OC/EU Fixed-Wing UAS Emergency Fire Flight Services

The Department of the Interior Departmental Offices Interior Business Center has issued a Special Notice (Solicitation No. 140D0425R0063) seeking sources for fixed-wing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to support emergency fire flight services. This Sources Sought amendment, posted on May 19, 2025, is seeking information from potential contractors about their capabilities to provide specialized UAS for critical fire response operations. The notice is specifically focused on identifying contractor-operated and maintained fixed-wing or vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) UAS that can perform advanced emergency fire support missions. The procurement opportunity is categorized under the Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services NAICS code and the Unmanned Aircraft PSC category. The Special Notice is requesting detailed information about potential UAS capabilities that can meet specific technical and operational requirements.

The primary objective of this Special Notice is to gather comprehensive information about UAS systems capable of supporting emergency fire flight services over a potential five-year period. Contractors must demonstrate UAS capabilities that include fixed-wing or VTOL designs weighing under 300 pounds, with operational capacities spanning flight ceilings up to 15,000' density altitude and temperatures ranging from 0-115 degrees Fahrenheit. Key technical requirements include secure digital data links, FIPS-compliant encryption, and flexible lost link capabilities, with desired UAS characteristics featuring extended flight durations up to 14 hours and wind resistance up to 35 knots. The solicitation emphasizes advanced flight planning abilities such as programming restricted operation areas and GIS-based flight polygons. Contractors interested in this opportunity must respond by June 6, 2025, and provide detailed technical specifications demonstrating their UAS's suitability for day and night emergency fire support operations. While no specific set-aside is designated, the notice suggests that comprehensive technical capabilities will be crucial for potential selection.