Ignition, commonly known as "Dragon Eggs." This procurement is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside and falls under the NAICS category for Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing. The Forest Service has determined that only one responsible source exists that can satisfy the agency's requirements for these unique and highly specialized supplies. The equipment is intended for use by the USDA Forest Service National Forest Service facility located in Potts Camp, Mississippi.

The purpose of this sole source award is to procure specialized aerial ignition equipment that the Forest Service has determined is unique and highly specialized, making competition impractical under current circumstances. The agency is utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 13.106-1(b), which permits sole source awards when only one source is capable of providing the required quality level. Interested parties have until July 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM EST to submit capability information demonstrating their ability to provide these supplies and services. Any responses must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the government, though the Forest Service retains sole discretion in determining whether to proceed with competitive procurement. The notice explicitly states that no reimbursement will be provided for costs associated with submitting capability information, and responses will be considered solely for determining whether competitive procurement is warranted.